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CLARION UNIVERSITY-VENANGO CAMPUS STUDENT GROUP RECEIVES GRANT

 OIL CITY, PA-Clarion University–Venango Campus Student Chapter of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (SPSEA) has been awarded a $2000 grant from the National Education Association’s Student Program entitled CLASS (Community Learning Through America’s SchoolS).

            The student group, in conjunction with staff at the campus’ Charles L. Suhr Library, will use the grant funds to establish a Children’s Literature Resource Library for education majors at the campus and to implement a story hour project to provide education students with opportunities to read to children in a child development or school setting.

            “My colleagues and I are immensely proud of the students who took the initiative to apply for this grant,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean at Venango Campus. “Their successful endeavor not only provided them practical grant-writing experience and an opportunity for professional development, but it also demonstrated the tremendous positive impact they can make through community service.”

            CLASS projects are taking place all over the country.  Since 1989, college students on more than 150 campuses have become involved in giving thousands of children hope and the promise of a better tomorrow. 

            “This is an exciting and productive experience for our members,” says Amanda Barr, president of the Venango Campus Chapter of SPSEA.  “Research indicates that preschool years are the cutting edge of a child’s development of cognitive, emotional and social development, and language skills.  Through the establishment of a Children’s Literature Collection in Suhr Library, we will be able to offer education majors quality literature resources.  Access to these resources for use in a child care facility or classroom will prepare teacher candidates and children for an increasingly complex world of school readiness and instill a love of books and reading.”

            The NEA Student Program is a grassroots organization that serves more than 50,000 students nationwide who are preparing for jobs in the education profession.  NEA-SP goals include providing opportunities for professional development and leadership training and advocating student member concerns. 

            The Venango Campus Chapter of SPSEA is advised by Dr. Patricia Kolencik and is comprised of nearly twenty students preparing for careers in the education field.  

            Clarion University-Venango Campus, located in Oil City, PA, is the oldest regional campus in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.   The campus provides high-quality educational programs and personalized services to help students succeed.  Students can earn an associate degree, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in select areas, obtain a one-year certificate or participate in a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses.  The campus is home to Clarion University’s School of Nursing and Allied Health and its Department of Applied Technology.  Clarion University-Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community.