A program begun by three St. Lawrence students is helping children
in local schools by "bridging the gap" between them and the college
experience.
Bridging the Gap began as a special project for an education course, by
Brettany LaDuke '04, of Massena, NY; Nicole Renda '04, of Gloversville,
NY; and Stephanie Peets '03, of Greenwich, NY. The three have created
a series of presentations on topics of interest to students in grades
two through 12, on everything from "reading is FUNdamental" to
"being smart is being cool" and "the real world transition from high
school to college or the workforce."
The program is helping the St. Lawrence students bridge their own gap,
from college student to budding teacher. All three are interested in
careers as teachers, and have recruited and trained classmates to give
the presentations as well, for course credit in education or through
the service-learning program.
In addition to making classroom visits to schools throughout the region
to do presentations, the University students have also hosted groups from
area schools on campus, for tours, class visits and sessions on working
through the admissions process.
The goal of Bridging the Gap, the students say, is to "encourage students
to reach beyond basic learning, and toward understanding and application
of the material."