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:

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

The center's goals include:

Improving urban schools through high quality professional development
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
Creating substantive school-community relationships that empower and inspire educational innovation
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 2022 Cohort!

Be an Urban Educator

We are currently accepting applications for rising junior and senior high school students and transfer students to attend the University of North Florida who want to be teachers.

The College of Education and Human Services will provide scholars with $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 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

Preference given to students who have graduated from high school in the northeast Florida region and come from a historically underrepresented group with a desire to pursue a career in education through the University of North Florida.

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 up to $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 community
Gain employment in Northeast Florida Schools immediately upon graduation

Apply

Complete an Application

For more information 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.

For questions about the College of Education and Human Services, our programs and services, and applying to UNF, please contact Jade Yuen, Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator at j.yuen@unf.edu.

UNF Bridges Summer Camp

Free Virtual Summer Camp for Today's Youth Leaders
2021 Summer Camp Week 1: July 5-9 | Week 2: July 12-16

Live Morning Sessions via Zoom 9 a.m. - 12, noon

We are currently accepting applications for high school students in Northeast Florida to participate in our FREE Annual UNF Bridges Summer Camp.

This immersive, week-long 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. Our camp is specifically designed for young adults who want to explore educational and community spaces from racial equity, social justice and activist perspectives.

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 COVID-19 pandemic we will host the camp entirely online.

Register prior to Friday, June 18 (deadline extended) to reserve your spot.

The camp is entirely free to campers, but because spaces are limited priority will be given to those students who:

Are rising juniors and seniors
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

Support CUEP and our mission, make a gift: