Claudio Cerullo speaks at West Chester University of Pennsylvania

March 2006 -Philadelphia School District Students visit West Chester University-Learn about higher education.
By: Barbara Klein
 
June 5, 2010 - PRLog -- Exposing students to new environments helps them build awareness of opportunities that are available to them. One of the most effective means to increase awareness among middle and high school minority students is by visiting college campuses. Through these (enhanced) campus visits, college dreams become a reality for students as they tour the campus of West Chester University.

More than ninth-five 11th grade students from Martin Luther King High School headed off to college to learn more about the importance of planning for college as well as the rewards of a teaching career.  The campus visit was hosted by West Chester University and the College of Education.  As the enthusiastic students arrived at Philips Memorial Hall, they were greeted by a host of university staff and students who were eager to motivate them throughout their visit.

The campus visit was designed to help students gain an early awareness of college preparation as well as to inform them of the academic opportunities available through the GEAR UP Program.  ”Students need to begin to reflect early about college so they can better prepare for the academic demands of college and take advantage of financial aid opportunities,” said Dr. John Hartman, Assistant Dean for Outreach Services.”  

The event began in Phillips Memorial Hall where students heard from Dr. Claudio Cerullo, University Coordinator for the PA State GEAR UP Program, Ms. Emily Holden, Tutor Coordinator, Ar’ Marlon Barbour, university student, and faculty members about the importance of a college education, options on financial aid and the need to take core courses in order to be academically prepared for entering college.

Upon hearing the many encouragements from the GEAR UP Team, the students then embarked on their enhanced college tour.  As the students toured the various buildings on the campus, the were encouraged to ask questions about dorm life, off campus activities, classes, professors, fraternities, and sororities, and the demands of college life.  The students asked a great deal of questions with enthusiasm and excitement in an effort to graduate from high school and start college right-away.  Many of the students stated that they could not wait to go off to college and how cool West Chester University really was.  Another young man stated, “I can’t believe how many books you have to carry.”  Our university students responded to the multitude of questions with energy and encouragement in an effort to get our high schools students thinking about life at West Chester University.

As the students completed their college tour, they all met at Lawrence Hall for the university dinning experience.  One student asked,” Can we eat anything we want?”  “Yes” replied one tour guide.  Another students stated, “This was the best visit I have ever had, I am defiantly coming to West Chester.”  Together the university students, high schools students, and staff members, continued to discuss college options, college life, and life after college.

Of the ninety-five MLK high schools students that visited WCU on February 3, 2006, forty-five attended WCU in the fall of 2006.

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About Dr. Claudio Cerullo
Dr. Claudio V. Cerullo possesses more than seventeen-years experience in education. With six years teaching in Social Science Education. Dr. Claudio Cerullo earned his Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Social Science Education where he was elected President of the Student Government and Education Association. Dr. Cerullo earned his Master's Degree in Professional Elementary and Secondary Education with his concentration in Educational Administration, earned his Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Administration and has attended educational leadership training in Diversity/Multi-Cultural Education through Harvard University's Graduate School of Education.
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Source:Barbara Klein
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Tags:Dr. Claudio Cerullo, Claudio Cerullo, Education
Industry:Education
Location:Philadelphia - Pennsylvania - United States
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