Tuesday, December 18, 2007

The Tom Joyner Foundation - Full Ride Scholarship




http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/foundation/fullride

Click on the link below to download the application:

blackamericaweb.com.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

This is an S.O.S. - A plea to ask you to labor together with us to help Save Our Students

The Call of Love
He left His home in Heaven, Sent to rescue men... Crucified and buried, The third rose again... Now in heaven seated, Reigning from above, His Spirit sent to seek us~ Calling out in love!

May His call of love ring loudly in your heart
at Christmas and in the New Year.

"This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His
one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him."
I John 4:9

Dear Co-laborer in Christ:
This is an S.O.S! Together we can help Save Our S tudents!

You are invited to partner with us in recruiting
1000+ volunteers for our schools in Cleveland and NE Ohio .

You Are Invited To The Adopt-A-School Network's
Volunteer Recruitment & Training
Thursday December 13th. 6:30 p.m. at Zion Chapel Baptist 4234 Lee Rd.

We are asking you to consider laboring with us as a partner in the following ways:
Share this information with others via announcements, emails, distributing flyers, inserting it into bulletins and placing it on bulletin boards, etc. encouraging them to attend.
Officially Adopt-A-School if you haven't done so already and share the information with your Pastor and congregation, inviting them to consider Adopting A School and having an Adopt-A-School Sunday if they haven't done so already. We will give you assistance with the steps to take with the Adopt-A-School initiatives.
Ask your Pastor to consider assigning an Adopt-A-School liaison person to meet periodically with the Adopt-A-School Network to help disseminate important information to the Pastor and congregation. The liaison will be kept informed of resources, school district information, etc that will help your Church maintain an effective and fruitful adoption with their school!
Please see the attached flyer and bulletin inserts for your convenience – If you need us to make copies for you please let us know as soon as possible! Also please visit our website www.ministryofreconciliationinc.org for more information. Thank you!


Praying for you with love!!!
Gail R. Reese
216-752-3442 office
216-571-4885 cell
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Tuesday, December 04, 2007

5th Annual All-City Winter Concert

5th Annual All-City Winter Concert

Tuesday December 4, 2007 beginning at 7:00 p.m.

at

Cuyahoga Community College Metro Auditorium
2900 Community College Avenue, 44115


Featuring:

CSA String Orchestra

Empire CompuTech Choir

Early College Band
All-City Choir

John Adams Choir...

and other great performances


http://www.cmsdnet.net/CMSDintroDocs/Winter_concert_07_rev5b%20flier.pdf

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Larry Doby Scholarship

Larry Doby Scholarship

Cleveland Indians Charities, in partnership with Cleveland State University, provide an annual scholarship to a CSU student athlete based on athletic ability and financial need. The scholarship is named after baseball legend and Hall of Fame outfielder, Larry Doby, the first African-American baseball player to integrate the American League. He was a power-hitting center fielder and a key member of Cleveland's pennant winners in 1948 and 1954. Information about how to apply to this scholarship is coming soon.

http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/community/programs_educational.jsp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Doby

Margaret Bernstein book signing of The Bond December 1, 2007

Deuteronomy Cafe Books & Music

Booksigning and discussion of The Bond
with co-author
Margaret Bernstein

Saturday, December 1, 2007, 3 ~ 6 p.m.

Fatherhood Discussion Guides
Reverend Hilton Smith
Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones
Councilman Kevin Conwell

On Saturday, December 1, 2007, beginning at 3:00 p.m., Deuteronomy 8:3 will joyfully host a book signing of The Bond with co-author Margaret Bernstein, which will include a reception and discussion of fatherhood, and the overwhelming absence thereof within our greater community. The discussion will be guided by three men who have been instrumental in sponsoring, developing and sustaining local fatherhood initiatives: Reverend Hilton Smith, Senior Vice President of Turner Construction Company and former chair of the Cleveland Municipal School District; Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones; and City of Cleveland Ward 9 Councilman Kevin Conwell.

On the heels of their tremendous success with The Pact, "The Three Doctors," Sampson Davis, George Jenkins and Rameck Hunt, worked with Cleveland based writer Margaret Bernstein to pen their new release, The Bond, in which they recall their own difficulties in navigating inner-city life without the guidance of fathers, as well, they explore the larger communal absentee epidemic.

Plain Dealer feature writer Margaret Bernstein, a Los Angeles native, earned her bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California. As a metro columnist for The Plain Dealer, she won the 1992 first-place column award from he Ohio Society of Professional Journalists.

An award-winning volunteer as well as journalist, Margaret was named the National Big Sister of the Year in 2000 for her work with two Cleveland girls, Cora and Ernestine, through the local Big Sister chapter. She is also a main organizer of the Urban Journalism Workshop, an annual program for high school students sponsored by local journalists. A wife and mother of two, Margaret was blessed to have her father in her life, and we chose the December 1st date for her book signing in honor of his birthday.

The book signing and reception will begin at 3:00 p.m., with the discussion beginning at 3:30. Books can be ordered in advance by phone at (216) 376-9695, or by email at deuteronomy8cafe@aol.com. We encourage advance book reservations.

For more information on The Bond and "The Three Doctors," visit their website at www.threedoctors.com.
***********************

Deuteronomy 8:3 occupies the ground floor of the Medical Associates Building located at 1464 East 105 Street, between Ashbury and Wade Park Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio, 44106. Our routine business hours are: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call (216) 376-9695, or email us at deuteronomy8cafe@aol.com, or visit us on the web at http://www.deuteronomy83cafe.com/

Upcoming Events

VISIT THE "D8:3 AT A GLANCE PAGE" AT WWW.DEUTERONOMY83CAFE.COM

FOR DETAILED STORIES AND NEW PHOTOGRAPHS OF PAST AND FUTURE

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Saturday, December 1, 2007
The Bond
Book signing with co-author Margaret Bernstein
Panel Discussion on Fatherhood with
Reverend Hilton Smith
Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones
Councilman Kevin Conwell

Sunday, December 30, 2007, ~ 4 - 6 p.m.
Nguzo Saba Awards Ceremony
Location to be announced

Tuesday, January 1, 2008, ~ 5 - 8 p.m.
7th Annual Imani Celebration

From Street Knowledge


The Cleveland State University
Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center
(An Instrument of the Black Studies Program)

Presents

A Curtis Wilson Colloquium Series Lecture:

“From Street Knowledge
to College”
By Johnnie Dent, Author of
Sugar Boy: A Journey Into Manhood

Wednesday, December 5, 2007
6:00 PM, UC 103
Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center
2121 Euclid Avenue (Corner of East 22nd Street and Euclid Avenue)


Free and Open to the Public!!!

Attend this lecture to hear a first-hand report on the violence in the streets that challenges the lives of our youth—particularly African American males. Learn about Mr. Dent’s survival story and his preventative measures that are being employed to address the shootings and stabbings that are escalating on a daily basis.

For more information contact Prester Pickett, M.F.A., Coordinator of the African American Cultural Center/Assistant to the Director of Black Studies at
(216) 687-3656 or visit www.csuohio.edu/blackstudies

Friday, November 09, 2007

FREE College Information & Planning Workshop, Dec 1st, 12:00 noon -3:00pm

Prepare your High School Freshmen, Sophomore, or Junior for
college by taking advantage of this FREE workshop where they will
learn about:
o High School preparation tips
o Preparing for and performing well on the ACT
o Deciding on a major
o Finding the right institution
o Searching for financial aid and scholarships
o What companies look for in college graduates
o Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines

The first 25 students who register will receive the "Real ACT
Prep Guide" for FREE! (The official prep book from the makers of the
ACT.)


December 1, 2007 (Saturday)
12:00 noon - 3:00 pm
Holiday Inn @ 6001 Rockside Road
(Located in Independence at Rockside Rd & I-77)

Lunch will be provided.


Register by November 28th at
https://www.collegeinformationandplanning.com/Sponsors.html or by
calling (440) 263-8698.

Sponsored by the National Technical Association Cleveland
Chapter and presented by College Information and Planning Services.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Brickfish

Sponsor: Brickfish
Campaign Title: Rock Our World!
Description: Here's a sweet gig, Brickfish is holding auditions for our music category and we want your amped up ideas! What kind of music campaigns would YOU like us to crank out? Think blog, design, photo, video or audio and start rockin'. We want you to tell us in a blog, with photos if you'd like, or show us with a killer design the kind of music campaign(s) you'd like to see on Brickfish. You could win cash for music lessons, a new guitar or tickets to your favorite band. We don't care, we just want you to rock our world!
Rewards:
Grand Prize: One winner, deemed by the Brickfish Music Team as the coolest music category campaign idea, wins a $750 scholarship to use anyway they want.
Sweepstakes: One member that participates in the campaign by reviewing or voting wins a $250 scholarship to use anyway they want. *See rules for sweepstakes details.
Duration: October 8, 2007 10:00 AM (PST) - November 30, 2007 11:30 PM (PST)
How to Submit:
Cruise our current and archived music campaigns for inspiration then tell us what kind of campaigns you'd like us to tune into our music category! Enter your ideas as a blog or photo.
Click the Submit Entry tab and follow the steps provided.
Tell friends to come to Brickfish and vote for your entry!
Requirements: Your music category campaign ideas should inspire interest, excitement and totally rock!
Legal Notice: No purchase necessary. Open to anyone who has access to the Internet, and is 14 or older at the time of entry. Click here to view the complete campaign rules and regulations. *Sweepstakes winner must be a U.S. resident and 18+. See rules for complete details. Campaign ends on November 30, 2007.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Training for youth leaders, parents and student leaders...Adopt-A-School, United Community Prayer Gatherings

Dear Co-laborer in Christ:

We can be used of God to stop the destruction of the enemy upon our youth and the families in our communities! Ephesians 6:10-20 II Corinthians 10:4-6 We have been given weapons of warfare that are not carnal but mighty through God to pull down strongholds and cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God...

