As if finals, preparing for graduation, and organizing their own Project
Graduation event are not enough, chapters have taken it upon themselves
to reach out and help high schools get involved. They are inviting their
local high schools to join in the efforts to help fight hunger and illiteracy
in their communities through this innovative program as one more way to
connect the community college to the community.
Just north
of Seattle, in Everett, Washington, chapter members at Everett Community
College have set a Project Graduation goal that involves 21 local high schools.
The Kappa Kappa Chapter Project Graduation team, led by Jay Asrouch, has
many plans in the works. While they plan to have their own Project Graduation
event on campus in June they are also taking the initiative to 21 local high
schools. The chapter is asking other campus clubs and organizations, the
campus literacy department and even local grocery stores to get involved.
"We wanted to start something that will last," commented Asrouch.
The
team plans to provide each of 21 high schools their own support team made
up of chapter members. This support team will meet with the high school students
to give guidance, advice, and provide some materials. Asrouch mentioned,
"We want to encourage them to do this on their own, to allow them to add their
own creativity. But we also want to be there in case they need anything."
Jennifer Stocks, Project Graduation team leader for the Rho
Theta chapter at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, is cooperating
with her fellow members to get four local high schools involved. They plan
to work with the activity directors at the high schools to help them set up
their own event at their commencements. They have two down and two to go.
"Getting the high school seniors involved helps us get a jump start on recruiting
motivated, involved freshmen for our campus," said Stocks.
Two
local high schools, which will not be hosting Project Graduation at their
commencement ceremony this year, have agreed to advertise the worthy cause
around campus. Posters will decorate their campus and their public address
system will periodically remind students and faculty to drop off their
needed donations at one of three drop off sites in the community. Three local
grocery stores, Fred Myer, Safeway, and Albertsons have agreed to host
donation barrels that were lent out by Snowcap Charities.
As
for their own Project Graduation event, Rho Theta chapter members plan
to collect items, not only during their outdoor commencement ceremony,
but also the day before, during the GED graduation ceremony and during rehearsal.
"Many of us are returning students," commented Stocks. "All of us have needed
help at some point in life. It just feels great to be giving back."
In
Alaska the members of Beta Epsilon Lambda chapter at Kodiak College, with
a graduating class of 30, are reaching out to their community's one high
school, one middle school and six elementary schools. Chapter president
and Project Graduation team leader, Rondelu Garshwiler, is leading her
team in the pursuit of having all schools in the community participate.
"My personal goal," states Garshwiler, "is just to make sure that this happens,
that we work with the community, and that everyone participates."
By
reaching out to help get high schools and other local schools involved,
students will have the opportunity to learn how they can give back to their
community. Plus, the numerous canned foods and books collected at these
commencement ceremonies will go to the local community-based organizations
that directly fight hunger and illiteracy directly in their communities.
Project Graduation 2003 is growing. Hundreds of colleges have
enrolled and are working hard to help community service agencies fight
hunger and illiteracy. Chapters should register for Project Graduation
2003 by April 30. Chapters need to re-enroll for every Project Graduation/commencement
ceremony event. For further details about Project Graduation and the chapters
participating please email us at project.graduation@ptk.org
or call 601.984.3577.
