Under Discussion

Instilling hope and promise While Paul Hernandez spent his youth in deep poverty – getting involved with gangs, living on the street and ultimately dropping out of school – he never imagined he'd one day have a Ph.D. Now an assistant professor of sociology at Central Michigan University, Hernandez is dedicating his life to helping at-risk youth understand that a college degree is not something beyond their reach. Hernandez founded College 101, a program that brings high school sophomores to CMU's Mount Pleasant campus for a meaningful, personal college experience. The goal is to inspire and empower at-risk students to complete high school and pursue a college education. "While many universities off er tours and visits for students who already plan to attend college, I wanted to create opportunities for the students labeled 'at-risk' of dropping out," says Hernandez. CMU faculty member develops interactive experience for at-risk students "I want these students to know that college is a real possibility for them." During a typical College 101 visit, the high school students spend the day learning about campus life and fi nancial aid opportunities, with a strong emphasis on connecting their passions and interests to the academic programs, student organizations and career opportunities available at CMU. During the 2011-2012 academic year, 500 high school students visited CMU through the College 101 program. Surveys given to the students who attend College 101 show 89 percent report a complete change in confi dence to attend college. CMU student volunteers join the College 101 visitors every step of the way, hosting icebreakers, performing an open-mic music session, eating lunch in the residence halls and sharing their own stories of using education to overcome personal struggles. The National Education Association honored assistant professor Paul Hernandez with the prestigious Reg Weaver Human and Civil Rights Award during an awards ceremony in Washington D.C. July 1. The award is presented annually to an individual whose activities around closing the poverty gaps for children in America and around the world have made a signifi cant impact in helping poor students and eliminating poverty. In addition to developing and facilitating College 101, Hernandez speaks to thousands of teachers annually about his Real Talk pedagogy and teaches them how to replicate the program. "I'm only one person, but being a college professor allows me to make an impact on a much larger scale," says Hernandez. "My students can do things that I could never dream of doing. It's phenomenal to see." Click here to learn more about Paul Hernandez receiving the Reg Weaver award. 4 Summer 2012 | Under Discussion

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