LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville will ramp up its efforts to help high-need high school students enter college and succeed through a $2.6 million, five-year partnership with the Council for Opportunity in Education, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C.
The program is part of a $24 million effort by the council and GE Foundation to create a college-going culture among low-income, minority and potential first-generation college students across the country.
UofL’s Office of Community Engagement will oversee the program at Shawnee and Moore high schools, while Kentucky State University will head the effort at Fern Creek High School in cooperation with UofL.
The program will target 50 students in each high-school grade level, or a total of 200 students at each school. On-site coaches will mentor students, help them with their studies, take them on field trips to college campuses and offer them enrichment activities over the summer.
“Our coaches will work with these students day-in and day-out to motivate them, boost their confidence and show them how going to college can improve their lives,” said UofL President James Ramsey.
Data gathered through the effort will be used to help guide the way schools measure student achievement, engage students and parents in college-going activities and inspire more students to enter careers in math, science and technology, said Ralph Fitzpatrick, associate UofL vice president for community engagement.
Fitzpatrick’s office leads the Signature Partnership, a team effort by the university, Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville Metro Government and a wide range of community organizations to enhance the quality of life for West Louisville residents. Improving education is a key area of focus in the partnership.
The Council for Opportunity in Education works with higher learning institutions across the country to expand college opportunities for low-income and first-generation students.
The program is being funded with a $20 million U.S. Department of Education grant awarded to the council and a $4 million matching gift from the GE Foundation, General Electric’s philanthropic organization.
For more information, contact Fitzpatrick at 502-852-3163 or ralph.fitzpatrick@louisville.edu