BLOG
Love Yourself First
Seven students from AU’s Drop Back In program in Orlando had a unique opportunity in early March when they attended the Love Yourself First conference and retreat that included National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day activities.There were also workshops on self-esteem and dating; HIV and STI prevention; and beauty and female hygiene
DBI attendees (see photo, from left) were Sallinia Collins, Nakesha Williams, La Paige Stokes, Weperia Williams, and Chastity Garden with Charmaine Blue, AU’s executive director for grants and accountability, who arranged for the young women to attend this event. Not pictured but attending were Tynisha Whitfield and Ashley Hall.
Here are excerpts from their letters of appreciation to professors at Florida A&M University, School of Law; AU staff; and sponsor The National Council of Negro Women — Greater Orlando Chapter: “We are writing to thank you … for giving us the opportunity to attend the “Love Yourself First Conference-Retreat.” It was a wonderful experience and we want to share with you some of the ways it impacted and influenced our lives. Continue reading →
Blair Smith Wins University of Mobile Scholarship
Blair Smith, a senior at Three-Notch DBI, has won a $20,000 scholarship to The University of Mobile. She attended a Winter Jam Concert (a faith-based concert) at USA Mitchell Center, which was sponsored by The University of Mobile. Each student was encouraged to sign up for a drawing to win a Winter Jam Scholarship, and Blair was one of the winners. She can win an additional $2,000 scholarship if she registers and makes a formal visit to the campus. Blair has 22 credits and wants to major in psychology.
DBI Students Attend Law Day
Florida A&M University College of Law will host students of the Orlando DBI programs at a Discover Law Day program on Tuesday, April 26.
The program is sponsored by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) as part of the Discover Law.org campaign “to encourage racially and ethnically diverse students to discover career opportunities in law and choose a path in undergraduate school to help them succeed.”
In addition to a tour of the law school, students will engage in a career exploration activity on the topic of “Who Goes to Law School?” and attend a mock law class.
Grand Bay DBI Students Prove Their Heroism
Two Grand Bay DBI (Mobile) students, who are also volunteer firefighters, have recently exhibited the kind of heroism that we should all hope to emulate.
AU Announces Virtual Education Division
Alternatives Unlimited proudly announced in February the establishment of its Virtual Education Division, with its central operation located in Magnolia, NJ. Initially the virtual education services will target homebound education and summer school programs and will be marketed in New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio (Cleveland area), Alabama (Mobile area), and Missouri (St. Louis area).
As with all of AU’s educational services, the primary goal is to assist school systems and parents/guardians by providing innovative and cost-effective educational services to students who often find greater success through the use of non-traditional instructional delivery approaches.
AU’s Homebound Instruction Program provides curriculum-based tutoring to students who are excluded from school for any period of time and for whatever reason. The curriculum is aligned with the individual state’s Core Content Standards and features an assigned tutor with appropriate state certification. Currently being provided to approximately 100 students per week in the state of New Jersey, this program will expand next year to the locations mentioned above.
AU also will offer summer courses for students who may wish to enroll in virtual education opportunities for a variety of reasons, including course make-up, enrichment and credit completion. Personnel in the New Jersey office are currently working with John Sullivan, AU’s chief operating officer, to determine the best platform by which an interactive, dynamic and high quality curriculum will be available in a variety of subjects. Nick Lorenzetti will serve as the executive vice president of the new Virtual Education Division.
The virtual ed office in New Jersey is located at 303A Evesham Ave., Magnolia, 08049. In addition to Mr. Lorenzetti, office personnel include Danielle Fennimore, director of virtual education services; Yvette Cuffe, assistant curriculum director; Abbey Wence, administrative assistant; and Robert Quinn, tech support. They may be reached at 856-258-2139 (phone); 856-258-2034 (fax).