1. GED Scholars Initiative Imagine The Possibilities * Realize Your Potential Sandra Golden, Project Director Kimberly S. McCoy, Technology Coordinator Kent State University

2. GED Scholars Initiative Vision A collaborative initiative instituted to address the needs of students who earned their GED and attend KSU. Through research and development this initiative will provide students with support to meet the University’s academic standards, complete program studies, gain technological expertise, and become aware of career opportunities in their field of study.

3. GED Scholars Initiative Goals Increase awareness of student life at the University Offer support and resources to meet the needs of GED Scholars while attending the University Develop and offer a mentoring program for GED Scholars

4. GED Scholars Initiative Purpose To develop a replicable program for other colleges and universities To provide GED Scholars with support systems, technological training, and financial assistance to meet their goals To gain a better understanding of GED graduates attending colleges and universities

5. GED Scholars Initiative Projects Mentoring Program Research Fundraising for Scholarships Technology Training

6. GED Scholars Initiative Mentoring Program Mission: The GED Scholars Initiative Mentoring Program supports GED graduates attending KSU, ensuring they receive beneficial, on-going support and guidance by encouraging community building and promoting a positive, successful academic experience.

7. GED Scholars Initiative Research Projects One-on-one Interviews Student Committee Focus Groups

8. GED Scholars Initiative Supportive Services Academic support Tutoring Mentoring Counseling (academic and personal) Financial assistance

9. GED Scholars Initiative Project Challenges Student Awareness Financial Support for Scholarships Staffing Programming and Activities

10. GED Scholars Initiative Goals Technology Component Provide technological training (Internet and Software) Create technology resource guides and manuals Establish a computer lab for GED Scholars Create and establish a technology training Website

11. GED Scholars Initiative Technology Component : Accomplishments Designed and maintained the GED Scholars Initiative Website Established and maintained GED Scholars Computer Lab Surveyed GED Scholars prior to scheduling technology sessions

12. GED Scholars Initiative Technology Component : Accomplishments Informed all GED Scholars of free training at both campuses Invited local ABLE programs to participate with the technology training Provided Technological training (Internet and Software) at the Kent and Stark Campuses during Spring and Fall 2003

13. GED Scholars Initiative Technology Component : Accomplishments Obtained domain name for the project: www.gedscholars.org www.gedscholars.org Created an e-mail for tech support titled: gedtech@literacy.kent.edugedtech@literacy.kent.edu Designed and maintained the GED Scholars Initiative Technology Website: www.gedscholars.org/technology www.gedscholars.org/technology

14. GED Scholars Initiative Technology Component Spring/Fall 2003 Provided training on Using WebCT How to best utilize campus computers Using e-mail in Flashline Using KSU’s Web-based e-mail system Microsoft Office Suite Navigating Windows Doing Research On-line

15. GED Scholars Initiative Next Steps Technology Component Not offering Technology training during Spring 2004 Offer one-on-one assist (office hours) Do a mass mailing of Technology services available Create on-line survey Build up technology training Website