When
some students returned for classes last fall at Dawson Elementary
School, along with their new notebooks, pencils and paper, some
also received new pen pals. For the past eight months, about 50
fourth and fifth graders have traded letters with students, faculty
and staff at St. Edward’s University through “Operation
Pen Pal.” Now they finally will have the chance to meet one
another.
“Operation
Pen Pal” is a project of the Community Mentor Program (CMP),
which is designed to promote community service, career exploration,
academic achievement and student retention for both St. Edward’s
University students and more than 500 Austin Independent School
District (AISD) elementary school children. The CMP also has a partnership
with Legal Aid of Central Texas. St. Edward’s students serve
as mentors and tutors in a classroom setting and work as Legal Aid
assistants supporting the legal staff in providing effective and
efficient services. Students perform an average of 17 service hours
per week and 450 service hours per academic year, for which they
receive an educational stipend.
CMP
prides itself in providing a team and family atmosphere for its
members. Service in this program integrates head and heart, action
and reflection. Children discover their own value and potential,
while St. Edward’s students develop meaningful relationships,
explore career options and grow in their leadership skills and commitment
to community service.
•
Who: 4th and 5th graders and their St. Edward’s Pen Pals
• What: “Operation Pen Pal” meet-and-greet
• When: Noon, Friday, April 16 (elementary students will arrive
at St. Edward’s around 10:45 a.m. for a short campus tour,
followed by lunch at 11 a.m.)
• Where: St. Edward’s University Recreation and Convocation
Center
For a campus map, go to: http://www.stedwards.edu/map/campmap.htm
Founded
by the Congregation of Holy Cross, St. Edward’s University
has been named as one of America’s Best Colleges for 2004
by U.S. News & World Report. St. Edward’s is a private
Catholic, liberal arts university of approximately 4,450 students
located in Austin, Texas.
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