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Univ. of Louisville and Western Middle School: Steering Students toward College
Galvanized by President James R. Ramsey’s call to "do transformative work in the community," the University of Louisville (U of L) community has embraced Western Middle School and its College For Every Student (CFES) program. Under the leadership of Dr. Henry Cunningham, director of student engagement, University faculty, staff, and students are working with educators at Western Middle to ensure that the school's TCP (The College Prep) Scholars not only aspire to go to college but also understand why they should go.
The CFES program, launched at Western Middle in 2006, has evolved into a multi-tiered effort that is building a strong, sustainable partnership between the school and the University of Louisville that benefits the middle schoolers and college students alike. Calling the program "a huge success," Principal Beth Johnson says, "CFES has benefited my staff and students way beyond my expectations."
Ron Rix, the CFES program director who has worked with the Western-University of Louisville partnership, describes it as "a national model," an achievement he credits in part to the commitment of President Ramsey who, he says, attends partnership activities at the middle school. "For a large university, the president has shown great personal interest in CFES. It is a major component of his alliance with west-end Louisville," Rix states.
The University of Louisville is a state-supported research university located in Kentucky's largest city. Founded in 1798 as the Jefferson Seminary, U of L has three campuses in and around Louisville, enrolling more than 20,000 students annually and offering 170 degrees in 11 colleges and schools.
The University's cardinal red has become a favorite color of many Western Middle School students, a reflection of their ongoing exposure to college academics and college life that features lessons and experiences tailored to their interests. "We have worked hard to develop programs and activities that advance all three CFES practices, and we have worked to include families," Cunningham says.
Those programs include mentoring by students in the College of Education and Human Development, as well as several recognized student organizations, who work with small groups of students at Western Middle School; leadership through service projects, such as a successful fundraising campaigns in which middle schoolers netted more than $1,000; and pathways to college programs, including twice-yearly college visits and college-themed door-decorating contests at the middle school.
Visits to campus have generated excitement among Western's TCP Scholars, many of whom had never been to the University of Louisville – or any other college. After the first visit, Scholars told their teachers that they looked forward to returning to the campus and wanted to prepare themselves for college. Subsequent visits have been designed with Scholar input, incorporating a specific program or interaction tied to their interests to help them understand the connection between college and the world of work.
When TCP Scholars ask to meet athletes, for example, they are taught the true meaning of "student athlete" and what it takes to succeed in both academics and athletics. When students ask to visit arts classes, they learn what professional artists do for a living. And when their interests lean toward engineering, they are exposed to hands-on engineering research. "After each visit we hope to show them the value of a college education and help them envision themselves as University of Louisville students," explains Cunningham.
However, Cunningham is quick to point out that the learning that occurs through the partnership is not just one-sided. The middle school also offers a valuable learning environment for U of L students. Education majors design tutoring programs and learn how to apply the theories of education to the needs of students. What's more, University faculty and staff report, these young people have become proud role models and realize the power they have to make a difference in the lives of others.
"It's been a huge success so far," says Johnson, noting that parental involvement in their children's education has improved, and TCP Scholars have shown measurable gains in academics and behavior. However, she believes there is more that can be achieved. "I think you can look for bigger and better things," she adds. "We got our feet wet the first year and plan on soaring in the future. I couldn't be prouder of our success."
Cunningham is also looking ahead and working on expanding the opportunities and exposure for Western Middle School students. "Future campus visits will probably include the (Rauch) Planetarium, the Speed Art Museum, and other areas of interest," he says. "We also are thinking about having Scholars attend sporting events such as softball, baseball, tennis, and women's basketball and field hockey games as part of the university connection.
We are very grateful for the relationship that has developed and look forward to matriculating students from Western Middle to the University of Louisville in years to come."
To learn more about the University of Louisville, please visit http://louisville.edu/.
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