DAHLONEGA - Hispanic students at three middle schools in Hall County are benefiting from a special program funded by a Goizueta Foundation grant, whihc is administered through the North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU) Foundation, and coordinated by faculty and staff at North Georgia.
Chestatee Middle School and East Hall Middle School and Gainesville Middle School started after-school programs this fall to enhance Hispanic students' academic skills. In
addition, the students' parents will receive literacy classes and orientation programs that will encourage their involvement in their
children's education.
The program is called the META Initiative. The word "meta" in Spanish means "goal." The acronym for the program stands for "Mejórate - improve yourself; Edúcate - educate yourself; Trabaja - work; and Alcanza tu sueño - reach your dream.
"We've seen tangible results in just a few weeks," said Donna Shirley, coordinator of the META program and parents' outreach component at East Hall.
"The computer labs and tutoring have helped increase students' levels in reading and English-speaking skills."
Several university student tutors from North Georgia, Gainesville College and Brenau are involved in the program, giving one-on-one
attention to middle school students.
"One part of the Goizueta Foundation grant provides for need-based scholarship assistance for Hispanic/Latino students whose families
reside in the United States," explained Carmen Mas, administrator, along with Education Dean Bob Michael, of the META Initiative at North
Georgia. "The other program the grant funds is the META Initiative."
Tuesday
April 1st, 2025
9:58PM
