Steven Post

March 2012—Steven Post is reaching out to high school students with a new summer program. In 2011, Post created Summer@Edgewood, a pre-college summer math program. Post says the program was created as a way of supporting the college’s diversity and inclusion initiative. Last year, a demographically diverse group of seven high school students participated in Summer@Edgewood. These students took MATH 101: Intro to Problem Solving alongside Edgewood College students, and they learned how to prepare for college. The high school students worked on their study skills, were aided in the college search process, and found out how to research financial aid opportunities.

The program aims not only to strengthen students mathematically but also to give them the tools to succeed in college. Anyone who has completed 10th grade can apply, but Post says the program is “especially interested in recruiting students from under-represented populations.” As part of the recruitment process, Post says, “We circulate the word to area guidance counselors, math teachers, minority student coordinators, and appropriate list serves.”

Participants in the program receive a certificate of completion, and may be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship to Edgewood College. Students may also be awarded college credit, which they can transfer to their preferred college or university. To apply, students must submit the program application and one letter of recommendation from a math teacher.

Post says he hopes that other academic departments will get involved so that students can take a variety of courses over the summer in addition to math. “Faculty and staff from all over the college participate in the programming for the students throughout the summer,” Post says. Committee members include Tony Garcia, coordinator for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion; Angela Street, director of Learning Support Services; Mara James, an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer with the School of Integrated Studies; Amy Schiebel, associate professor of natural sciences and K-16 science coordinator; Tricia Dusick, assistant director of COR/Human Issues programs; Mogi Roulet, director of grants with the Advancement Office; and Derek Johnson, undergraduate admissions counselor.

Post considers last year’s program a success, and says that the students had a great experience. “Plus,” Post adds, “They were a great addition to the class in ways which helped the regular Edgewood students.”

David Blankenbaker

May 2011—David Blankenbaker received the Excellence in Teaching Award for an Adjunct Faculty Member.