Please see the attachments that will share more details on the 3 initiatives listed below that will help equip us to do it!
RELOAD-Youth Leader & Student Leader Training - if you can't open the attachment please visit the website - www.uywi.org This training would also be a great blessing of very needful information for parents!
"Light The Cities" United Community Prayer Gatherings
Adopt-A-School
PS There is also an Evangelism Training this Saturday put on by - Ready Defense Ministries at the City Mission. - Please let me know if your desire more information!

Praying for you with love!!!
Gail R. Reese
216-752-3442 office
216-571-4885 cell

Friday, November 02, 2007

Brickfish Photography Shoot Out!

http://www.brickfish.com/Lifestyles/PhotographyContest&m_photoscholarship

Sponsor: Brickfish
Campaign Title: Brickfish Photography Shoot Out!
Description: Attention all photo enthusiasts! We are pleased to announce our first "Photography Only" campaign. Gather those old negatives or schedule a photo shoot ASAP. We want to see what you've seen. Portraits, landscapes, ordinary, obscure - submit your photos here.
Rewards: Grand Prize: The winning photographer (chosen by the Brickfish staff) receives $1000 scholarship or $1000 cash!
Most Viral: Three entries that get the most attention across the internet will each receive a KODAK EASYSHARE 5300 All-in-One Printer. Learn more about Most Viral.
Sweepstakes: Three members that participate in the campaign by voting or reviewing will be chosen at random to win a KODAK EASYSHARE 5300 All-in-One Printer. The more you participate the better your chances of winning. *See rules for complete details.
Duration: October 5, 2007 05:00 PM (PST) - December 4, 2007 05:00 PM (PST)
How to Submit:
Break out the camera or submit an old photo of your choice.
Click the Submit Entry tab to participate or just review and vote for your favorite entries.
Tell your friends to visit too and vote for your creation!
Requirements: Simply upload your submission from your computer, it's that easy! Photo must be your original creation. Enter as many of your different photos as you'd like. Please do not duplicate entries.
Legal Notice: No purchase necessary. Open to anyone who has access to the Internet, and is 14 or older at the time of entry. Click here to view the complete campaign rules and regulations. Sweepstakes limited to US residents and 18+ only. See rules for complete details. Campaign ends on December 4, 2007.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Footprints' 2007 Open House

Footprints'

2007 Open House

Are you looking for a program that is fun, interactive, nurtures positive relationships and prepares girls to be positive young ladies in our community? If you answered yes, then Footprints is the organization for you!

WHO: Girls ages 9 – 17 and Parents/Guardians

WHAT: Open House

WHERE: MLK Jr. Library, 1962 Stokes Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio 44106

WHEN: Saturday, November 3, 2007, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

WHY: To provide young ladies and their parents/guardians who are interested in joining Footprints during the 2007 – 2008 school year, with information about our organization and the steps on how to become a member of Footprints.

For more information, contact:

Stephanie Howse - Executive Director, Footprints

Phone: (216) 407-0876

Email: director@footprints4girls.com

Website: www.footprints4girls.com

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 606198 ~ Cleveland, Ohio 44106

1st annual Fall Festival and FREE Tutoring

Catapult Online
Marketing Call Center Team Leader

PHONE: 410-609-6371
PHONE: 800-417-3125


Come out to the on November 3rd to find out
if your child is eligible for free tutoring on a free computer from
Catapult Online. Many students in the Cleveland School District are
eligible and once they complete Catapult Online's program, they get to
keep the computer! Catapult Online and community partners, Slavic
Village Development Corporation, Boys and Girls Club, Job Corps,
Central Catholic High School , Wirenet, and TechRec will be hosting
this free event at the Boys and Girls Club located at 6114 Broadway
Avenue. Catapult Online and Catapult Online's Community Partners will
be onhand to show students that there are alternatives to violence
through education, jobs, and training. Enter raffles for an MP3
player, an autographed Browns Football, and even a FREE COMPUTER! The
event will have food, drinks, a dj, dancing, grab bags and much more!
Doors open at 11 a.m. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity for
a child in your family. For more information call 1-800-417-3125 or
visit www.catapultonline.com.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Boys II Men

Boys II Men


What's it like being a male in 2007?

Join us to hear real men talk real candidly about some real issues: careers, relationships, sex, goal setting and making good choices, fashion, grooming and hair care, violence, leadership skills, the value of life and death and respect

For males, ages 12 to 21

Saturday, November 3, 2007

11:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. - Lunch will be served

RapArt Center

1941 South Taylor Road – Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118



Registration necessary for all who attend

To register, please fill out and return the form below and return it to RapArt

Or call 216/371-3915 OR 216/932-9497 x114

$2 fee required for all men & boys who attend

(first 10 boys to register will be free)


Presented by The Extended Family at RapArt



RapArt is a program of…Center For Families And Children


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boys II Men registration form


Teen's name: ___________________________________


Parent/guardian's signature: _________________________________________________



Phone number: __________________________________________________________



Teen's age: _________________________________________________



*Please note: Photographs may be taken of participants during the program



Please return this form to: Keesha mcMillian, RapArt Center atn: Boys II Men/ 1941 South Taylor Road/ Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Truman Scholarship Foundation

http://www.truman.gov/

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Truman Scholarship Foundation is:

to find and recognize college juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in government, the nonprofit or advocacy sectors, education or elsewhere in the public service; and to provide them with financial support for graduate study, leadership training, and fellowship with other students who are committed to making a difference through public service.

The Federal Aviation Association is taking applications

Share this with your friends

Pass this one to your children, or anyone who is seeking
employment. I know some people wish they were between these ages. (smile)

FYI...

The Federal Aviation Association is taking applications for air
traffic controller school. ( Ages of 18-31 with a high school diploma)

If you have or know kids between the ages of 18-31 with a high
school diploma. The Federal Aviation Association is taking applications
for air traffic controller school. We all have kids and know kids in the
right age group (under 31) and with some effort they could reach a
salary of over $100,000 with benefits in about 3 years. You need only a
high school diploma to apply and credit is given for college on the
exam. They need to go to faa.gov
http://www.faa.gov/jobs/job_opportunities/airtraffic_controllers/ for
details and to fill out the application immediately - even if they don't
know if they'd want to attend immediately - it's the federal government
and it may take them months to call. The key is to apply NOW.

There will be a lot of retirements coming up rather quickly and
they need to line up training to accommodate these openings. It's my
understanding that the FAA rarely has an open application such as this
and that the jobs are coveted. The person who shared this has a 28 year
old daughter who is well into 6 figures and has plenty of time for
travel/recreation and has started another career on the side. This is a
gr eat opportunity and it should be noted that choosing a site like
Anchorage or Indianapolis to train is a likely acceptance into the
training program - after-which you can transfer anywhere in the country
that has a tower. I hope you pass this information on to family,
friends,etc.

"Things will stay the same until the pain of change is less than
the pain of staying the same."

CAAO Youth Innovation Forum Orientation

Event: CAAO Youth Innovation Forum Orientation
Date: Saturday, November 3, 2007
Time: 10 am - 12 noon
Location: CAAO, Midtown Innovation Center, Suite 201, Cleveland OH
RSVP: Contact Beverly Peterson at 216-432-9481 Deadline to RSVP is Monday, October 29, 2007

Who should attend:

Youth between the ages of 11-19. Must be accompanied by at least one parent or guardian.

Adults interested in being youth mentors in the program. All mentors will go through a background check.


Details about the Youth Innovation Forum (YIF):

YIF is a unique educational opportunity for students between the ages of 11 and 19 to develop their talents to assist with idea generation for new products, fresh designs, and the latest creations. YIF promotes innovation and excellence and seeks to build creative thinkers and developers out of prospective consumers.


Below is a picture of the youth, mentors, and instructors of the 2006 CAAO YIF. The picture was taken at the group's final product presentations at American Greetings.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Shame of A Nation -- Jonathan Kozol





Jonathan Kozol (born September 5, 1936 in Boston, Massachusetts) is a non-fiction writer, educator, and activist, best known for his books on public education in the United States. Kozol graduated from Noble and Greenough School in 1954[1], and Harvard University summa cum laude in 1958 with a degree in English Literature. He was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford. He did not, however, complete his Rhodes, deciding instead to go to Paris to write a novel. He spent four years there writing his only published work of fiction, The Fume of Poppies, and getting to know the likes of William Styron. It was upon his return that he began to tutor children in Roxbury, MA, and soon became a teacher in the Boston Public Schools. He was fired for teaching a Langston Hughes poem, as described in Death at an Early Age, and then became deeply involved in the civil rights movement. After being fired from BPS he was offered a job to teach for Newton Public Schools, the school district that he had attended as a child, and taught there for several years before becoming more deeply involved in social justice work and dedicating more time to writing.

Kozol has since held two Guggenheim Fellowships, has twice been a fellow of the Rockefeller Foundation, and has also received fellowships from the Field and Ford Foundations.

