Published 1:47 am Thursday, October 16, 2014
In only its second year, more than 2,200 students have enrolled in Crosby Scholars in Rowan County. With students coming from every middle and high school in the Rowan-Salisbury School System, this year’s number represents an increase of more than 500 students over last year’s initial enrollment.
“We are excited that the program has grown in our second year,” said Jennifer Canipe, executive director. “We are especially pleased to have an increased number of middle school students this year because we can begin reinforcing the importance of the choices they are making, and how those choices will impact their futures – including their future college options.”
All Crosby Scholars attend grade-specific academies where they participate in academic and personal growth workshops. They are required to participate in and document their community service activities and are exposed to college campuses and career exploration. Crosby students are encouraged to maintain a drug-free lifestyle, and the students in grades nine, 10 and 11 sign an agreement that they will participate in a random drug-screening as part of the program.
The Rowan Crosby Scholars program helps students navigate the path to college and other post-secondary opportunities that are best suited to each student’s needs, aptitudes and dreams. Of the 1,805 students reporting, more than 57 percent of the enrolled Crosby Scholars will be first in their family to access college.
“Our hope is to build a college-going culture in Rowan County. The Crosby program will guide students along the path toward success beginning in sixth grade, and provide grade level-specific information to help each one reach his or her lifelong dreams and goals,” Canipe said.
Upcoming events for Crosby Scholars include ninth- and 10th-grade academy workshops as well as a free “First Generation” college film to be shown at Catawba College on Nov. 13.
For more information about the Rowan County Crosby Scholars program, its mission and how to become involved, contact the office at 704-762-3512, or go to the organization’s website at www.crosbyscholarsrowan.org.
Crosby Scholars ninth and 10th grade academies
Crosby Scholars is holding the first of three academies for ninth- and 10th-grade students who are in the program this Saturday at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
Students will select two workshops from a variety of topics that will focus on personal and academic skills. These skills help increase the potential for success in high school and college. Attending one academy is a program requirement.
Check-in will be at 9 a.m., and the academy will last until 11:45 a.m. No food will be provided. Students must stay for the entire academy and submit an attendance sheet to receive credit for this program requirement. Students can register online through their student portal at www.crosbyscholarsrowan.org.
Additional ninth- and 10th-grade academies are Nov. 1 and Nov. 15 at Rowan-Cabarrus.
For those who need a ride to the academy, a bus is available from certain high school campuses. If transportation is an obstacle, select the academy date that offers the bus stop closest to you.
On Oct. 18, the bus service will be from West Rowan High School. Nov. 1, the bus service will be at Carson High School and East Rowan High School. Nov. 15, the bus will run from North Rowan High School. Pick-up from the high schools is at 8:30 a.m. Parents should pick up students from those schools at noon.
For more information about Crosby Scholars and academies, visit www.crosbyscholarsrowan.org or call 704-762-3512.
Service Above Self awards
The Rowan County United Way and the Rowan Rotary Club are looking for young people between the ages of 5 and 18 as individuals or groups who value service to others.
Individual awards are as follows: first place, $500; second place, $200; and third place, $100. Each prize will be divided evenly between the winners and their schools.
Groups and organizations will receive $500 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place.
Nominations for the annual Service Above Self Youth Awards are due by Nov. 14. Applications are available at the Rowan County United Way office and online at www.rowanserviceaboveself.com. For more information, call 704-633-1802.