Community Outreach Advances Education
Improving futures in northwest Ohio
Providing the youth throughout northwest Ohio with a strong education and giving adults in the community the tools they need to succeed are top priorities for the Judith Herb College of Education (JHCOE) at The University of Toledo.
“UT is a part of the community and it’s our responsibility to help strengthen the lives of people who live in the region,” says Tom Brady, PhD, dean of JHCOE at UT. “The Judith Herb College of Education can make an immense contribution to community outreach, which is why we have a number of programs to help advance knowledge and excellence through discovery and engagement.”
Conveniently located between the urban and suburban school districts, UT has a unique opportunity to form close relations with local schools. This accessibility allows UT students and to impact education and life in the region. Adults and youth also benefit from having world-class educators building excellence into the schools and community.
Adult programs through UT
JHCOE offers adults several programs that not only help advance their careers, but also improve the communities they live in. Some of these programs include:
The Padua Center – Located in an underserved, inner-city neighborhood, UT collaborates with the Padua Center to help empower people in the community to band together and achieve their maximum potential. At the Padua Center, JHCOE professor Dr. Lynne Hamer and her students conduct research while supporting and educating community members.
SCOUT – Securing Career Opportunities at UT (SCOUT) works to obtain jobs for those with disabilities. SCOUT leaders mentor disabled individuals and teach them skills and best practices that will help them secure employment. It also educates employers about the benefits of hiring these individuals.
UT3 Noyce – This five-month, fast-track program helps science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals transition to become math or science teachers for grades seven through 12. UT3 Noyce scholars work for at least two years in underserved Ohio school districts, reaching out and inspiring students through math and science.
Youth programs through UT
Keeping children engaged in education is one of the most important steps in helping them become successful. UT students and faculty are working to advance excellence for the children in northwest Ohio through programs such as:
Gifted Education – JHCOE professors Larry Coleman and Bob Schultz have initiated high-level programs for students planning to teach gifted children. “They have developed innovative methods for teaching these profoundly gifted children,” says Dr. Brady. “For example, Bob Schultz and his students have developed curriculum guides to inspire and challenge these kids in a sports environment with Toledo Walleye and Toledo Mud Hens organizations.”
Toledo Early College High School – Located on UT’s campus, Toledo Early College High School is a Toledo Public School that has close contact with UT students and faculty. “Personal interactions between high school and university faculty breeds excellence,” says Dr. Brady. “The diverse population of students at the Toledo Early College High School is advancing at a high rate and typically become even more successful when they come to college.”
Outreach programs through JHCOE are benefiting everyone involved. UT students are able to do research and become engaged in local schools at a much earlier stage in their college education, and local youth and community members have access to programs and educators who are committed to improving their lives.
“The success of UT relies on the achievements of the people in northwest Ohio, and vice-versa,” says Dr. Brady. “Advancing public education and giving adults greater access to programs and services improves the quality of higher education.”
To learn more about programs for you or your school district, call (419) 530-2495.