Kozol also has worked in the field of social psychology. Kozol is currently on the Editorial Board of Greater Good Magazine, published by the Greater Good Science Center of the University of California, Berkeley. Kozol's contributions include the interpretation of scientific research into the roots of compassion, altruism, and peaceful human relationships.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Kozol

Thursday, October 18, 2007

AdmissionFacts Student Scholarship

AdmissionFacts Student Scholarship
Provided by: Admission Facts
Deadline: October 30, 2007
Type of Award: Scholarship
Awards Available: 1
Amount: equal to $750

Website
http://www.admissionfacts.com/scholarship-2.html

Description
The AdmissionFacts Student Scholarship is available to college-bound students or students currently in college. You must be a U.S. citizen and have a minimum 2.0 GPA to be eligible for this award.
Additional Information

Please visit the sponsor's Web site for additional information.

Applicable Majors

All Fields of Study

FROM VISION TO VICTORY RESPECT:A LEADERSHIP SUMMIT FOR SAFE AND RESPECTFUL SCHOOLS

FROM VISION TO VICTORY RESPECT:A LEADERSHIP SUMMIT FOR SAFE AND RESPECTFUL SCHOOLS


R-E-S-P-E-C-T•R-E-S-P-E-C-T•R-E-S-P-E-C-T•R-E-S-P-E-C-T•R-E-S-P-E-C-T•R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Find out what it means to parents, community and students in our schools. Come, attend this leadership conference. Share your ideas about ‘hardware’ such as metal detectors, scanners and cameras or ‘human-ware’ including communications, relationships and counseling. Help ensure safety and respect for all in Cleveland’s schools. Light refreshments will be served.

Join Us. Share Your Ideas. We Are Listening.

4 Dates • 4 Locations • 4 Opportunities to Share Your Ideas

October 18, 2007 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Glenville Recreation Center
680 East 113th Street
October 24, 2007 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Cudell Recreation Center
1910 West Boulevard
October 25, 2007 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Earl B. Turner Recreation Center
11300 Miles Road
October 29, 2007 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Estabrook Recreation Center
4125 Fulton Road

For information call 858-6468.

The primary goal of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District is to become
a premier school district in the United States of America.


1380 East Sixth Street • Cleveland, Ohio 44114 • (216) 574-8000 • www.cmsdnet.net
The Cleveland Board of Education does not discriminate in educational programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion or disability.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Gates Millennium Scholarship -- Workshop Session

ARE YOU A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, LEADER AND SCHOLAR?

DO YOU WANT TO HEAR ABOUT A GREAT COLLEGE

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY?

COME TO THE

GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIP

WORKSHOP SESSION

WE WILL HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE APPLICATION PROCESS!!!

$ Please visit the Gates website at http://www.gmsp.org/ and preview a full version of the application.

$ Bring your resume and/or a list of your activities and awards.

$ You'll leave the workshop with part of the application completed and a schedule for completing the rest!

$ RSVP by calling 216-421-0482, ext. 281, which is our 24/7-voice mail, or by e-mailing saturdaytutoring@gmail.com

When: Monday, October 29, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Church of the Covenant, 11205 Euclid Avenue
Enter the parking lot from Euclid Avenue.
Enter the building via the door with a large, brightly-colored sign.

§ Support for the cost of education by covering unmet need and self-help for the undergraduate and graduate institutions of your choice

§ Annual renewable awards for Scholars maintaining satisfactory academic progress (up to 5 years for undergraduate)

§ Graduate school funding for continuing Scholars in the areas of education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health, and science

§ Leadership development programs with distinctive personal, academic and professional growth opportunities

The Scholarship Blog $$$

http://blogs.enotes.com/scholarships-blog/

This blog is dedicated to listing scholarships avialable to students.

$$$There may be a scholarship waiting for you!$$$

The Cleveland Foundation -- Scholarships

http://www.clevelandfoundation.org/Scholarships/ScholarshipDescriptions.html

The Cleveland Foundation is the world's first community foundation with the third largest assets in excess of $ 1.9 billion. The Cleveland Foundation aims to enhance the lives of all residents in the Greater Cleveland area. You all should really take time to see if there is a scholarship that fits you and apply. The link above will take you to the scholarship treasure chest at The Cleveland Foundation. The cost of college tuition is outpacing inflation and any additional funds can help in
your academic aspiration. The Cleveland Foundation is a jewel in Cleveland that is helping to fill this gap.

Rafe Esquith Lecture





Rafe Esquith is an American teacher at Hobart Boulevard Elementary School, the second-largest elementary school in the United States, located in Los Angeles, California. A graduate of UCLA, Esquith began teaching in 1981. His teaching honors include the 1992 Disney National Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, a Sigma Beta Delta Fellowship from Johns Hopkins University, Oprah Winfrey’s $100,000 Use Your Life Award, Parents Magazine’s As You Grow Award, National Medal of Arts, and Esquith was made an honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth.

Esquith's fifth-grade students consistently score in the top 5% to 10% of the country in standardized tests. Many of Esquith's students start class at 7:00 each morning, two hours before the rest of the school's students. Most of his students come from immigrant Central American and Korean families and are learning English as a second language. They volunteer to come early, work through recess and stay as late as 5:30 pm, and also come to class during vacations and holidays.

Each year the Hobart Shakespeareans, as Esquith’s students are known, perform one of the Shakespeare's plays. They have opened for the Royal Shakespeare Company, been hired by Sir Peter Hall to perform A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles and appeared at the Globe Theater in London.

Books
There Are No Shortcuts (2003) ISBN 0-375-42202-1
Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire (2007) ISBN 0-670-03815-6

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafe_Esquith
http://www.needleworkspictures.com/rafe_esquith/
http://www.hobartshakespeareans.org/

A vision for free, global (online) education

20/20 Stupid in America

Eighth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Breakfast Celebration®

http://www.kingbreakfast.org/breakfast.aspx

Monday, January 21, 2008 7:30 A.M.
The Hilton East Hotel
3663 Park East Drive
Beachwood, Ohio 44122

Individual Donation: $35.00
Table Donation (10): $350.00

Keynote Speaker:
Ms. Danita Harris, Anchor
NewsChannel 5 – ABC
Cleveland, Ohio

Theme: “WANTED! Courageous People for Challenging Times”

Presentations:
2008 Class of MLK Scholars
“In the Footsteps of Dr. King” Award ®
Recipient – Dr. Edgar B. Jackson

Honorary Chairman: The Honorable Sherrod Brown
Honorary Co-Chairmen: Mr. Terry Stewart & Mr. Charles A. Thigpen

This Breakfast Celebration is officially recognized by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-violent Social Change Atlanta, Georgia

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Scholarship Committee of Cleveland, Ohio

http://www.kingbreakfast.org/

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Breakfast Celebration® was created in October 1999. This annual event is sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Scholarship Committee of Cleveland, Ohio. All Committee members are volunteers who live throughout the Greater Cleveland Community. This is an independent, tax-exempt, grass roots organization, and it is not affiliated with any other organization or government entity.

The mission of the MLK Holiday Scholarship Committee is to encourage and to facilitate the celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to pass on his legacy to the next generation, and to highlight the creative genius of America’s young sons and young daughters from Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. The mission is implemented via the annual community Breakfast Celebration and student contests. Students from throughout Northeast Ohio are invited to honor Dr. King by entering the “Happy Birthday Dr. King!”© Contest.

The 12 winners, known as “MLK Holiday Scholars” receive scholarships and other prizes. Morehouse College students from Northeast Ohio are invited to enter an essay contest. The winners, known as the “MLK-Northeast Ohio Morehouse College Scholars” also receive scholarships and other prizes. Morehouse College is the beloved Alma Mater of three generations of men named Martin Luther King.

The theme of the MLK Committee is “Celebrating the life, work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” ®

Sunday, October 14, 2007

10 Scholorship Opportunities

1. Syracuse University 's School of Architecture has a great reputation and this seems like a terrific opportunity, so please pass this on to everyone you know. Contact: Mark Robbins, Dean School of Architecture, 315 443- 2255, robbinsm@syr.edu
2. CLEMSON UNIVERSITY 'CALL ME MISTER' PROGRAM title="http://www.callmemister.clemson.edu/" for African-American males.
3. DEVELOPMENT FUND FOR BLACK STUDENTS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY <http://dfbsst.dlhjr.com/>
4. HBCU <http://hbcu-central.com/scholarships.shtml> Minority Student Scholarships <http://hbcu-central.com/scholarships.shtml>
5. Jacki Tuckfield Scholarship – TUCKFIELD MEMORIAL FUND <http://www.jackituckfield.org/>
6. NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP CORPORATION (NMSC) <http://www.nationalmerit.org/nasp.php> - for Outstanding Black American Students
7. NATIONAL SOCIETY OF BLACK ENGINEERS <http://www.nsbe.org/programs/> - Programs and Scholarships
8. UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND <http://www.uncf.org/scholarships/uncfscholarship.asp> - College Scholarships
9. GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIPS <http://www.gmsp.org/> - in Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Education or Library Science for Entering First-Year College Students
10. U.S. NATIONAL HIGHWAY INSTITUTE<http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/>

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Cultural Events

Check out some of the cultural events happening in Cleveland, OH:

1. http://www.clevelandart.org/
2. http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/index.asp
3. http://www.karamu.com/

Turning Boys into Good Men

Joe Ehrmann coming to University SchoolRSVP now to jklein@us.edu to reserve a seat for lecture focusing on boysand men.

