GSC Summer Scholars Institute underway

GAINESVILLE - This will mark the 23rd year of the Gainesville State College (GSC) Summer Scholars Institute (SSI) which began Monday and continues through July 19.

For four weeks each Monday through Thursday, with the exception of July 4, approximately 122 middle and high school students will be on the Gainesville State College campus, as they seek to improve their academic skills, learn from positive role models and improve their chances of attending college.

Additionally, the SSI is an early intervention, three-year cohort program for students in grades 8-10.

While the students who participate in the SSI do not pay, the cost per student is approximately $850 and covers teacher and student supplies, two meals per day for 15 days, transportation to and from the College, educational field trips, teacher and staff salaries, and uniforms.

Gainesville State College reaches out to the community to continue this program, which has been shown by pre-and post-tests to increase student academic achievement in math and language arts, science and history.

During the month-long program, students arrive at the GSC campus at about 7:30 each morning. They have breakfast and then begin a full day of studies, concentrating on history, science, career exploration, math and language arts. All subjects are in line with the Georgia Performance Standards.

The program is designed to make postsecondary education accessible to a population group that has traditionally been under-represented in higher education.

SSI Director Robin Thomas-Anyanwu is excited about the 2012 session of the program. "We are so pleased and honored to announce that the SSI has been chosen as recipients of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) this year. The SFSP is designed to fill nutritional gaps and make sure children can get the nutritious meals they need since hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process. Kudos go to Debbra Pilgrim, Dr. Pamela Elfenbein, and Melissa Armstrong for making this program possible!"

According to Anyanwu, "This year's theme is 'Empowering Our Students through Knowledge.' I think Kofi Annan said it best: "Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family." (Annan is a Ghanaian Diplomat and former U.N. Secretary-General and winner of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize).

Professional faculty for the program include: two language arts, two history, one science, one physical education, and two math teachers. The program staff includes Program Coordinator Cristina Rodriguez and Lead Teacher Barbara Harkins, as well as several current and former GSC students who serve as mentors.

In addition to enhancing academic skills, participants will be treated to a trip to Six Flags Over Georgia and a Job Shadow Day organized by Junior Achievement.