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The Office of Community Service Learning works in conjunction with the upper-division Diversity in the Classrooms course, matching an Azusa Pacific student with a small group of fourth-grade students from neighboring elementary schools. These groups meet on a weekly basis throughout the semester to talk about their future dreams and goals of going to college. "APU wants kids to know that if they have a desire to go to college, that it's possible," said Gabe Filkey '00, C.H.A.M.P. coordinator. "When I was younger, higher education seemed unattainable. But with the help of scholarships and a few people who believed in me, I graduated from college." While on campus, participants are walked through the process of filling out admission, housing, and financial aid applications. They also spend time exploring classrooms as well as career options. "I was glad to be given the chance to be in C.H.A.M.P.," said Jose, a Dalton Elementary student. "It made me think about my future and the choices I have for a future job, instead of waiting until I am in high school to think about it. I figured out what I would like to do: I want to be a photographer that takes pictures of animals in the wild. Now I know that I should take classes having to do with photography." In addition to campus tours, kids spend one-on-one time with college
students, their C.H.A.M.P. buddies. These role models build positive relationships
within their small groups and encourage the kids to pursue their goals.
Buddies also meet their group at their school each week. |
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"As their university professor," said Ivy Yee-Sakamoto, associate professor in the School of Education and Behavioral Studies, "I'd have to say that they are very dedicated. In addition to being C.H.A.M.P. buddies, they are full-time students and active members of their home and university communities, yet keep a positive attitude despite the fact that they consistently work more hours than they sleep." "The C.H.A.M.P. program was a great opportunity for me to interact with fun and energetic fourth-graders," said Laura Powers '01, C.H.A.M.P. buddy. "I was able to invest some time with a great group of kids and get a glimpse of elementary education." A graduation ceremony marks the program's finale. Students are honored for their hard work with a diploma. Their C.H.A.M.P. buddies, as well as their parents, attend the concluding event to affirm the goals these young students have begun to establish. "We want to recognize their achievements. Together with their APU buddies, they are seeing a college education as a part of their future," said Yee-Sakamoto. Yee-Sakamoto bid the fourth-graders farewell after the graduation ceremony with a few final words of encouragement: "The C.H.A.M.P. graduates represent our future. The C.H.A.M.P. buddies, parents, and teachers are proud to recognize their achievements. With hard work, these young students can do anything they put their mind to. We'll see them in nine years."
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