News | 4/17/08

Media Credit: Kris Marsh [Click to enlarge]

The federal government has formally endorsed Towson's involvement in the Cherry Hill Learning Zone. With support from Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md) and Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md), the University received $310,479 for the initiative, almost doubling their previous funding total for the program, according to Ray Lorion, dean of the College of Education.

The additional funds were presented to Towson President Robert Caret Monday at Dr. Carter G. Woodson Elementary and Middle School in Cherry Hill.

During his address, Caret said with the federal government's support, the University would be able to vastly increase their reach beyond the classroom and into different aspects of the community.

"The unique partnership between Towson University and Baltimore City Public Schools is a partnership that works," Ruppersberger said in his address Monday.

"We are going to make sure that this partnership moves forward and improves the economics and educational opportunities of Cherry Hill."

Lorion said the increased outreach would include participation by both students and faculty members.

Several small businesses have already asked for assistance in planning and payroll, he said, while members of the College of Health Professions will assist in immunization of children before going to school and other health services.

The College of Fine Arts and Communication will also be involved as performing arts groups and will instruct children during the school day, as well as in after school programs.

With a $50,000 allotment, the University partnered with Cherry Hill in 2006 to run a summer reading clinic and complete an analysis of what needed to be done in the community, Lorion said. Since then, the initiative has received funding from Baltimore City Public Schools' annual budget and a variety of private organizations.

For several years, the University has sponsored the Cherry Hill Children's Summit at the end of August in preparation for the school year. Programs like this will be increased with the added funding, Lorion said.

By working with the ministerial groups in Cherry Hill, the University was able to get perspective from lifelong community members.

Lorion said there are 15 parishes in Cherry Hill. Willard Saunders, the pastor of Created For So Much More Church, attended the press conference Monday. Saunders has often worked with Ruppersberger in creating legislation to assist Cherry Hill.

"There has been a greater focus on the educational process. The level of teaching and the level of attention paid to the students and the principals has gone through the roof," Saunders said. "It's because of Towson coming to the area that has allowed it to happen. The sky is the limit."

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