The process of finding candidates for the Textbook Stipend Project is no easy undertaking. We discussed criteria, how to go about the mechanics of giving out financial awards to students. I knew it wasn't appropriate to just hand over cash, so the question of how to operate and administer this transaction proves daunting.
It's a special combination of qualities that make a great candidate for the Textbook Stipend Project. While academics play a role - just not the main focus- they don't solely determine our interest in a student. Grades are the obvious indicator to how well a student takes exams and does the work but that alone does not determine if they have the hutzpah, drive or desire to do anything beyond reporting to the office, 9-5, until retirement.
Creativity plays a more prominent role in my eyes because making it in the marketplace requires the ability to attack and carry out challenges, and to be able to think outside of the box, the ability to reinvent. In other words, leadership ability far outdistances academic prowess. We can all be managers, but we all can't be leaders!
Once we identify the students, we'll create a database where we will chart the journey we'll take together. Systems have to be put in place to record and track activities pertaining to the student. We must be able to evaluate and take measures of the progress of the student as well as the program. However, systems cannot measure the impact of face-to-face interaction or the channel of communication set in place. So the relationship component dictates the success of the project.
Once we make our choice of students we will make sure you're the first to know!
We will keep you posted.
Project Brownstone (projectbrownstone.org) applies a holistic approach to empowering and developing underserved youths in Harlem by using education as a tool. Project Brownstone challenges kids to see themselves from a different perspective, and to imagine themselves as entrepreneurs and leaders.
No comments:
Post a Comment