The UNF/FIE Jacksonville PreCollegiate Connections College Reach-Out Program is a collaborative effort among the Florida Department of Education, the University of North Florida, the Florida Institute of Education, and Duval County Public Schools. Jacksonville PreCollegiate Connections is partnering with Paxon Middle School and Eugene J. Butler Middle School to increase the number of students from low income families: • who are prepared for success in middle school and high   school; • who graduate from high school; • who are admitted to and successfully complete a   postsecondary education program

Program Goal

The overarching goal of the Jacksonville PreCollegiate Connections is to provide an academically focused after-school program that encourages students to embark on a college bound path: • enriching their academic experiences, • leading them to an understanding of the relationship between career opportunities, education,   and desired lifestyles, and • motivating their interest in higher education learning opportunities.

Program Eligibility

To participate in the Jacksonville PreCollegiate Connections students must meet at least one of the following economic guidelines and one of the academic guidelines. Economic Guidelines • Family taxable income does not exceed 185% of the poverty • Family receives public assistance • Student is eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch Program Academic Guidelines • Potential first-generation-in-college student • Student’s cumulative GPA below 2.50 • Student’s FCAT math/reading score below average • Student not promoted to the next grade • Student absent more than 25 school days The Jacksonville PreCollegiate Connections began in the sixth grade in 2007/08. Participation will expand to include 7th grade students in 2008/09 and 8th grade students in 2009/2010. The Jacksonville PreCollegiate Connections currently has 130 6th grade students enrolled at Paxon Middle School and Eugene J. Butler Middle School. PreCollegiate Scholars meet after school one day a week for three hours. Each student has made a commitment to accomplish the required stepping stones to achieve academic success in middle school, high school, and college.

Jacksonville PreCollegiate Connections Extended Learning Sessions

Program activities are facilitated in small learning groups led by UNF Learning Guides/Mentors. These UNF students are first generation college students who have an understanding of how low socioeconomic status can hinder or diffuse the dream of a college bound students. Each UNF Learning Guide demonstrates an intrinsic desire to help low income college bound 6th graders understand what they need to know and do to access higher education. PreCollegiate Scholars participate in Learning Round Tables led by a UNF Learning Guide Mentor. Activities strengthen middle school students' aspirations to go to college, develop team skills, explore career possibilities, and fortify inquiry and critical thinking skills which enhance academic success. Special attention is given to building background knowledge needed to be success in AP Geography. UNF Learning Guides also engage PreCollegiate Scholars in College Conversations which focus on the college experience and what is takes to get ready. These mentoring sessions help students answer the following questions: • Where do I see myself? • What is high school all about? • Why is college important? • What’s the link between what is done in middle school and my future? Meet the UNF Learning Guides and Jacksonville PreCollegiate Connections: College Reach-Out Program Director

Family Engagement

The following activities provide opportunities to bring together families and students to share in learning experiences: Family-Get-Togethers encourage families to support their children’s academic achievement; develop understanding of the benefits of post secondary education and the knowledge and skillsneeded to enter and be successful in post secondary educational environments. Saturday Excursions provide hands on experiences that enable students/families to make connections to foundational knowledge being learning in traditional curriculum along with the skills needed for success in AP Human Geography. Campus Visits encourage and expose PreCollegiate Scholars/families to the benefits of post-secondary education, students will have an opportunities to tour the UNF campus for a tour, conversations with university staff and lunch will be arranged. This visit will reinforce the college preparation process. At the end of the school year, PreCollegiate Scholars who have participated in the program on a consistent basis will be invited to attend UNF Eco-Camp. The UNF Eco-Camp is a five day non-residential camp held during the summer on the UNF campus. The camp experience includes hiking, canoeing, swimming and exploring the natural habitats on the UNF campus.

For additional information concerning the Jacksonville PreCollegiate Connections please contact: Gregory Marshall. M.Ed. Program Director Jacksonville PreCollegiate Connections College Reach-Out Program University of North Florida Florida Institute of Education University Center 12000 Alumni Drive Jacksonville, Fl 32224-2678 904-620-2496

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