[ OUR INITIATIVES ]

ACADEMIC PREPAREDNESS

One of the primary goals of the University Center for Academic and Workforce Development (UCAWD) is to promote academic excellence as well as increase the preparedness of youth-at-risk, disadvantaged adult learners, and students with inadequate academic skills to enter and successfully complete college. Significant research evidence recommends that academic intervention, beginning as early as the primary grades, have a positive impact on the college success of students from disadvantaged communities. Research also suggests that parents are the child's first teachers. The UCAVM has operationalized this research through the following initiatives:

Family Literacy: Family literacy aims at transmitting literacy skills from one generation to the next in order to positively impact the learning cycle in communities. It brings parents and their elementary school children together in community learning labs staffed by University faculty, where parents whose literacy skills are well developed perform their role as first teachers to their children. The goals
of this initiative are to develop a new generation of grassroots community teachers committed to improving the conditions of local schools; strengthening families through intergenerational learning; and encouraging community learning, collaboration and problem solving.

After School Programs: After school programs are intended to attract middle and high school students who are at risk of either failing to achieve the new Regent's standards or who may have to enroll in developmental or remedial coursework in college. This initiative, designed in partnership with local schools, provides tutoring to selected students in critical skills areas (such as math, science, thinking and problem solving skills), which have been recognized as problematic for these students and critical to their success in school and later in college. This initiative also reduces the digital divide by providing students access to state-of-the-art computer instructional resources. Additionally, this meets a key initiative proposed by the Lieutenant Governor by providing constructive after school activities for latchkey children, thereby enhancing academic achievement and reducing juvenile delinquency.

College Preparation: This initiative provides under-prepared students the opportunity to become familiar with the academic, social and cultural life at college before entering. The focus of this initiative is twofold: 1) based on knowledge and skills assessment to provide students an immersion in personal development techniques such as study skills, time management skills, and how to use college support services; and 2) to provide a program of study that will enrich their back- ground on high risk college courses, such as math and science.