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Center for Urban Education and Policy

 

Our mission statement:

We believe in empowering schools and communities by uniting strengths, inviting advocacy, and inspiring innovation.

The CUEP supports UNF's instruction, research, and service programs by:

  • providing quality education for socially and economically disenfranchised groups;
  • applying culturally sustainable research related to the education, recruitment, retention and advancement of urban teachers and school administrators;
  • facilitating faculty research that advances the academic conversation, improves evidence base educational practices and informs educational policy;
  • collaborating with communities to strengthen educational outcomes and quality of life

The CUEP is guided by these five axioms:

  1. The people closest to the issues in schools and communities are best situated to discover answers to local concerns
  2. Learning and leadership are dynamic social processes
  3. Conversations are critical and central pedagogical processes
  4. Crossing boundaries enriches development and educational processes
  5. Hope and change are built on assets and dreams of locals and their communities

The center's goals include:

  1. Improving urban schools through high quality professional development
  2. Informing the work of the Center for Urban Education and Policy and the College of Education and Human Services through high-impact research and assessment
  3. Creating substantive school-community relationships that empower and inspire educational innovation
  4. Bridging the university with the community and schools through information, resources and relationships that acknowledge the existing assets and resources of each entity 

Urban Education Scholarships, Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2021 Cohort! 

Be an Urban Educator

We are currently accepting applications for rising junior and senior high school students in Northeast Florida to attend the University of North Florida who want to be teachers. 
The College of Education and Human Services will provide scholars with a guaranteed $6,000 per year in scholarship funds. Formerly referred to as the UNF Holmes Scholars, the Urban Education Scholarships continues to facilitate the diversification of the educator pipeline to better reflect PK-12 demographics. Supporting the Northeast Florida region with qualified and diverse teachers is crucial. This program also establishes an environment of mentorship and support for participants and prepares students to engage in the larger professional community.

 

Eligibility Requirements 

  • Be a student from an under-represented racial/ethnic group
  • Possess a passion for impacting the lives of youth and the neighborhoods in which they live

  • Be Pell Grant eligible (income based)

  • Be eligible for admission to UNF: 3.0 GPA and a 1000 (SAT) or 21 (ACT) score
  • Demonstrate a commitment to equity and diversity in education
  • Major in education
  • Complete FAFSA 
  • Maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout each semester at UNF
  • Possess a passion for impacting the lives of youth and the neighborhoods in which they live

Benefits

  • Scholarship Award is $6,000 per year ($3,000 for fall and $3,000 for spring semester)
  • Receive financial support for tuition, room, and additional expenses
  • Experience a cohort model (support for you and your family as you navigate your college experience at UNF)
  • Receive individualized mentoring from UNF faculty and local community members
  • Experience exciting professional development opportunities
  • Receive training that will allow you to positively impact youth and the communityUrban Education Scholar Program Application
  • Gain employment in Duval County Public Schools immediately upon graduation
Apply 

 

Complete an Application Form 

 

For more information and to return your completed application form, contact Dr. Rudy Jamison, Assistant Director of the UNF College of Education & Human Services’ Center for Urban Education and Policy.

Contact Dr. Rudy Jamison by email at rudy.jamison@unf.edu. 

FREE UNF Bridges Summer Camp

2021 Summer Camp Dates TBA

We will soon be accepting applications for rising junior and senior high school students in Northeast Florida to participate in our FREE Annual UNF Bridges Summer Camp. 

This immersive, two-week virtual summer program is the perfect opportunity for students to explore how they can change lives and transform communities through teaching and how UNF's College of Education and Human Services can help make that happen. Packed full of activities led by camp counselors, guest speakers, and educator coaches, we’re thrilled to offer a fully interactive and engaging camp for our students! Campers will be sent personalized swag items and materials prior to the start of camp. They will receive a certificate of completion and will come away with a lifetime of memories along with invaluable knowledge that will prepare them for their college career.  

Due to the changing COVID-19 pandemic, we will either host an in-person camp or it will be held entirely online.

 

The camp is entirely free to campers, but spots are limited. 

Priority will be given to those students who:

  • Are rising seniors
  • Are students of diverse ethnic backgrounds
  • Are interested in teaching
  • Have a current GPA of 3.0 or higher

UNF Bridges Summer Camp website 

 

Questions about the application process and for more information, contact Dr. Rudy Jamison, Camp Director, and Assistant Director of the UNF College of Education & Human Services’ Center for Urban Education and Policy.

Contact Dr. Rudy Jamison by email at rudy.jamison@unf.edu.  

 

CUEP In The News:

UNF Holmes Scholars

Mitch 22 Foundation gifts laptops to UNF students pursuing education careers

Eastside Mural Project

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