BALTIMORE – (October 12, 2010) – Coppin State University(CSU) added an exciting new component to its eight-year-old pre-nursing students enrichment program this summer, a step aimed at improving the university’s retention and graduation rate. As a part of a Summer Nursing Academy established in July 21, 2010, students who aspire for nursing careers participated in a two-week program designed to enhance their personal development and academic skills. The students plan to enroll in Coppin’s Helene Fuld School of Nursing(HFSON). The rigorous Summer Nursing Academy expands a major HFSON graduation and retention thrusts established in June 2002. The project — the Coppin Academy for Pre-Nursing Success (CAPS) — is a comprehensive year-round pre-entry baccalaureate preparation program that targets high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds. “Many of our students require additional assistance on standardized exams,” said Dr. Frances Gordon, CAPS Project Coordinator. “We are providing them with a rigorous academic support system to get them where they need to be.” CAPS, founded by Dr. Gordon and Dr. Marcella Copes, Dean of the HFSON, immerses students in a socialized environment that helps them to progress smoothly from a primary level of education to a secondary arena of higher learning. The students are invited to engage in career fairs and lectures and to participate in CSU’s Nursing Students’ Association and Mary Mahoney Honor’s Society activities. CAPS focuses not only on the theoretical practice of nursing but also on the practical aspect in the clinical portions of nursing education. According to Dr. Gordon, the program offers a reality- based clinical experience during the summer and winter sessions as well as academic support, tutorial assistance, financial and career counseling, and professional and peer mentoring,

Read Full Article at Coppin Academy for Pre-Nursing

Huntsville, AL – Jennae Leslie is only 6 years old. However, her age has never stopped her from getting things done. “She’s always been very inquisitive. She has a go get it attitude. She’s always wanted to do things on her own,” says Jennae’s mother, Jessica Fortune.

Now, she is putting that “go get it” attitude to work by helping victims of April’s Fury. “When the tornadoes hit, she came to me and she said, Mommy, I want to do something for the kids, I have to do something for the kids,” says Fortune.

That something turned into a volunteer organization called Kidz to Kidz. Jennae is collecting clothes, toys, and supplies to five to tornado victims. “I have some shoes, and some baby shoes, and I have some baby clothes,” says Jennae. Her mom adds, “She said, well I want it to only be kids. They give stuff to me and we turn around and give that stuff to other kids. and she said, she wanted to be in charge of it.”

So far, Jennae has filled a room in her house with things she has collected from friends and family. But, for this “go get it” six year old, it isn’t enough. “We reached out to Oakwood University, and they got behind her idea,” says Fortune. “They were very excited that she was so young and has so much energy.”

For the complete article, go to:
http://www.waaytv.com/news/local/story/6-Year-Old-Giving-to-Valley-Kidz/e8nymtORGUaTQB1oZ2id-A.cspx

When three Spelman students were accepted into The Creative Minds program at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France, they had no idea of the impact the experience would have on both their professional and personal lives.  The annual program offers film students from across the world opportunities to participate in internships with film companies, produce short films, and network with industry professionals.  Attending workshops and screenings and hobnobbing with international celebrities on the French Riveria made this particular professional development opportunity even more fabulous.

How did you participate in the Cannes Film Fest?

Hope Harris, C’2012: As an executive board member of the new Morehouse Filmmakers Association, I helped in bringing a representative from the program to speak to young filmmakers in the Atlanta University Center about the program. I was very fortunate to have had a short film ‘Saved’ in the festival last year, but unfortunately was unable to attend.

When I received word that I had been accepted this year, I worked very hard to submit proposals, and had many meetings to get funding help from Spelman. The day before the program fees were due, I got a phone call from the provost’s office saying they would be funding my whole trip. That was when the real excitement hit!

Why did you want to attend the Festival?

Raynette Palmer, C’2012: I wanted to attend the festival because it was something outside of anything I had ever done. I had never left the country and I had never attended a film festival before. About a month before I applied, I wrote and directed my first short film, ‘Forever with You,’ as a part of Campus Movie Fest, so I was already moving toward the path that I wanted to be on.

Read Full Article Spelman