EAST LANSING, Mich. - On Saturday, April 29, Michigan State University will host a day on campus for Girl Scouts who are wards of the state and in foster care. The campus visit is part of MSU's "FOSTERING SUCCESS" project sponsored by University Outreach Partnerships and conducted in collaboration with the Girl Scout Councils and the State of Michigan Family Independence Agency. A highlight of the visit will be a "patch award ceremony" with an address by Sen. Alma Wheeler Smith (D-Salem Township).
MSU is the first in the country to award the "university patch" to girl scouts. Girl Scouts can earn the patch by completing a carefully planned series of visits to campus intended to:
- increase their competitiveness as university applicants;
- help them understand the assets on a university campus; and
- raise their awareness of behind-the-scenes workings of a university and relate them to possible careers
The visit begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Student Union Building, Gold Room A. It includes a welcome by scholarly athletes, a tour of Beaumont Tower, a carillon concert, a library visit and finally an ice cream treat from the Dairy Store. (The program is attached.)
The scouts will meet with staff and faculty who are able to not only familiarize them with campus assets, but also raise their comfort level with the idea of attending a university and lend confidence to their decision to continue their education.
Smith, who was a Brownie and served as a Girl Scout Leader, will lead the 2:30 p.m. award ceremony. It will be held in the Horticulture Demonstration Gardens. (Rain location: Student Union Building, Gold Room A) Approximately 10 girls, ages 14 through 17, will receive the patch in the tradition of the Girl Scout Organization.
Annette Abrams, university director of the "Fostering Success" program, said, "This is the most superb example of a long-term positive collaboration that is clearly impacting at-risk girls." The pilot for this program began in 1993 and has had the active participation of the three partners (Girl Scout Councils, Family Independence Agency and University Outreach Partnerships) since its inception.
Additional Contacts:
Alma Wheeler Smith (Eilene Davis), (517) 373-2406 Annette Abrams, MSU University Outreach Partnerships, (517) 432-2500 Karen Smith, Family Independence Agency, (517) 373-7394 Renee Keswick, Fair Winds Girl Scouts Council, (810) 230-0244, Ext. 228
University Outreach Partnerships at Michigan State University is proud to host a campus visit for Michigan Girl Scouts and representatives from the State of Michigan Family Independence Agency, and faculty and staff of MSU.
FOSTERING SUCCESS
April 29, 2000
9:30 a.m.
Gather at the Student Union Building, Gold Room A
Introductions
10:00 - 10:15 a.m.
Welcoming Remarks
10:15 - 11:30 a.m.
Asset Development Activity
Break
12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
Presentations
Admissions Office
Tuition Opportunities
12:45 - 1:15 p.m.
Lunch
Beaumont Tower Tour and Musical Presentation
1:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Library Tour and Presentation
2:30 - 3:45 p.m.
Horticulture Demonstration Garden
Presentation of Campus Visit Patch
Address by The Honorable Alma Wheeler Smith Senator, State of Michigan
Garden Visit
3:45 - 4:30 p.m.
Trip to Dairy Store for Ice Cream
4:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Return to Student Union Building for Discussion of Campus Assets, Next Visit, and Program Evaluation
Thank you for participating in "FOSTERING SUCCESS" campus visit at Michigan State University.