UA Honors College to Expand Education Outreach Program

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama Honors College is expanding its Education Outreach program beginning in 2016.

Education Outreach pairs Honors College mentors with underprivileged students in the Tuscaloosa County and Tuscaloosa City school systems to provide them with guidance and positive influence.

Some 265 Honors College students  participate in three mentoring initiatives: a literacy program for elementary students; a character development program for middle school students; and a science, technology, engineering, arts and math program for pre-kindergarten children.

By the start of the spring 2016 semester, the number of student volunteers is expected to increase to more than 400 as Education Outreach adds more schools to its scope and doubles the number of shifts during which mentors work with children. The program is estimated to reach some 1,000 children a week next year.

“The bridge between the university and the local Tuscaloosa community is maintained by education outreach’s work in the local schools,” said Ann Varnedoe, a junior in the UA Honors College and executive director of Educational Outreach. “The kids are provided with successful university student mentors who give them an example of how to be successful in life and academic endeavors.”

As part of the expansion, Education Outreach recently worked in partnership with Alabama Possible to bring students from Hillcrest High School and Central High School to the university to introduce them to college life.

All of the Education Outreach programs are created and led by students. The programs are designed to empower students to make a difference in Tuscaloosa while introducing them to community service opportunities.

“University students are exposed to a new facet of their temporary home and are introduced to an aspect of life that they may not have known they were interested in,” Varnedoe said. “Education Outreach exists to facilitate meaningful relationships between them and students in the local Tuscaloosa community.”

The University of Alabama Honors College provides an environment where exceptional students can thrive.  The College supports a culture of community and collaboration. In turn, Honors College students achieve a world-class education based on these four pillars:  innovative scholarship, advanced research, cultural interaction and civic engagement.