Penn State's Commission for Adult Learners recently selected nine Incentive Grant Programs representing eight Penn State campuses for funding. The Incentive Grant Program supports program and service initiatives for adult learners. Grants of up to $500 were available, with the requirement that each campus provide matching funds. Ideally, the grant-funded projects become an integral part of a campus's programming for its adult learners. Those receiving 2005-06 Incentive Grants include:
-- Penn State Beaver was awarded funds for its Adult Student Study Area. The campus has committed to an adult student study space and funds from this grant will be used to assist in equipment purchases for the area. Karen Morris, instructor, computer science and math, serves as project director.
-- Penn State Erie received funding to develop Online Academic Enhancement Modules for Adult Learners. This project will offer topics on computer skills, study skills and usage of eLion, ANGEL and more as online modules to be accessed by students at their convenience. Carla Torgerson, director, Center for Teaching and Educational Technologies, will serve as project director.
-- Penn State Berks will conduct workshops as part of its Sound Body, Sound Mind: Promoting Health and Wellness for the Adult Learner program. These workshops will provide an outlet to relieve stress; an opportunity to become more physically fit; and a chance to interact out of the classroom with other adults, staff and faculty at the campus. Project director is Martha Aynardi, lecturer, biology.
-- Penn State DuBois received funding for two projects -- Adult Student Newsletter and Discovering Your Strengths: Leading and Learning as Your Best Self. The newsletter project, under the direction of Melissa Duttry and Holli Lashinksy, admissions counselors, will provide adult learners with information on important deadlines; share information from campus offices; and provide a vehicle for students to share their stories. The self-awareness program will be led by Scott Yeager, adult student coordinator, and will provide participants with the tools and assistance needed to identify, define and develop a strengths-based approach to career and academic planning.
-- Penn State Hazleton will offer Professional Communication Skills for the Technology Driven Workplace. Jackie Ritzko, instructional design specialist, and Kathy Maxwell, adviser/career counselor, serve as project directors. This program will equip participants with appropriate and correct techniques for using communication technology tools such as e-mail, instant messaging, blogging, Web-conferencing and more as professionals.
-- Penn State Lehigh Valley was awarded funds for the Writing Assistance for Adult Learners program. Late afternoon and evening writing assistance will be offered to students attending the Fogelsville campus and the Corporate Learning Center. Michelle Kaschak, Writing Center coordinator, will serve as project director.
-- Penn State Mont Alto will hold Adult Learner Connections. Students will have the opportunity to learn about various campus resources and personnel associated within each area. This also will serve as a networking opportunity and a means to share their Penn State experience with each other. Project director is Andrea Christopher, director of Student Affairs.
-- Penn State York was awarded funds for their Info for Adults sessions. A series of workshops will be held on campus services, study skills, coping skills, resume building and more. Sharon Christ, director, Student and Enrollment Services, will serve as project director.
Information on this year's incentive grant programs will be featured at the annual Hendrick Best Practices for Adult Learners Conference scheduled for Monday, May 8, at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, University Park. John M. Dirkx, professor of higher, adult and lifelong education at Michigan State University, is the keynote speaker.