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Largest class ever attends Governor’s Minority Student College Preparation Program

The Governor’s Minority Student College Preparation Program (GMSCPP) at Somerset Community College got off to a good start on Saturday, June 2, 2007, with an orientation session including both students and parents. The highlight was Kentucky Community and Technical College Director for Cultural Diversity Dr. Nashid Fahkrid-Deen who spoke to the gathering about the importance of a good education to succeed in life. The students and their parents were welcomed to the SCC Somerset Campus by SCC Provost Dr. Tony Honeycutt.

This was the seventh consecutive year that Somerset Community College has hosted the GMSCPP. This year’s participation of 20 middle school students is the largest so far. The three-week summer program included students from Somerset’s Meece Middle School, and Pulaski County’s Southern Middle School and Northern Middle School.

“The focus was on academic achievement,” said Natalie Gibson, the SCC Director for Cultural Diversity. “In addition to math, reading, English and science, this year we emphasized arts and humanities, cultural diversity, global awareness, self-awareness, community leadership development and technology. Our goal was to increase the number of minority students who are prepared to enter college.”

Plans included field trips to the Hummel Planetarium in Richmond, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, the Visitors Center at Mill Springs National Battlefield in Somerset, and Brandywine Art Studio in Somerset.

Students will also developed a newsletter with Stuart Simpson, the SCC Visual Communications Instructor;  participating in a science workshop with SCC Chemistry Instructor Dr. George Omwenga; and talking about “Art: The Back Story” with Darlene Libbey, the SCC Assistant Professor and Art Program Director.

Gibson urged parents to contact her about a planned year-long minority enrichment program which will have monthly activities beginning in August. Gibson can be reached at (606) 451-6697 or by e-mail at natalie.gibson@kctcs.edu.

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