Shaker Heights, Ohio -- Joe Ehrmann, award-winning coach, educator,pastor, and former NFL star, will offer an inspiring and heartfeltmessage on “Turning Boys Into Good Men” at University School on Monday,October 15, at 7:30 p.m. The lecture kicks off University School’sinaugural Center for Excellence Distinguished Speaker Series for thecommunity. The series, entitled “The Lives of Boys and How They CanBecome Better Men,” will feature several nationally recognized expertsdiscussing issues of significance and interest to boys, their parentsand teachers, as well as others in the community.

All lectures are free and open to the public and will be held atUniversity School’s Shaker Campus, Conway Hall Auditorium, 20701Brantley Road, in Shaker Heights. To reserve a seat at any lecture,please call (216) 831-1984, extension #7392. Or email Joy Klein atjklein@us.edu giving your name, telephone number, and the number andnames of people attending. Although seating is not reserved and ticketswill not be distributed, reservation check-in will be required.

The subject of The New York Times bestseller, Season of Life, and theHBO Sports Special, Code of Conduct, Ehrmann will discuss how truemasculinity should be defined in terms of a man’s ability to love and beloved, to accept responsibility, and to serve others. Named “The mostimportant coach in America” by Parade Magazine in 2004, Ehrmann’spassionate delivery will inspire introspection and action.

Joe Erhmann is the recipient of the National Fatherhood Initiative’s Manof the Year Award for his work in improving the well being of childrenby helping fathers become more involved and committed to their children.He is a cofounder of the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore. He and hiswife, Paula, are co-founders of The Door, an inner-city ministry in EastBaltimore that addresses issues of poverty, racism and social justice.They are also the founders of Building Men and Women for Others, whichholistically addressed issues of masculinity and femininity.

“We are proud to be presenting our first Speaker Series for thecommunity,” said Stephen S. Murray, University School headmaster.“Exploring the lives of boys and how they can become better men is thecentral theme of this series and beautifully supports the mission of ourschool. We are delighted to a have such a distinguished panel ofspeakers visit our school to address this important issue.”

Copies of the book, Season of Life, will be available for purchase atthe lecture for a book signing. Books can also be purchased before theevent at Barnes & Noble Booksellers at Eton Collection, 28801 ChagrinBlvd, in Woodmere (216) 765-7520.

The other lectures in the series are as follows:

Wednesday, November 28, 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. - John Badalament, aHarvard-trained educator and author of The Modern Dads Handbook, willconduct a presentation for mothers at 8:30 a.m., and a lecture forfathers at 7:30 p.m.

Monday, December 10, at 4:00 p.m. - Patrick Bassett, President of theNational Association of Independent Schools, will lead a discussion on“The Right-Brained Future” at this videoconference.Thursday, February 21, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. - Dr. Stephen Post, Professorof Bioethics in the School of Medicine at Case Western ReserveUniversity, will talk about “Why Good Things Happen to Good People.”

Oratorical Contest

The Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission is committed to educating children about Dr. King's legacy of brotherhood among all people. Ohio MLK Holiday Commissioner Mildred Clark founded an oratorical contest in her hometown of Toledo 23 years ago to recognize Dr. King and involve children in that city's annual MLK celebration. In 1998, the first-place winners from Toledo spoke at the annual state Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration in Columbus, and in 1999, the state Holiday Commission adopted the program.
The 2007 statewide oratorical contest was held on April 20, 2007 at the King Arts Complex in Columbus. The theme was "Carring the Torch: Dedicating My Life To The Dream." The contest has a total of five divisions: Kindergarten; primary (grades 1-3); intermediate (grades 4-5); junior (grades 6-8); and senior (grades 9-12).

There were again regional contests that sent their first, second and third place presenters to take part in the state competition. Those regional contests include: Cleveland/Oakwood Village, Columbus and Toledo. In order to take part in the statewide contest, participants had to first take part in regional contests. Those students that do not have a regional contest within their area were also encouraged to participate using our online form.

There were again regional contests that sent their first, second and third place presenters to take part in the state competition. Those regional contests include: Cleveland/Oakwood Village, Columbus and Toledo. In order to take part in the statewide contest, participants had to first take part in regional contests. Those students that do not have a regional contest within their area were also encouraged to participate using our online form.

"For more information on the statewide oratorical contest, contact Bobbi Bell at the Ohio Department of Administrative Services' Equal Opportunity Division at (614) 466-8380."

Essay and Multi-media contest

Please visit this link for a chance to win scholarships and remember Dr. Martin L. King: http://crc.ohio.gov/

The Ohio Civil Rights Commission is pleased to announce our annual statewide 2008 Martin Luther King, Jr. Art, Writing & Multimedia Contest. The purpose of this contest is to enhance cultural awareness, empowerment, tolerance, and to honor and encourage leadership for a multi-cultural society. Through the example of major role models, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., students creatively interpret these teachings through art, writing, and multimedia. We believe that it is important that the lessons and beliefs that affect students today will encourage them to be leaders for diversity for tomorrow.

What the students see at first as a "contest" is actually a youth leadership development program. The contest serves as a point of entry for the students and the work and thoughtfulness required to complete the project provides a learning and reflective experience. The winners will be honored by community and business leaders at an event that will take place during the month of February 2008 in the state's Capitol. Further, their artwork, essays, and multimedia projects will be proudly displayed throughout the year.

Job Opportunity

THIS MAY BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. THIS WILL ALSO LOOK GREAT ON COLLEGE AND/OR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS.

Science in the Circle, a program that engages sixth and seventh graders in real science, needs students to assist with set up, greeting and activities at four University Circle institutions. Hourly rate is $10. Students need to be available from 2:30-5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning October 23. For complete details, call Kathryn Kwiatkowski at 368-5075.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The Josephine De Kármán Fellowship Trust was established in 1954 by the late Dr. Theodore von Kármán, world renowned aeronautics expert and teacher and first director of the Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology, in memory of his sister, Josephine, who passed away in 1951. The purpose of this Fellowship program is to recognize and assist students whose scholastic achievements reflect Professor von Kármán's high standards.

VIST http://www.dekarman.org/

GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIP WORKSHOP

DO YOU WANT TO HEAR ABOUT A GREAT COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY?COME TO THE GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIP WORKSHOP SESSION FOR INFORMATION ON:
Support for the cost of education by covering unmet need andself-help for the undergraduate and graduate institutions of yourchoice
• Annual Renewable awards for Scholars maintaining satisfactoryacademic progress (up to 5 years for undergraduate) Graduate School Funding for continuing Scholars in the areas ofeducation, engineering library science, mathematics, public health,and science Leadership Development programs with distinctive personal, academicand professional growth opportunities
WE WILL HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE APPLICATION PROCESS!!!

When: Monday, October 29, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: The Church of the Covenant, 11205 Euclid Avenue(Enter the parking lot from Euclid Avenue. Enter the building via the door with a large, bright-colored sign.)

Please RSVP by calling 216-421-0482, ext. 281, which is our 24/7-voicemail, or by e-mailing us at saturdaytutoring@gmail.com.

Monday, September 24, 2007

The James Family Foundation











THE JAMES FAMILY FOUNDATION
SCORING POINTS BY ASSISTING OTHERS
The James Family Foundation is about HOPE, HELP and HEART.

We build hope in the lives of children and families in the community who are dealing with adversity.

We help single-parent families improve their lives by empowering them to achieve more through education, employment, and better health initiatives--in local communities and around the world.

We have heart for all people regardless of age, race, family or economic status. We believe in helping those who have the dedication to succeed.
Thirty percent of families in the U.S. are headed by a single parent - more than any other country in the world.


Cleveland Metropolitan School District -- From Vision to Victory

WE BELIEVE!

Come to these important community forums to learn more about the Cleveland
Metropolitan School District’s plans for this 2007-2008 school year. Express your
thoughts about how we can continue to move toward our goal to make the Cleveland
Metropolitan School District a premier school district in the United States of America!

Topics will include:
 District Goals for the 2007-2008 School Year
 The Master Facilities Plan
 Safety and Security
 Customer Service Plan
 Academic Update

COMMUNITY FORUM MEETING TIMES 6:00-8:00 P.M.

DATES AND LOCATIONS BELOW:
 Monday, October 1 . . . . . . Michael J. Zone Recreation Center . . . . 6301 Lorain Avenue
 Wednesday, October 3 . . . JFK Recreation Center . . . . . . . . . . 17300 Harvard Avenue

INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL BUILDING COMMUNITY FORUM
MEETING TIMES 6:00-8:00 P.M. (SEE BACK OF FLIER FOR THE LIST OF SCHOOLS)
 Wednesday, October 10 . . PreK-8 Schools
 Thursday, October 11 . . . . High Schools


1380 EAST SIXTH STREET  CLEVELAND, OHIO 44114  216.574.8000  WWW.CMSDNET.NET

Thursday, September 20, 2007

College Affordability Essay Contest

Provided by: Campaign For College Affordability
Deadline: October 29, 2007
Type of Award: Essay
Awards Available Amount
Varies equal to $2500

Website
http://collegeaffordabilitynow.org/essaycontest/

Description
The College Affordability Essay Contest is open to undergraduate, graduate students and former students with a minimum of $2500 in educational debt. To enter, you must write or create an essay, article, opinion piece or multimedia work and place it in a college, local or national publication, in print or on the web. Your work must address one of more of the following issues of educational debt: college access, student debt or fair lending.

