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AU OUTREACH eNews

October 2023 Volume 2, Issue 13s

Special Edition:

Center for Educational Outreach and Engagement

CEOE CONNECT

Creating Brighter Tomorrows, Today


November 15, 2023

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GEAR UP Achieve logo

Auburn University receives $18.4 million grant

for GEAR UP Achieve

Led by efforts from the College of Education and University Outreach, Auburn University has received an $18.4 million Grant from the U.S Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education to provide greater access and opportunities to more than 6,500 Alabama middle school students.


Read more HERE.

PROGRAM UPDATES

YPiT students and mentors, pictured with Dr. Cheryl Seals

YPiT 23-24 Academic Year: Navigating the World of Engineering, College Bound Success, and Community Engagement

 

Young Professionals in Training (YPiT) has kicked off its 23-24 academic year with the exciting theme of 'Steering the World Through the Lens of Engineering.' Throughout this academic year, YPiT will introduce its students to the fascinating world of engineering and its diverse career opportunities.


In September, the focus was on Computer Science and Software Engineering, led by Dr. Cheryl Seals from Auburn University's Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. Dr. Seals conducted a wide range of activities, including those centered around AI, design, and gaming. Students who completed these activities were awarded CODE.org certificates, and the session explored the application of AI in filtering ocean pollution.


COLLEGE BOUND PROGRAM


YPiT has launched its College Bound program, tailored specifically for 10th through 12th graders. This initiative is designed to provide comprehensive support, including ACT Prep, guidance on scholarships, financial aid, and college applications, while equipping students with valuable information for their lives beyond high school. This program is conducted in partnership with Sherre Padgett, who offers an ACT prep platform for students to practice the ACT piece by piece online, outside of the College Bound Sessions.


OCTOBERFEST


During the month of October, YPiT joined forces with the Curtis House in

Opelika, AL, to celebrate Octoberfest. The month-long event, held on Thursday evenings, brought the community together to discuss a variety of topics relevant to families and students, such as bullying, domestic violence, and breast cancer awareness. The event featured a brave 5th-grade YPiT student and his mother, who shared a personal story about his experiences as a victim of bullying.


The YPiT staff is brimming with enthusiasm for the YPiT program this year and its remarkable growth. With over 60 applicants showing interest, families in the community are increasingly recognizing the value of YPiT and are eager to get their students involved. For further information, please visit the YPiT webpage.

SPOTLIGHTS

YPiT Mentors Spotlight

Young Professionals in Training affectionately known as YPiT which operates through the Center for Educational Outreach and Engagement (CEOE) in Auburn University is a mentoring program for underrepresented 5th – 12th-grade students in Lee, Macon, and Chambers counties. YPiT is led by a team of various individuals (pictured below) including our Program Director - Dr. Venus Hewing-Gunner, Graduate Assistant – Shikia Carter, AmeriCorps VISTA student – Jeffery Turnipseed, and Lead Mentor – Jailin Sanders. This year marks YPiT’s third year of operation. The group meets August through June, in accordance with the academic school year, one Saturday a month.

YPiT mentors with Dr. Hewing-Gunner

Each year is themed based, having previously covered “Environmental Sustainability” and “Civic Engagement”. This year’s theme “Steering the World through Engineering” is providing YPiT students the opportunity to explore different engineering disciplines and how they influence everyday lives. However, the operation and success of YPiT would not be possible without the support of campus and community partners and the mentors. The mentors are comprised of Auburn University undergraduate and graduate students. This year, the program administrators invited members within the community to become mentors based on their interests and expertise in guiding students to success. The names of this year’s YPiT mentors include Veronica Alston, Maia Singleton, Cody Shelton, Veronica Perry, Shavon Williams (Community Interest Mentor), Alex King, Camylle Lollar, Courtlyn McMeans, Seandria Smith, Evan Carson, Formeeca Tripp, Gracelyn Williams, Javaris Branford, Lauren White, Jordyn Wooley, Lauryn Lewis, and Trinity Stamps.

YPiT former mentor, Elizabeth DeVore, who will facilitate an interactive activity centered on electrical engineering principles and concepts.

The November Session will feature one of YPiT ‘s former mentors, Elizabeth DeVore, who will facilitate an interactive activity centered on electrical engineering principles and concepts. The program has 16 dedicated Student Mentors and one Community Interest Mentor who engage and support YPIT students.

Aidan Platt, YPiT

Amazing Young Man of the Year Nominee:

Aidan Platt's Inspiring Journey of Compassion

and Community Service


Aidan Platt is a remarkable junior in high school who embodies the true essence of a well-rounded student-athlete. With an impressive range of talents and interests, Aidan participates in football, track & field, and wrestling; displaying his dedication and competitive spirit. Alongside his athletic achievements, Aidan maintains a commendable 3.4 GPA, highlighting his commitment to academic excellence. Moreover, Aidan selflessly devotes his time to volunteering in various community initiatives, showcasing his compassion and desire to make a positive impact. Recognizing his exceptional abilities, Aidan has been honored as a recipient of the prestigious Auburn University youth summer beetles research project, a testament to his intellectual curiosity and scientific aptitude. Aidan Platt truly exemplifies the qualities of a well-rounded student, athlete, and community servant, promising a bright future ahead. 

 

Aidan Platt's nomination for "Amazing Young Man of the Year" is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding qualities as an individual and a community leader. His compassion, philanthropy, mentorship, community engagement, environmental stewardship, resilience, and positivity all contribute to his status as a wonderful person. Aidan's dedication to making the world a better place is an inspiration to us all, and his impact on his community and beyond is a testament to the incredible difference one person can make. As we eagerly await the announcement of the award, there is no doubt that Aidan Platt's legacy of kindness and service will continue to inspire and uplift those who have the privilege of knowing him. 


(written by Shikia Carter, CEOE graduate student and proud mom of Aidan)

Auburn University Career Technical Academy launched


The Auburn University (AU) Career Technical Academy (CTA) began August 30th at Lee County Learning Center. This program partners with Lee County Career Technical Education to provide 30 weeks of education and training, including work-based training, and skill development. 35 students at the Lee County Learning Center are gaining entrepreneurial, social-emotional, global awareness, and financial literacy skills training, and exposure to a variety of college and career options. 

Anna-Margaret Goldman, Ph.D

Director

111 O.D. Smith Hall

Auburn, AL 36849

(334) 752-1251

[email protected]


Anna-Margaret Goldman, director, CEOE
Learn more about CEOE

"transforming local underserved K-12 communities through programs and partnerships in the classroom and beyond."


― mission statement, Center for Educational Outreach & Engagement (CEOE)



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111 O.D. Smith Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849  •  (334) 752-1251


https://auburn.edu/outreach/ceoe


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