Third Annual Achievement Project Statewide Conference A Success
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The West Virginia Achievement Project hosted more than 200 students, parents, educators
and community members during the 2008 Statewide Conference, November 14 – 15, at
the Lakeview Resort and Spa in Morgantown, WV. The conference, America’s Challenge:
Thirsty? For Academic Excellence, was a family-oriented event that brought parents
and students to Morgantown to learn the importance of high student achievement through
rigorous courses such as Advanced Placement.
Click here to read more.
Are you thirsty? Why is this an important question? Click here
to learn more.
Photo galleries from the conference
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About the WV Achievement Project
The WV Achievement Project is an Advanced Placement (AP) Initiative which works
to increase the AP participation rates of first-generation, low-income and/or underserved
minority students through:
- Academic Enrichment Programs
- Academic Advising and Mentoring
- Parent and Community Education
- Recognition and Incentive Programs
The 10 target counties include: Berkeley, Cabell, Fayette, Jefferson, Kanawha, Marion,
McDowell, Mercer, Ohio and Raleigh.
Scholars Academy
The Scholars Academy is a 16 week Pre-AP initiative designed to cultivate a pipeline
of first-generation, low-income and/or underserved minority students who will be
prepared to enroll in AP coursework during high school. The Scholars Academy is
held after-school, three days a week for two hours each day. The host site is usually
a middle school, but may be a community-based site. The primary objectives of the
academy are to:
- Prepare students for accelerated coursework in Math and Science
- Expose students to innovative learning experiences
- Increase student participation in educational opportunity programs
- Equip students and their parents with knowledge and skills that will help the students
attain high levels of academic achievement.
AP Bootcamp
The AP Bootcamp is a week-long summer orientation designed to prepare first generation,
low-income and/or underserved minority high school students who are newly enrolled
in AP for the challenges of accelerated coursework. Students will sharpen their
study and organizational skills. They will also learn from AP teachers and former
AP students the secrets to AP success.
The AP Pact for High School Students
The AP Pact is the Achievement Project’s charge to schools, parents, and communities
to identify and encourage capable low-income, underserved minority and first generation
college students to enroll in and successfully complete at least one AP course and
exam. The project supports this initiative by providing resources to assist students
who enroll in AP with related expenses, including the cost of AP text books, resource
materials, and exam fees. Additional academic/tutoring support is also available
to these students. Those who accept the AP Challenge will be invited to attend AP
Boot Camp.
In-School Supplemental Advisors
In-School Supplemental Advisors (ISSA) work closely with middle school Scholars
and high-school students who have newly enrolled an AP. The primary objectives of
the ISSA are to:
- Monitor student progress.
- Provide support and direction to students and their parents.
- Supplement guidance counseling with detailed advising and assistance with class
scheduling, application completion, etc.
- Listen and respond appropriately to student concerns/needs especially as they relate
to their academic and overall well-being.
The Parent Café
Parent Cafés are community-based activities designed to equip adults with the understanding
and skills needed to access available resources and to navigate the educational
system in order to produce high achieving students. Parent and community education
programs such as these help in the:
- Understanding of student test data (e.g., WESTEST, ACT and SAT scores, Advanced
Placement information).
- Learning about the advantages and challenges of AP courses.
- Development of partnerships with school personnel.
- Understanding of the financial aid, scholarship, and college application processes.
“9 Weeks of No Nonsense Awards”
9 Weeks of No Nonsense Awards are given to students who earn a 3.0 or better on
their report cards. The mini-awards ceremony is hosted at a participating community
church. Students receive framed certificates and a gift certificate. Local papers
are asked to publish a group photo of awardees each 9 week period.
Annual Achievement Awards
These awards are annual, end-of year ceremonies during which students from the project’s
targeted population are recognized for academic excellence, academic improvement
and other academically enriching accomplishments. In addition to a certificate,
students receive several gift incentives.
Partnerships
Cabell County Schools, Superintendent William Smith
Berkeley County Schools, Superintendent, Manny Arvon
Jefferson County Schools, Superintendent Susan Walls
Kanawha County Schools, Superintendent Dr. Ron Duerring
Marion County Schools, Superintendent,
McDowell County Schools, Superintendent,
Mercer County Schools, Superintendent,
Ohio County Schools, Superintendent,
Raleigh County Schools, Superintendent,
AP and Achievement Data
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