Please visit the sponsor's Web site for additional information.
Applicable Majors
All Fields of Study

Monday, September 17, 2007

Boy Scout & Cub Scout Recruiting





http://www.cpl.org/index.php?q=node/1367


Calling all boys in the 1st to the 5th grades!

Scouting is Fun!

Your Neighborhood Cub Scout Pack
will be at your Cleveland Public Library Branch
to tell you about their activities and how you can join the fun.

Come and meet them on:
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Check out these websites to learn more:

Boys: www.joincubscouting.org

Parents and Caregivers:
www.thescoutzone.org www.scouting.org

Greater Cleveland Council Boy Scouts of America
www.gccbsa.org

Prime Time at Cleveland Public Library

Prime Time at Cleveland Public Library

Prime Time, an after-school program developed by Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) specifically for the Cleveland Public Library, engages youth between the ages 14 and 17. These promising youth develop career related skills, which improve their academics, decision-making, leadership, and employability skills. Students completing the school-year program are eligible for paid summer employment or a paid or non-paid summer internship. For more information about enrollment in the program, please contact the Y.O.U. coordinator for the nearest branch at 216-566-5445.

In addition to engaging students with employability skills, students are exposed to various field trip activities such as college tours, performing arts, community service projects, and meetings with various authors, business leaders, and politicians, including a recent meeting with Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones.

The Prime Time program for the 2007-2008 school-year will be held at the following Library branches: Fleet, Fulton, Glenville, and Harvard-Lee. For more information about enrollment in the program, please contact the Y.O.U. coordinator for the nearest branch. For the Harvard-Lee and Fulton branches contact Darlene Constant at (216) 566-5445 extension 241 and for the Fleet and Genville branches contact Connie Fletcher at (216) 566-5445 extension 225.

Teen poetry Competition Presented By Friends of the Cleveland public Library, Inc.




GET A COMPLETE APPLICATION AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY!!!

Cleveland Education Committee

Cleveland Education Committee
Next MEETING:
Thursday, September 27, 2007
6:30 p.m.

West Side Community House (C-House)
3000 Bridge Avenue ~ Phone: 771-7297
Located on the Northwest corner of Lorain & West 93rd St.
Parking in lot or off street parking

* Do you have concerns or questions about your local school?
* Do you want to be meaningfully involved at your child’s school but are not sure how?

* We want to hear from you. Come and find support and information from other parents and community members.

* The Cleveland Education Committee consists of parents, grandparents, concerned citizens and staff of community organizations.

• Our purpose is to promote parent and community leadership in creating meaningful involvement in our schools to enhance the education of our children and in turn, revitalize the City of Cleveland.


For more information contact Deltrise Sanford at 216-338-5747 or luvnharts@yahoo.com. You may also contact Ian Heisey at 671-2710 or ianh@bpdc.org, at Bellaire-Puritas Development Corporation

CLEVELAND BROWNS BRAYLON EDWARDS PLEDGES TO 'ADVANCE 100' YOUTH THROUGH EDUCATION INITIATIVE



http://www.braylonedwardsfoundation.org/index.asp?ID=1



CLEVELAND, OH - Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards pledged $1 million in academic scholarships to the Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) at the launch of the ADVANCE 100 education enrichment program on Wednesday, May 16, 2007. Edwards, along with City of Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, CMSD CEO Dr. Eugene Sanders and the 100 students chosen to participate in the program, gathered at an assembly at Lincoln-West High School.

The program launch was a huge success with over one hundred parents present. Parents and students signed a pledge, committing to the program. Each student met Edwards and excitedly posed for a photo with the Brown’s wide receiver.

Eighth grade students in the ADVANCE 100 program will be provided mentoring and tutoring in an effort to equip them for success. Members, teachers and counselors will receive incentives and awards for their participation and support. Participating students' progress throughout high school will be closely monitored by BEF and the Cleveland Scholarship Program (CSP).

Advance 100 is an education initiative of the Braylon Edwards Foundation (BEF).

“Braylon is not only investing the in the future of these 100 children by providing them with the incentive to succeed, but he is investing in the city of Cleveland,” Browns head coach Romeo Crennel said. “We are proud of Braylon for his commitment to education and the youth of this city.”

Program participants are required to maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or better and to accumulate at least 15 hours of community service each year, while displaying exemplary citizenship and conduct. They will not be allowed any unexcused absences.

Edwards, in his third year in the NFL, is no stranger to philanthropy. Last year he announced a $500,000 scholarship endowment fund for college players who earn the distinction of wearing the University of Michigan’s No.1 football jersey.

“The fundamentals of success can only be achieved through a quality education," said Edwards. "I am fortunate to be in a position where I can give back to create opportunities for young people."

CSP is the leading college access program in the nation and is emulated throughout the country. Each year, CSP provides educational opportunities and workforce development by counseling more than 30,000 Greater Cleveland residents of all ages about post-secondary educational options.

The Braylon Edwards Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing and meeting the needs of underserved youth in the concentrated area of education. BEF's goal is to emphasize the importance of education by providing scholarships and incentives to youth who demonstrate strong commitment and effort to excelling in academics, citizenship and community volunteerism.

To make a media request, please contact Sandra Ware at (248) 417-2709 or sware@braylonedwards.com.

Speaker Events

A Morning with Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum,
President of Spelman College
Saturday, September 22, 8:30 a.m.
Church of the Covenant
http://www.covenantweb.org/tatum.html

2007 Covenant Lecture Fund Lecture
"Does Your House Have Lions?"
Emilie Townes, Ph.D.
Wednesday, September 26, 7:30 p.m.
http://www.covenantweb.org/lecturefund.html

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Eddie Johnson Memorial Foundation



http://www.ejmemorialfoundation.org/home.htm

Gone but never forgotten

When Eddie Johnson died, the Eddie Johnson Foundation turned into the Eddie Johnson Memorial Foundation. Here is our mission:

"To help the community through providing aid for children and families who are in need or suffering from hardships. In working with various service organizations, including the American Cancer Society, we hope to be a financial support when such hardships become overwhelming."

Prime Time at Cleveland Public Library

Prime Time, an after-school program developed by Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) specifically for the Cleveland Public Library, engages youth between the ages 14 and 17. These promising youth develop career related skills, which improve their academics, decision-making, leadership, and employability skills. Students completing the school-year program are eligible for paid summer employment or a paid or non-paid summer internship. For more information about enrollment in the program, please contact the Y.O.U. coordinator for the nearest branch at 216-566-5445.

In addition to engaging students with employability skills, students are exposed to various field trip activities such as college tours, performing arts, community service projects, and meetings with various authors, business leaders, and politicians, including a recent meeting with Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones.

The Prime Time program for the 2007-2008 school-year will be held at the following Library branches: Fleet, Fulton, Glenville, and Harvard-Lee. For more information about enrollment in the program, please contact the Y.O.U. coordinator for the nearest branch. For the Harvard-Lee and Fulton branches contact Darlene Constant at (216) 566-5445 extension 241 and for the Fleet and Genville branches contact Connie Fletcher at (216) 566-5445 extension 225.

Friday, September 07, 2007

Free SAT/ ACT Practice Test

http://testprep.princetonreview.com/CourseSearch/AdvancedSearch.aspx

SAT/ ACT Practice Test For FREE through Princeton Review.

First go to the link above.

Next, select which practice test you want to take (SAT or ACT)

Then type in city -- Cleveland and state -- Ohio.

Click on the tab at the top that says -- "FREE EVENTS"

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Scholarship & Resource Information

Visit the links to these sites for useful information on scholarships and other resources for high school students who are college bound.

https://studentaffairs.case.edu/trio/resources/links.html

https://studentaffairs.case.edu/trio/resources/scholarships.html

https://studentaffairs.case.edu/trio/resources/morelinks.html

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

AARP Foundation Announces New Scholarship Program for Women

The AARP Foundation announces a new scholarship program to help low-income women 40+ participate in education and training opportunities. Approximately 100 scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 are expected to be awarded in the first round. The process opens August 31, 2007 at www.aarp.org/womensscholarship.



Applications are only available online.

Priority will be given to women who:

** individuals returning to the workforce after an extended absence;

** individuals who are underemployed (in a job with limited pay,

limited growth opportunities and limited benefits); or

** grandmothers or other female relatives raising another family

member’s child/children (with the ability to demonstrate significant financial responsibility for those child/children).

The application deadline is October 31, 2007. Scholarship recipients will be notified in January 2008 and funds will be made available shortly thereafter.

Saturday Tutoring Program - Church of the Covenant

http://tutor_me.tripod.com/

About the Tutoring Programs at Covenant
In 1990, the Church of the Covenant formed a partnership with its neighbor, John Hay High School, in the Cleveland Municipal School District. Volunteers began tutoring students at the school and at the church under the direction of the chair of John Hay's English Department. Since that time, the Saturday Tutoring Program has developed and grown.

On most Saturday mornings at the church, tutors help students in Grades 1-12 from many schools in the Cleveland area. Tutors cover a variety of subjects including math, reading, and science. Tutors also help students prepare for the Ohio proficiency tests and college entrance exams. Field trips to local cultural and educational sites have greatly enhanced Covenant's Saturday tutoring program.

On weekday afternoons, Covenant volunteers read with children at Daniel E. Morgan Elementary School. The church has formed an official partnership with the school through the Cleveland Initiative for Education. You are invited to visit Daniel E. Morgan's media center website.
Over the years, hundreds of students have received tutoring from Covenant volunteers. The tutoring programs have brought together senior citizens, adults, college students, and youth who are interested in helping Cleveland's young people learn.

