Idaho has one of the lowest rates of college attendance (34%) in the nation.
We know also that children of low income families lag far behind their
middle and upper class peers in college attendance. The education gap is
widening every year.
In September 2007, two elementary schools in Caldwell (Sacajawea and Van
Buren), the College of Idaho and Lee Pesky Learning Center started a
three-year program to motivate and prepare students to attend college. More
than 85% of students at Sacajawea and Van Buren are from low income
families. About 60% of enrollment is Hispanic.
In Year One, the Caldwell Aspirations Project (CAP) includes 60 3rd
grade students, each designated a “Caldwell Scholar.” After three years, 180
3rd, 4th and 5th graders will participate.
In addition, thanks to a grant from the Whittenburger Foundation, the Center
provides learning support for Caldwell Scholars with learning disabilities
or other learning deficits.
The Caldwell Aspirations Project is supported by funds from College for
Every Student (a national program), a grant to Lee Pesky Learning
Center from Woodgrain Millwork, and a special dinner and auction hosted in
March by Intermountain Community Bank. The program provides each student
with the following:
Mentors
Volunteer mentors from the community and the schools meet regularly with
each child. Meetings focus on goal-setting, shared experiences and
problem-solving.
Exposure to College
The college idea is discussed and displayed in the schools. College banners
of the teachers are on display. Students visit college campuses and attend
classes.
Leadership Through Service
Students take responsibility for their community and for themselves. Service
projects involve every student.
Wood River High School in Ketchum and Bellevue Elementary School in Hailey
will begin the college aspirations programs in the fall of 2008. The
Marshall Bennett Education Initiative will provide financial support.
For more information on the project contact David Holmes, Executive
Director, 208-333-0008, ext. 104 or
dholmes@LPLearningCenter.org.
