CONTINUANCE - Southern Illinois University

Stories and Ideas for Increasing Graduation Rates and WellnessBlack Hawk CollegeAn important part of our future depends on mutual understandingbetween generationsPresident Gene Gardner“It has long been said that with agecomes wisdom. I hear this notionexpressed in a variety of ways bystudents in the halls and lounges atBlack Hawk College. Conversely,young people often develop theirown life views as a result of theirexperiences, particularly fromthe various electronic gadgetrythat they have grown up with.Consequently, communicationbetween the generations becomesa value adding experience to boththe young and the not so young.An important part of our futuredepends on mutual understandingbetween the generations.”December 2 - MolineCharlet Key, Coordinator, SpecialEventsSuccess Storiesyoung man at the MolineA center was encouraged toparticipate in the homeworkassistance program. Little bylittle his grades improved, andhe developed more confidence inhis abilities. He began to interactwith staff and made suggestionsfor additional activities. With helpfrom teachers and mentors, theyoung man completed high school,enrolled at the community college,and when a staff position at theClub was available, applied andwas selected. Balancing classes,work and family commitments hasbeen a challenge but the skills heacquired at the Club, the mentoringhe received is evidence thatpersistence does bring results.DiscussionsPresident Gene Gardner greeted theparticipants in the Local Discussionand started with a tribute to olderand younger generations.One of the programs cited was theBoys & Girls Clubs that providesafter school services for 250-300students, ages 6 – 18, at 3 locations.From the Homework Power Hourto Money Matters and discussionson leadership and character, theyhave collected evidence that theirstudents do persevere.Another program is Achieve UnitedWay and their career explorationprogram at the high school level.One student, who participated,was frequently truant. She foundher career in allied health and soonimproved her attendance, raisedher GPA, and enrolled in dualenrollment courses at the highschool/community college. Nowshe is a full-time honors studentat Black Hawk College. When shefound a career that was interesting,it made a big difference in her life.She plans to pursue a BA and MS inher field of study.Through the Service Learningnetwork with Augustana Collegein Rock Island, college studentshave provided needed eyewareto elementary students who werestruggling in classes, and tutoredat-risk students.An intergenerational programtargeting Family Literacy haspaired 250 learners with 100+ tutorsto encourage reading and learningskills. A special focus of theirprogram is parenting skills.Challenges• Recruiting/retaining volunteersto overcome the snowbirdphenomenon and seniors returningto workforce.• Overcoming the “Not in mybackyard” perception that studentsat-risk are a challenge for everyone.• Recognizing impact of socialmedia as a tool and threat• Meeting the overwhelming needwith limited resourcesIdeas and Action• Explore collaborative ventures• Explore service learning/civicengagement as a potential way tohandle the volunteer recruitmentchallenge. The college students caninclude their service experienceson their applications for graduateschool. Another possibility mightbe a local employer who offeredpaid time away for workers to betutors. When an employee hadachieved a set number of hours,they would receive some sort ofrecognition – perhaps a couponfor a movie, dinner, tickets to asporting event or concert, etc.16 Continuance Magazine Fall 2010/Winter 2011