Iliana Z. Gamez/The Daily Dispatch

The University of Arizona South has a federal grant to improve degree attainment for Hispanic students.

The grant, called Title V for short, is a cooperative grant between Cochise College and UA South. Its programs focus on the recruitment and retention of Hispanic students and are designed to appeal to students' various needs.

Title V offers the Bridge Program to smooth the transition for Cochise College graduates who pursue a Bachelor's degree at the University. The program conducts workshops to help familiarize students with the University, and it offers instruction to enhance students' writing, analytical, math, research, and project management skills.

In addition to the Bridge Program, Title V also has a Mentorship Program, which strives to create a strong learning community among students. The mentors in this program are themselves former students from the Bridge Program. Students who have participated in the program have benefited academically as well as personally. Ibana Rascon, a Douglas resident and UA South student who participated in the Bridge Program says, "I really like the workshops that it has provided for us. I have learned things that will be helpful in my major area. I also learned things that I am currently using in my classes; for example, video production and better writing skills." Amy Acheson, another bridge student said, "This experience has been a fun way to introduce me to people at UA South and it has made me feel like I am doing well here already."

Writing workshops to enhance students' writing skills are offered throughout the year at both the Douglas and Sierra Vista UA South campuses. The Education Speaker Series, entitled Conexión con la Comunidad, is designed to build teachers' cultural competencies to help them more effectively reach Latino students in southern Arizona. An Intensive Professional Development Series supports students in developing professionally in order to increase their opportunity for success. There is also an education forum, which integrates students and the community to find better resources for increasing Hispanic students' school retention. Several productive workshops will also be available throughout the year in which students will interact and learn from great speakers and presentations to better their quality of education and enhance their career goals.

Title V seeks to involve high school and college students in the process of improving their education and invites interested members of the public to attend their events. For more information contact the Title V program coordinator, Edda Delacruz, at 458-8278 ext. 2169

-- Submitted by Beth Suby (UofA South-English Professional Tutor) collaborator Iliana Gamez