Intercultural and International Center Funding Priorities
The Ladder program
The Ladder Program is designed to focus on the academic, personal, social and cultural development of inner city students of color.
Expected results:
- Increased positive engagement of students in both the multicultural community and larger Northwest community
- Increase in retention and graduation rates
- Improved quality of multicultural programs for the campus community
- Improved leadership in student organizations
Phase I
The program will start the summer before admitted freshmen start school at Northwest. The goal is to bring in area high school, community and four-year college instructors to host four- to six-week workshops on writing, comprehension, math and study skills. This aspect of the program focuses on bridging the gap between the skills and knowledge inner city students are graduating with and the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college. Research indicates the average inner city student is graduating at the eighth-grade level in reading and math.
Phase II
After admission, Phase II of the program will involve participation in the Vision and Empowerment Institute (VEI), a semester-long program focused on transformational change. The Institute will focus on developing critical thinkers and civic minded citizens, with the goal of sending them out as catalysts and agents of change for the multicultural community and the campus community as a whole.
The sessions will emphasize the development of a personal and community vision, positive cultural identity, ways to assist others from marginalized groups in developing a positive cultural identity, personal responsibility, self efficacy, leadership skills and an empowered and engaged paradigm.
We expect VEI graduates to effectively lead organizations, mentor incoming students of color and train other mentors and leaders. We also expect the students to partner with faculty, the Office of Minority Affairs, Bridges, and other Student Affairs departments to implement initiatives associated with several Northwest Key Quality Indicators including multicultural, critical/creative, teamwork/team leading, problem solving, self directed learning and personal and social development competencies.
Funding
- Total Funding = $40,000
- Vision and Empowerment Institute = approx. $12,000 per semester
- Instructor salaries/stipends, room & board, meals = approx. $25,000