|
2009 Programs Promote a College-Going Culture for Rhode Island’s Urban Students
College-readiness programs offered by The College Crusade this winter and spring will prepare students for academic and career achievement
Providence, R.I., January 22, 2009 – The College Crusade of Rhode Island today announced the start of its 2009 schedule, which includes dozens of free programs and activities designed to increase educational and career success for students in Rhode Island’s low-income urban communities. College Crusade programs are offered weekdays after school, on weekends, and during school vacations. Programs range from academic enrichment and SAT test preparation to college visits, career workshops, and adventure education.
Approximately 3,800 middle school and high school students in Rhode Island are members of The College Crusade. The majority of them attend public schools in Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket. Membership in The College Crusade provides each student with sustained adult mentorship and college-readiness programs and services from grade 6 through high school graduation.
The College Crusade’s 2009 upcoming programs for members include the following:
• Cru Club – January to June
A series of college-readiness and career-exploration programs provided to students after school and on Saturdays. Features college advising, adult mentoring, financial literacy, homework help, study-skills workshops, book clubs, writing workshops, career decision making activities, career speakers, and service learning projects. Held weekdays in 32 middle schools and high schools and on Saturdays at Johnson & Wales University’s Harborside Campus, Providence.
• Adventures in Literacy – January to May
A computer-assisted learning program for sixth-grade students called ReadAbout, created by Scholastic, Inc. Includes quiet reading, writing in response to text, and teacher-guided sessions. Held on Saturdays at The College Crusade office and twice a week at Charles Fortes Elementary School, Providence.
• College visits – January to April
Specially arranged visits for middle school and high school students to dozens of colleges and universities in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Participants tour campus, talk to college students, and learn firsthand about the opportunities and challenges of college life.
• SAT Preparation – January 24 to May 2
A 12-week course in SAT preparation and practice tests for high school students taught by The Princeton Review. Held on Saturdays at School One in Providence.
• Step Up Conference – January 31
A Saturday conference designed to help eighth graders prepare for the transition to high school. Workshops presented by invited speakers address the high school course load, time management skills, and social issues such as bullying. Held at Providence Academy of International Studies, Providence.
• Afterschool Science Workshops – February to April
A series of afterschool science workshops provided in partnership with the University of Rhode Island’s “Pathways for Success in Science and Technology” project. Students explore topics such as food chemistry, human health, and urban environmental issues, perform experiments and practice laboratory techniques, and learn about GPS mapping. Held weekly at Nathanael Greene Middle School, Oliver Hazard Perry Middle School, and Roger Williams Middle School, Providence.
• Career Day – February 7
A conference that introduces middle school students to a wide variety of career fields and career professionals. Guest speakers represent industries such as healthcare, finance, business, journalism, law and law enforcement, education, science, and high technology. Held at New England Institute of Technology, Warwick.
• Vacation Club – February 16-20
Five full days of activities for middle school and high school Crusaders during February school vacation. Highlights for middle school students include participation in Exchange City, an interactive learning environment in business and civics that is hosted by Johnson & Wales University. Featured activities for high school students include workshops in career exploration and financial literacy.
• Saturday Academy – February 21 to May 2
A 30-hour academic enrichment program taught by The Princeton Review that helps middle school and high school students build reading, math, and English skills. Held Saturday mornings at School One in Providence.
• CAAP (Crusade Adventure and Academic Program) – March 7 to May 9
A 10-week program in adventure education for middle school students that improves self-esteem and develops skills in problem solving, team building, and healthy risk taking. Includes a writing component. Held on Saturdays at Roger Williams Middle School, Providence, and Ralph J. Holden Community Center, Central Falls.
About The College Crusade of Rhode Island
The College Crusade of Rhode Island is the state’s most comprehensive college-readiness and scholarship program for middle school and high school students in low-income urban school districts. It serves approximately 3,800 students per year and rewards the efforts and achievements of financially eligible students with up to four years of college scholarships. From grade 6 through grade 12, Crusaders experience the steady, nurturing presence of caring adults and participate in activities that focus on academic enrichment, social and personal development, career awareness and exploration, and readiness for college. Students who are members of The College Crusade graduate and go right on to college at much higher rates than their peers in the state’s urban school districts. Since 2001, The College Crusade has awarded over $18 million in college scholarships to more than 2,500 graduates from Rhode Island high schools. For more information, please visit www.thecollegecrusade.org.
The College Crusade is a nonprofit organization funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s GEAR UP program, by the State of Rhode Island, and by private corporations, foundations, and individuals.
###
Karen Donovan
Marketing and Communications Officer
The College Crusade of Rhode Island
134 Thurbers Avenue
Providence, RI 02905
phone 401 854 5506 ext 120
fax 401 854 5511
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
