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The Partnership for Successful Schools, local administrator of the Kentucky Scholars Program, is dedicated to engaging all aspects of a community in its own education improvement initiatives. We invite you to investigate this opportunity that has often been described as, "one of the easiest ways to become involved in my community and its education programs."
The success of the Kentucky Scholars Initiative is based in presentations that take place in student classrooms. Classroom presenters have the opportunity to participate in the Scholars work as often or as seldom as hectic schedules will allow.
What Does a Presenter Do?
Classroom presenters typically walk classes of eighth or ninth graders through a 45 minute PowerPoint presentation that describes life after high school, discusses today's changing work environment, college expectations and then outlines resources for maximizing success, including the Scholars Course of Study. These presentations are usually scheduled two to three weeks in advance of course selection time for students in a particular school or district - that timeline varies depending on the school district.
How Often Do I Have to Make Presentations?
As often as your schedule permits. The flexibility inherent in the Kentucky Scholars Program means that you can volunteer many hours per year or just a few. Typically, a local coordinator will be responsible for letting volunteer presenters know when area schools are ready for Scholars presentations. At that time you may make whatever arrangements work best for you - one hour in one school or…multiple hours in multiple schools.
What Materials and Equipment Will I Have to Supply?
Just you and any extra props you think would make the presentation more entertaining. Typically, most schools will have the projector, laptop computer and screen available in each classroom. Brochures and any other student materials should be provided by the school or district. Because each set of school and district circumstances are unique, check with your coordinator for any changes to standard processes mentioned above.
Is Training Required?
No, but most presenters prefer to join a one-hour session offered by their districts prior to actual classroom presentations. Training is not absolutely necessary before presenting the Scholars message to eighth and ninth grade classes but it is available for those who believe they would benefit. Check with your local coordinator for training times and opportunities, or call the Partnership for Successful Schools to determine when a training session might be coming up in your community.
Tips for Presenters:
- Personalize the presentation with your own thoughts and experiences
- Bring along props that will make the presentation more meaningful
- Make the presentation as interactive as possible. Example: encourage students to fill in their own budget numbers during the pizza pie budgeting exercise
- Use job figures, local reports and area business facts to support Scholars messages
- Remind students that the Scholars Course of Study will benefit students no matter what course they take after high school
- Remember to keep the message simple:
Better Choices = Tougher Courses = Greater Success
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