To volunteer, please call (216) 421-0482 ext. 281

Virtual Poetry Slam Competition

http://www.virtualpoetryslam.net/main/contests/2007/rules

The Straightforward Media Minority Scholarship

StraightForward Media Minority Scholarship
Provided by: StraightForward Media
Deadline: September 30, 2007
Award Amount
$500 Awards Available
4 Type of Award
Scholarship

Website
http://www.straightforwardmedia.com/minority/
Description
The Straightforward Media Minority Scholarship is available to current and prospective students of color.
Additional Information
The deadlines for applications are: March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. Please visit the sponsor's Web site for additional information.
Applicable Majors
All Fields of Studies

Monday, September 03, 2007

Future Black Men of America, Inc.

Turning Gang Members Around (CBS News)

Press Release for Tim Roberts & BRICK Program Benefit







FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Radio One, Third Federal, Ticknors Mens Clothier, Jay Honda, Urban Flix, and 100 Proof Magazine, presents Cool, Smooth & Jazzy, Part XI, a celebrity benefit hair and fashion show, Saturday, September 8, 2007 at The New Mirage on the Water, 2510 Elm Street, (West Bank of the Flats), Cleveland, Ohio. Live entertainment starts at 6:30 pm with light hor devours being served.

The 11th annual celebrity benefit Hair & Fashion Show will feature hair fashions by Kayla?s Vision of Drama. Clothes fashions will be provided by: Ticknors Mens Clothier, Fashions by Fowler, Rave Fashions, AYV Clothing Company from Detroit, Michigan, and local designers: DruWho?, Roz Bishop, Kymnesty, Christ Couture, Designs By Attalah, and current BRICK student designers Kandy Koated. Today?s hottest fashions will be modeled by local celebrities: Harry Boomer ? 19 Action News; Brian McIntyre ? Ohio News Network; Grace Roberts ? Praise 1300AM; Kris Blu ? WERE 1490AM; Chanel Brooks ? Z107.9 FM; Cedric Toney ? Former Cleveland Cavalier; Leon Bibb, Carolina Leid, Kimberly Gill ? News Channel 5; Todd Meany, Dray Clark ? Fox 8 News; Yvonne Pointer ? Community Activist; Senator Shirley Smith; Anthony Brown ? Another Look; Daron Cherry ? Former Kansas City Chief; Mark Lyon ? Jay Honda and Erik Sales ? Former BRICK Student and CEO of 100 Proof Magazine. Live entertainment prior to the show provided by: Hot 16, Tache? Huston, Basheer Jones, Clark Kent, Joe Merc, Erika Kayne and Comedian Terrill Huey. Please come and join our Host Kim Johnson from WZAK 93.1FM.

Partial Proceeds from the benefit will support BRICK (BROTHERHOOD, RESPECT, INTELLIGENCE, CONDUCT, AND KNOWLEDGE) YOUTH MENTORING PROGRAM. BRICK founded in 1996 by Tim Roberts, mentors young men in the Cleveland Public Schools ages 9 through 21 by offering program alternative opportunities in avoiding illegal activities, drug abuse, gangs and teen pregnancy. Members meet weekly and participate in weekly community service projects along with a variety of workshops, conferences and public events. Just recently one of BRICK?s former students, Quarterback Troy Smith from The Ohio State University Football Team, won the Heisman Trophy. Feel free to visit their website at www.friendsofbrick.com.

Donations for the event: $25.00 in advance and $30.00 day of event. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Tickets go on sale Monday, August 13, 2007 and can be purchased at Fashions By Fowler, 3090 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights, and Ticknors Mens Clothier in Beachwood Mall. For more information or tickets contact Tony Owens at (440) 725-6286, Tonda Gant at (216) 857-0600, or visit their website at www.coolsmoothandjazzy.com.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo -- Volunteers: Zoo Crew

Thank you for your interest in our teen volunteer program.
The application deadline for 2007 has passed.
Applications and reference forms for 2008 will be available on January 2, 2008.

Do You....

Love to learn about animals?
Like talking to people?
Want to become active in wildlife conservation?
Zoo Crew Teens have....

A lasting interest in animals and the environment
The desire and ability to teach others
Good working habits
A GREAT time this summer!
What does the Zoo Crew Do?

Zoo Crew teen volunteers (ages 13-17) assist in the Education Division by actively participating in various conservation projects and interpreting. What is interpreting, anyhow? It simply means talking to the public about the animals, their exhibits, and conservation!

The Zoo Crew teen volunteer program focuses on conservation and encourages teens to learn responsibility, develop job and career skills and grow in their personal conservation ethic.

Requirements

Applicants must...
be at least 13 years old by January 1 and not older than 17 by June 1 of the year they will be volunteering.
commit to attend once/week for the entire summer (June – August) with only two (2) excused absences. After completing one summer (with a minimum of 40 hours), you may be invited to join the year-round program (September – May). We will meet once a month; every third Saturday (may need to meet more than one Saturday a month depending on the project). You can miss two of these monthly meetings a year.
have an exceptional interest in animals and the environment.
have the desire and ability to work with people of all ages.
If selected, Zoo Crew volunteers must...

attend an orientation session with parent or guardian.
attend training sessions.
work at least one six (6) hour shift per week.
always wear his/her uniform while on duty - Zoo Crew shirt & your own khaki shorts or pants.
Cost

$30 fee covers uniform shirt, nametag, training materials and activities, and wrap-up party. NOTE: A limited number of scholarships are available for those demonstrating financial need. (Please inquire with your application)

How To Apply

The application deadline for 2007 has passed. Applications and reference forms for 2008 will be available on January 2, 2008.

To Parents/Guardians:

The Zoo Crew Volunteer Program is a commitment not only for your teen, but also for parents and family. Please remember that Zoo Crew teens are allowed only two (2) scheduled absences during the summer program and two additional absences during the year-round program.
The Zoo can be reached by public transportation Memorial Day through Labor Day. The bus stop is just outside the main entrance to the Zoo.
Parents/Guardians must attend the mandatory Orientation Session. It will give you insight as to what your teen will accomplish, and what will be expected of your teen.

For more information, call (216) 661-6500 x4009.

http://www.clemetzoo.com/education/vol/zoocrew.asp

Greater Cleveland Sports Commission Internship

http://www.patriotbowl.com/

Internship Program
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INTERNSHIP TERMS
Spring Term
January - April
Apply by: November 15
Summer Term
May - August
Apply by: March 1
Fall Term
September - December
Apply by: July 15

The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission offers internships throughout the year that focus on various events and projects. Due to the nature of the organization, our projects and events are rarely the same; the internship experience depends heavily on the current happenings of the Sports Commission and, at times, the commitment of the intern to suggest and develop projects as he/she sees fit. There are four (4) inernship positions available each session (Spring, Summer & Fall) that will consist of projects and tasks relating to Communications, Marketing, Event Management and Fundraising/Development. The intern program is not intended to be administrative, but on occasion, administrative tasks will need to be completed by all staff members. The goal of the internship program is to provide a meaningful and educational experience in the Sport Industry.

Compensation - The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission offers a $200 per month stipend to interns (amount to be determined). Interns will be paid monthly. Interns will not be paid overtime.

Work Hours - The summer internship program requires a minimum of 40 hours per week. The fall, winter, and spring sessions require 20 hours per week. If the student is receiving college credit for the internship, the college or university will determine work hours, up to 40 hours per week. The Sports Commission is flexible in terms of exact work hours, but would require a loose schedule to be created in advance. Interns may not work on scheduled Sports Commission holidays. There may be occasions where attendance is mandatory and at least two weeks notice will be given.

Transportation and Parking - Transportation and parking are not provided or reimbursable. Interns may use the RTA system (the central train station is located in Tower City) or may drive and park for approximately $4 per day in some locations. RTA schedules and routes can be found at www.riderta.com.

Evaluation - Interns will be evaluated in the middle and at the end of the term. These evaluations are meant to be constructive criticism and are a tool for improvement and focus. They are meant to determine if the job duties and working conditions match the intern’s interests and expectations while allowing the GCSC to determine whether the intern’s qualifications, job performance, and work habits meet GCSC standards. In addition, the intern will have the opportunity to evaluate the Sports Commission on the quality of the internship program.

Supervision - The Director of Events supervises the internship program. However, one intern will be hired to meet every niche of our business so most day to day activities will be assigned and monitored by specific staff members. Close working relationships with all staff members must be developed. A general respect both for and from the intern are expected and required.

Application Procedure - Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter and references to:

Greater Cleveland Sports Commission
Attn: Internship Program
50 Public Square, Suite 950
Cleveland, Ohio, 44113

JIMMY AND THE CLEVELAND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM NEEDS YOUR HELP!

JIMMY AND THE CLEVELAND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM NEEDS YOUR HELP! Looking for volunteers to help out at the Steelyard Commons Grand Opening on Thursday, Sept 6th. Proceeds from the Grand Opening are being donated to Cleveland Scholarship Programs. Interested? Email malone@wmji.com.

http://www.wmji.com/pages/lanandmalone.html
http://www.cspohio.org/csp/

Friday, August 31, 2007

Youth Program for Kids Interested in Engineering, Math, and Science




NSBE Jr.

