SWU partners with Bethlehem Christian Academy
Southern Wesleyan University basketball player Jessica Auguste, left, reads to a group of youngsters during the after school program at Bethlehem Christian Academy in Simpsonville, S.C. Also pictured is teammate Brittany Watts.
The mentoring is part of a joint effort between the SWU School of Education, the university's Lady Warriors, Laurens School District 55, Bethlehem Christian Academy and Project READ.
Kendra Brooks of Southern Wesleyan University's Lady Warriors Women's Basketball Team, left, reads to a group of youngsters during the after-school program at Bethlehem Christian Academy. Also pictured is teammate Amber Ryals. The mentoring is part of a joint effort between the SWU School of Education, the university's Lady Warriors, Laurens School District 55, Bethlehem Christian Academy and Project READ.
A nearly $200,000 grant from S.C. Department of Education 21st Century Learning Center will include funding for Southern Wesleyan University to train the staff of Bethlehem Christian Academy as part of an after-school program for children from Laurens School District 55. Pictured from left: Dr. Keith Iddings, Southern Wesleyan University provost; Katrina Robinson, director of after-school programs at Bethlehem Christian Academy; LaCheryl Smith, Southern Wesleyan University's women's basketball coach; Dr. Sandra McLendon, assistant professor of education and acting associate dean of education at Southern Wesleyan; Southern Wesleyan University President Dr. David Spittal; and Dr. Paul Shotsberger, dean of Southern Wesleyan University's School of Education.
Southern Wesleyan University's School of Education and SWU's Lady Warriors Basketball Team are joining together to enhance educational opportunities for children enrolled in an Upstate after-school program.
Bethlehem Christian Academy in Simpsonville, S.C., received a $200,000 grant from the S.C. Department of Education 21st Century Learning Center, which includes professional development funding for the training of their staff by education faculty members from Southern Wesleyan University. Southern Wesleyan's School of Education will provide training for the parents and teachers in differentiated instruction, assessment, technology and working with gifted and talented students. The grant will provide for additional funding over the next four years.
According to Dr. Sandra McLendon, assistant professor of education and acting associate dean of education at Southern Wesleyan, the project involves the university and its Lady Warriors, Laurens School District 55, Bethlehem Christian Academy and Project READ. McLendon said that the project helps children in grades 3-5 improve skills in reading, writing and mathematics, and it also provides literacy training for parents at no cost.
"It's a great opportunity to partner with them. This is a marvelous example of a program I think will really work," said Dr. David Spittal, president of Southern Wesleyan University.
"This is what we're expected to do, not only as a university, but as Christians," said Dr. Paul Shotsberger, dean of the School of Education. "We are supposed to be involved with those who need a little bit more to be competitive, to be able to make a difference. The opportunity that we have of interacting not only with the teachers and the parents but with the children is just awesome."