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Techno-Scholars Program
Exploring New Pathways
About
Norfolk State University was awarded funding from the
National Association for Equal Opportunity In Higher Education (NAFEO)
to implement a male mentoring program. The Techno-Scholars Program was designed
to aid targeted male students become goal-oriented and community-conscious.
This intervention was provided to
inspire and prepare students for college and/or career success, thereby reducing
their likelihood of falling prey to risk factors that affect African-American
males. A collaboration of learning communities and faith-based initiatives, this
didactic model employed technology via web-based portals, personal computers
and community involvement to provide technical, academic, psychosocial support
and mentoring.
Participants On August 15, 2007 twenty distinguished and excited young men were selected to participate in Techno-Scholars. Along with their parent(s), they attended the August 18, 2007 orientation session. On August 27-29, 2007 they began
their journey of "Exploring New Pathways" into personal, community and
technological growth during the TECHNO BLITZ, a 3-day program event
designed to assist in their bonding process and to become acclimated to
the program's components and activities.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced academics, social skills, and relationships
- Greater self-awareness & self-esteem
- Preparation for college and/ or career success.
Partners
- Children's Tutoring Center
- Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church
- Norfolk Public Schools
- Norfolk Juvenile Court System
- NSU School of Social Work
- NSU Office of Information Technology
Technology
Technology was used to structure individualized development plans to raise the education and technology skills of participants. The technology delivery relied upon broadband and wireless networking, videoconferencing and extensive web-services.
Techno-Scholars traveled through cyberspace; met youth from other programs and professionals via video conferencing; learned advanced technology (e-learning, e-business, webpage development, multimedia production, etc.); visited technology companies; engaged in computer upgrades, repaired and
assembled; attended conferences; and explored careers in technology. Students
were reserved laptop computers & gained internet access to complete technology assignments, and received a laptop computer upon program completion.
Psychosocial
The program provided the students opportunities to engage in community service, visit college campuses & Hampton Roads regional communities, enhance spiritual and cultural awareness, increase interpersonal skills, learn civic responsibility and experience team building and atypical recreational activities.
Academics
Students received academic assistance with core subjects & homework assignments, provided facilitated preparation for routine and Standards of Learning (SOL) testing, study skills development sessions and support with special assignments.
Eligibility
- Norfolk Resident
- Enrolled in School
- Between ages of 12 and 16
- African-American Male
- Demonstrated Interest in Technology
- Drug Free
- Active Parental Involvement
Techno-Scholars participants were required to take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) assessment to determine reading level; pass a basic technology assessment and participate in random drug screening. Parents are required to participate in select workshops.
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