CAAO member, the National Society of Black Engineers is organizing thier annual NSBE Jr. program. These meetings are open to Cleveland and Cleveland area high school students who are interested in learning more about engineering, math and science. Engineering concepts will be presented in a fun and challenging way in a friendly environment. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will be held at the Addison Branch Library 6901 Superior Ave Cleveland, OH 44103

Schedule:

9/8/2007 - Introduction to NSBE Jr.
10/13/2007 - Industrial Engineering
11/10/2007 - Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
12/8/2007 - Holiday Activity
1/12/2008 - Chemical Engineering
2/9/2008 - College Tour
3/8/2008 - Biomedical Engineering
4/12/2008 - Electrical Engineering
5/10/2008 - Civil/Environmental Engineering
6/14//2008 - Trip to Amusement Park

For more information contact Lizalyn Smith at liza711@hotmail.com

Community Action on Youth Issues

FROM: Stanley Miller

On Saturday, September 15, 2007, from 9 to 11 AM, the Cleveland NAACP, 100 Black Men, BUILD, Black on Black Crime, Peace in the Hood, The Black Shield Police Association, The Black Psychologist Association, Pastor in Mission, and many other groups are asking organizations to join the dialogue to address minority youth issues in our community, at Tri C Metro.

We are asking any organization who is involved in minority youth tutoring, mentoring or other youth focused programs to join us to understand the scope of the issues facing our community and understand better what programs are in place, and begin a dialogue on opportunities to work more effectively together.

The ABC’s of the meeting will be to:

Agree on the need, and what’s being done today

Buy-in to the effort

Commit to recruit others in the effort

Dr. Eugene Sanders the CMSD, CEO will join the session to share his vision and how we can all best make a difference together. With all respect, the session is not designed for debate or speeches. All we ask that egos be checked at the door, and a folks bring a sincere effort to make is difference.

Please RSVP to the Cleveland NAACP at 216-231-6260 or by responding to this email.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Ruckus Nation - Challenge Competition

http://www.ruckusnation.com/whatstheruckus.html

How To Enter


Here’s the deal: Ruckus Nation challenges you to imagine a new product for kids that’s fun and cool enough to make them want to get up and move around. HopeLab, the nonprofit organization sponsoring Ruckus Nation, will support the development, testing and distribution of products based on the best ideas. You read that right – your idea could become a real product that gets kids moving. In addition, we’re offering great prizes for the best ideas.

And yes, we mean you! The competition is open to people of all ages, shapes, sizes and colors. Whether you’re a college student in Cape Town, a soccer coach in Savannah, a grandparent in Guntur, an engineer in Nanjing, or a kid in Ketchikan, we’re betting you have a product idea that could make a difference.

For complete eligibility requirements, take a few minutes to read the competition rules.

How to Enter To enter, you must register and submit your idea online here, at ruckusnation.com. No stamps, staples, presentation slides or entry fee required.

Submitting an entry is pretty straightforward too: You’ll need to describe your idea in writing, in English, and in two (2) pages or less. If you want to get fancy (and we like fancy), you can also submit an illustration or video to show us just how cool your product idea is, but the illustration and video are entirely optional.

Need help coming up with a winning product idea? You can form a team of up to six (6) people (6 including you), then work together to brainstorm, sketch, submit an idea, and win a prize as a group. (Note: when choosing team members, smart, fun, creative types with a good sense of humor are highly recommended.)

Judging and Winning Eventually, one great product idea will win more than $75,000, but we’ll be recognizing other top-notch entries with prizes along the way. Prizes include:

* 40 Semifinalists ($250 prize)
* 8 Category Winners ($25,000 prize)
* 1 Grand Prize Winner (an additional $50,000 prize)
* 8 Inspiration Prizes ($2,500 prize)

Ideas will be judged in four competition categories – Middle School/Junior High School, High School, College/University, and Other. At least 10 semifinalists and 2 overall winners will be named in each category. The grand prize winner will be selected from among category winners at a special in-person event.

All ideas will be judged using a scorecard, and judges will include kids and adults with a diverse set of experiences and backgrounds. For more info, review the Ruckus Nation judging process.

Ideas Made RealAfter winners are announced and prizes are awarded for Ruckus Nation, HopeLab will support the development of product prototypes based on great ideas submitted to the competition. These prototypes will be rigorously tested to determine their effectiveness. Prototypes that prove to be most effective will be developed into final products and made broadly available to kids. Your idea could start a movement!

Legal Stuff You’ve read the basics, now see what our lawyers have to say! Read the Ruckus Nation competition rules.

But What About … ? Still have questions? We’ve got answers. Check out our FAQs.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

OUR STORIES -- Preserving OUR Cedar/Central Pillars



OUR Stories
Presents
Preserving OUR Cedar/Central Pillars



Many years ago, African American businesses and residents made the Cedar/Central region was one of the more prosperous communities in Cleveland. Unfortunately, many of today’s youth, who are growing up in one of the nations’ poorest cities, are unaware of the vast and rich history of the city and its neighborhoods. While several educational institutions exist in the community, very few, if any, incorporate this history into the curriculum. However, we are fortunate that we have elders within OUR community who lived through and experienced much of the Cedar/Central history.

This educational program is designed to help resolve the intergenerational disconnect between youth and the elders/pillars in Cleveland’s neighborhoods. In doing so, this particular initiative, Preserving OUR Cedar/Central Pillars, engages middle and high school age students in an oral history project which will preserve the experiences and stories of elders, who are often referred to as pillars, of the Cedar/Central community. In exchange for their testimonies and wisdom, the elders will have their front porches beautified with a fresh coat of paint and floral arrangements by students in the program FREE OF CHARGE.

If you are interested in getting your porch painted and decorated with flowers and sharing your history or experiences living in the Cedar/Central community, please contact the Director of OUR Stories, Dr. Dwayne C. Wright, Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Foundations at Cleveland State University at 216-875-9672 or d.wright1@csuohio.edu.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Cleveland Education Committee

Cleveland Education Committee
Next MEETING:
Thursday, August 23rd, 2007
6:30 p.m.

Fairfax-Renaissance Development Corporation, 8111 Quincy Ave. 44104 (Entrance point off E. 79th St. at rear of Emmanuel Baptist Church). Look for sign for Quincy Place. Phone: 361-8400

* Do you have concerns or questions about your local school?
* Do you want to be meaningfully involved at your child’s school but are not sure how?

* We want to hear from you. Come and find support and information from other parents and community members.

* The Cleveland Education Committee consists of parents, grandparents, concerned citizens and staff of community organizations.

• Our purpose is to promote parent and community leadership in creating meaningful involvement in our schools to enhance the education of our children and in turn, revitalize the City of Cleveland.


For more information contact Ian Heisey at 671-2710 or ianh@bpdc.org, at Bellaire-Puritas Development Corporation

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

KARAMU HOUSE ANNOUCES ARTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL

216-795-7070 Fax 216-795-7073



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



Media Contacts: Neal Hodges

216.795.7070 (x. 249)



Vivian C. Wilson: 216.795.7070 (x. 215)



KARAMU HOUSE ANNOUCES ARTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL AT THE HISTORIC KARAMU PERFORMING ARTS THEATER WITH CLEVELAND MAYOR FRANK JACKSON SERVING AS HONORARY CO-CHAIR SATURDAY AUGUST 18, 2007



CLEVELAND– July 28, 2007 – Karamu House, the nation’s oldest multicultural arts institution and Black theater, will host an arts and cultural festival at the historic site on Saturday August 18, 2007. Cleveland mayor Frank Jackson and Cuyahoga county commissioner Peter Lawson Jones will serves as honorary co-chairs. The event will run from 12 noon – 8 pm.

Organized by Cleveland community activist Bob Render and Karamu House artistic director Terrence Spivey, the event will incorporate a bevy of local and national talent outside and inside the theater with a headline performance by local R&B artist Conya Doss. Other outdoor entertainment includes a poetry slam hosted by poet Q-Nice; gospel sensation Kelly Chapman; The New Jerusalem Mass Choir and a special performance by the national puppeteer group, The Crowtations. Local comedian Cool TLC and deejay veteran Lady Skill will serves as master and mistress of ceremony. Other acts are scheduled to be announced at a later date.

Inside, festival goers can experience arts & craft activities for kids; a film screening series featuring short films and local independent cinema (hosted by Reel Deal: A Film Series) and a special theatrical performance to be announced at a later date. Food and non-food vendors will be on site.

The Karamu Arts & Cultural Festival is sponsored in part by First Merit, Cleveland Clinic, Dominion East Ohio Gas and Shore Bank. The Cleveland Public Library is supporters of the film screening event. For more information, call 216.795.7070 (x.249).

Thursday, August 09, 2007

A Mom’s Eye View of Campus Life ™ First in a Series © What’s Your Major? SM

A Mom’s Eye View of Campus Life ™
First in a Series
© What’s Your Major? SM

Liberal, Conservative or Moderate…..Oh My!

The social tone, or campus culture, is one of the most important factors that can make or break your child’s happiness at a college. It’s also one of the most difficult campus qualities to understand.

College is the first opportunity to get new and challenging inputs that will shape your child’s self-image and passions. But a bad reaction to campus life could show itself in your child’s detachment, boredom or feeling of isolation.

It’s important that your child “own” this aspect of college selection. Your role requires a shift from being a decision-maker to a decision-facilitator.

Diversity Rules!

Colleges strive for diversity, as one of the most important influences that shape learning. Diversity can take many forms: political, religious, social, economic or even geographic. The impact of these diversities on a student’s experience at a college is palpable, once living there. But it is difficult to anticipate from a traditional college tour. And the diversity statistics reported by a specific college often stop with the number of minority or international students enrolled.

