Presenter: Syncere Hobbs, Public Health Science, Global Public Health Scholars
My practicum project is centered around my volunteer work with the UMD Learning & Community Service Learning (LCSL) organization: America Reads*America Counts*Partners in Print (AR*AC*PNP). The program itself has 3 different sub-programs, all of which work with children in the Prince George’s County Public School (PGCPS) system. I am working with America Counts, which provides mentorship and math tutoring for 4th grade students in partnered PGCPS schools. Each mentor is assigned 3 or 4 children who they personally work with in a group during the semester; all the groups convene together for math “centers” as well. The program involves teaching the children math topics, improving their mathematical skills, proving homework assistance, exposing them to STEM careers, facilitating teamwork skills, and engaging in math physical activities (i.e. math games). The majority of students in the AR*AC*PNP program are low-income, minority children, and so they may face challenges that the average student might not face. Overall, the program seeks to elevate the children academically, mentally, and socially by the end of their participation in the program.
I really liked this topic because it is no secret that there is a huge discrepancy in education regarding children of color and low-income children. What methods are used to evaluate the efficiency of the program? Is there a cumulative test in which all participants have to take?
I love this project!!! I feel like education has such a profound impact on the overall health and success of individuals. I feel like something that you addressed that is seemingly overlooked is that "education" does not necessarily mean a college degree and that it is so important for people to get even basic education. Do you think that similar programs like this could be used for older kids? Like maybe in middle or even high school?
I love that you chose something you were quite passionate about! Working with children certainly does sound like a very enriching and valuable experience. How long are the children typically in the program for? Do the children "graduate" from the program at a certain age? What kinds of occupations did Angel and Diego aspire to have in the future?