Making a difference in K-16 Education for our Future:
Improving student success by increasing the graduation rate
Coastal Carolina University and South Carolina Campus Compact will host a Civic/Community Engagement conference between higher education institutions and K-16 schools, students, and/or related-agencies/program. The conference is designed to bring two- and four-year higher education institutions together to share their efforts in promoting success in K-16 students, especially as it relates to at-risk and underrepresented populations. The conference provides an opportunity for higher education personnel to network around common issues such as barriers to students’ academic success, decreased dropout rates and increased graduation rates. This annual conference serves as the venue to bring all interested and involved institutions and parties together to share, network and learn from each other. It provides the opportunity for all parties to forge a common vision and direction, seek to implement that vision and direction, and return the following year to share the results of their efforts. The rationale is that there is strength in numbers as well as that we can learn and accomplish more when we are all working together.
Through 50-minute thematic sessions and poster displays, presenters are asked to share their programs, projects, research or best practices for improving success of K-16 students as reflected on reduction of dropouts and increased graduation rates. Presenters should demonstrate the details and uniqueness of their initiative/programs as it relates to their discipline and the student-related experience; share curriculum, student-related materials, resources and/or activities and discuss what they have learned from their experience and the impact on the academic discipline, community, and/or students’ preparation in their field of study.
Pre-Conference Day
The Pre-Conference is for representatives (Mind-Trust Delegates) who have been identified as leaders in civic/community engagement efforts that impact student success in K-16 from a societal and/or higher education perspective. Delegates are identified by various statewide groups, organizations, and/or agencies (i.e. South Carolina Campus Compact, State department, State higher education agency, U.S. Department of Education, etc.). The pre-conference entails:
Introductory Sessions – understanding the role of higher education in civic/community engagement; how to develop civic/community engagement related course syllabus; and capacity building for civic/community engagement programs
Mind-Trust Workshop – development of thoughts and sharing of information pertaining to programs, conferences, workshops, etc. and outlining changes, trends and/or innovative approaches to student academic success and fulfillment of their educational potential. Guidelines for grant proposal. Open discussion on how higher education goes about assuring student success:
K-16 dropout prevention
Graduation rate
Continuous progression (timely)
Higher education aspirations and motivation
Accessibility of higher education to at-risk and underrepresented populations
Mind-Trust Delegates (those interested in submitting a grant proposal) will be responsible for disseminating information from the annual conference to their state and host workshop(s)/conference(s) to highlight innovative programs, and approaches, new or future national and state legislation, as well as share their newfound knowledge and experiences from the annual conference.
Thematic Roundtables – discussion on sessions and keynote speakers and the effects or impact of the information on K-16, specifically higher education institutions in order to forge an action plan for the coming year.
Conference Day
The Conference is for two- and four-year higher education institution representatives from across the state who have been identified based on their work, research, or program and those who are interested in civic/community engagement efforts that impact student success in K-16 from a societal and/or higher education perspective. Mind-Trust Delegates are involved as session presiders/discussants to assist in stimulating discussion and ideas. The conference includes:
Invited Showcase Sessions – highlighting legislation, innovative movements, explanation of current issues, financial support and foundations options, and etc.
Concurrent Sessions – highlight innovative programs and approaches that provide options or opportunities for at-risk and underrepresented populations in K-16 environments.