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) defines educational enrichment, in part, as a result of the “serious conversations” students have with people who are “very different from you”, in addition to those who are of a different race or ethnicity. However, for your child to receive knowledge effectively at college, he or she must feel comfortable with the living and learning environment. An urban, northern-bred student might be miserable at a southern, rural campus. Success depends on “what” the current climate on campus actually is, how pervasive it is in the classroom and in student housing, and how your child responds. You can make your child aware of the benefits of diversity and encourage openness.


It’s Isn’t Easy Being….Liberal

Academia is all about foraging new ideas, so you might assume that most colleges offer a liberal living and learning environment. There are no published statistics about whether a college is liberal, conservative or moderate. You have to assess this intuitively, and judge whether your child will fit in.

At top liberal schools, The Princeton Review says that "a bohemian ideal is enforced” and the environment is "Utopian-liberal", giving a parent a pretty clear idea of what lifestyle is expected. "Hippies, hipsters, and geek chic" are common sights on the Bard College campus, the most liberal campus, according to U.S. News and World Report. However, students say that the reality is that "most people here are friendly, social, and pretty normal." On the other hand, "If you're uncreative or conservative you probably wouldn't fit in."

The Princeton Review provides rankings of 361 colleges, based on such touchy-feely aspects of campus life as political persuasion, marijuana and drug use, the prevalence of religion, the popularity of student government, and the students’ level of acceptance of the gay community on campus. Of Warren Wilson College, The Review says: "(It’s) mildly famous" for their "extreme liberalism…a haven for hippies and very left-wing people. (Students are) identifiable by their dread locks, Phish t-shirts, [and] political buttons, (and they) "like good organic wholesome food" and "hand-rolled cigarettes" and typically know "some botanical-ornithological basics." Students say that: “Wilson is known as a hippie college, but there is a startling diversity of other kinds of alterna-creatures here.”


So It’s Cool to Be Conservative?

Conservatism reaches the classroom, according to Young American’s Foundation top Ten Conservative College’s list. A stated mission and programs that emphasize can identify a conservative college:

• Principles of smaller government
• Strong national defense
• Free enterprise
• Traditional values

Furthermore, according to YAF, conservative studies center on Western Civilization “instead of straying toward the study of Marxism, feminism, sexuality, postmodernism, and other modern distractions…”.

Hillsdale College, the “most conservative” on The Princeton Review’s list supports: ‘limited government,’ its role as ‘a defender of free markets and conservative values,’ and its emphasis on learning from ‘original texts’, (which) is appreciated by its largely ‘conservative, white, (and) Christian’ students...”. Students agree that “‘typical students are smart and religious’ at Hillsdale; they ‘go to church every Sunday and (their) religious beliefs come out in (how they speak and act)’.”

At other top conservative colleges, the Princeton Review says:

• “Students here ‘do not accept anything other than 100 percent manners, 100 percent class, 100 percent preppy, and 100 percent conservative all the time.’".

• “…(there is) a campus environment "full of Christians that get along great with each other, but have a hard time knowing how to treat anyone that isn't exactly like them."

Two-thirds (63%) of the students surveyed in the 2004-05 Post-Secondary Planning survey from the National Research Center for College & University Relations (NRCCUR) prefer a “moderate social environment” on campus, 12% prefer a conservative environment and 25% prefer a liberal environment. Furthermore, more than 40% of the students prefer a denominational church-related college, and Catholic or Baptist schools are most favored.

That said, the larger the campus, the more likely it is that extreme liberalism or conservatism will not dominate the environment. On the other hand, minority groups can cling together at larger schools, making it harder to experience diversity, unless diversity is “institutionalized” – made a priority -- in the classroom and student housing environments.


Collaborative Versus Intense Learning Environments

Bottom line, a supportive academic and social environment is the single best indicator of student satisfaction, according to the NSSE. In fact, when NSSE results are statistically compared with US News and World Report college rankings, a “supportive campus environment” is best correlated best with colleges that retain second-year students and have the highest graduation rates. You should compare the retention and graduation rates for the colleges on your final list by looking them up on the College Board College Matchmaker, or other, college search engine.

Collaborative learning, by definition, puts the professor and the student on the same side. Learning is a result of the social experience working together to solve a problem, complete a task, or create a product. College advisor Loren Pope, author of “Colleges That Change Lives,” says that collaborative/supportive environments encourage campus living and learning between students, and with faculty, where students “explore their interests, goals, spirituality, and values in myriad ways.”

Brown University positions itself as the best of all possible colleges experiences, with a “collaborative university-college model”; one “in which faculty are as committed to teaching as they are to research, embracing a curriculum that requires students to be architects of their education.” An example of collaborative learning-in-practice are “interdisciplinary courses”, available on many campuses, which enable students to enter and leave with very different technical skills, but learn to master the skill of collaboration. These courses require the collaboration of teachers from different departments. An indication of a college’s level of commitment to collaborative learning is the number of interdisciplinary courses they offer.

On a recent tour of the College of William & Mary, a tour guide explained that learning there is completely collaborative. According to the guide, a student experiences this right in the classroom, where the “tone” of instruction is encouraging, not competitive.


The Hierarchy of Needs at Competitive Colleges: Food, Clothing, Shelter….and Studying?

If your child wants to be in a highly selective academic environment, but would thrive best in a collaborative learning environment, you should insist on specific examples of the school’s philosophy in practice. Make sure that that philosophy is not just randomly realized. It should truly impact all students.

To contrast with collaborative learning, the “Students Guide to Colleges” uses the term “intellectual fervor” to rate how much students from selected colleges talk about academics: “All the time, sometimes, or hardly ever.” An obsession with learning can be a positive or negative experience for your child. It is not an attribute of campus life that a college is likely to advertise.

A student describes an intense learning environment as “a culture of doing things the hard way…(with) competitions of how many hours you spend studying before you sleep/take a shower.” Likewise, you can get a sampling of opinions about the intensity of academic competition on campus by asking randomly selected students.

A recent graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA), recently attended summer course at Columbia’s film program, putting him in the position to compare the two learning environments. He preferred the “much less intense” atmosphere at CIA, because the “intensity” of Columbia’s students limited his day-to-day experiences with fellow students and his ability to learn through others.

Georgetown University could be expected to have an intensely competitive learning environment. In their information sessions, a parent was recently told that, while it’s highly competitive to get in to Georgetown, once in, the students “pull each other through the program” and become like a family. It would be best to confirm statements like this by asking for specific examples of institutionalized collaborative/supportive programs and philosophy from “unofficial” college representatives.


Sizing Up Your College Choices

The best time to dig deep into a college’s culture is after you’ve determined that the college meets your academic and financial and practical needs, and you’ve visited once. When you’re ready to put together your final list of eight to ten colleges that meet all of your basic criteria, you need further evaluate your child’s chances for success at them:

1. Read about the college’s mission statement and strategic plan, and look at the President’s message, on the web site. Ask to see the most recent student satisfaction survey, which should be on file in the President’s office.

2. Don’t assume that a college that is affiliated with a religious institution will express that heritage in daily campus life. The influence of that institution may or may not be dominant on campus.

3. Ask the tour guide and college representatives about the social tone, campus culture (or campus climate) and to provide examples of how they experience it.

4. Visit your final choice colleges a second time, after you’ve been accepted but before you accept the financial aid offer. On this visit:

 Pay attention to verbiage used in event posters, student newspapers, and presentations. And ask random students on campus for their opinion about the campus climate.

 Take advantage of overnight stay programs that are commonly offered by the Admissions Department.

 Have your child visit or call the residence halls, explaining that he/she is a prospective student and ask the same questions that you asked of the tour guides and official representatives.

5. To fully understand how diversity and collaborative learning impacts daily campus life, take the extra effort to interview faculty members (especially those in your child’s field of study). Be sure to ask for specific examples or data, about the following questions:

• How does the institution encourage activities where students from different backgrounds meet and work together? Ask for examples where the activities impacted the majority of students, not just members of club or academic program.

• How often do students work in teams to complete assignments, solve problems, or apply course content?

• How frequently do students engage in service learning or take part in community-based projects, to fulfill class requirements?

• How many students collaborate on research with faculty members?

• How many interdisciplinary courses are offered? Are they open to all students?

• How many students are involved with living and learning communities? How is the faculty involved with these communities?

7. Since retention and graduation rates are correlated with student satisfaction, look them up on the College Board College Matchmaker, or other, college search engine, and compare your final choice colleges.

8. Consult student-written guides and forums about campus life, which are available for selected campuses. The most popular guides are:

“The Insider’s Guide to The Colleges,” The Yale Daily News
“Students’ Guide to Colleges”, the Penguin Group
“The Big Book of Colleges ‘07”, College Prowler

Visit online forums, where you can read comments and pose questions to experienced parents and students:

www.collegeconfidential.com
www.campusdirt.com

9. You may want to have a discussion with your child about the importance of campus diversity and culture to his or her happiness as a student. But don’t expect tremendous insight. Your child’s personality is still in a formative stage and he or she has a limited worldview.

10. Resist the urge to judge the campus morals and values, superficially. What you think is best for your child might not, in fact, be best. Listen beyond what your child says about a campus. He or she wants to please you and may be telling you what you want to hear. Look for signs of genuine enthusiasm.

Jill Bernaciak is an independent education consultant in Cleveland, OH and author of the What’s Your Major portfolio/workbook. For more information, visit www.whatsyourmajor.net.

© What’s Your Major? SM