by Rich Haag | Nov 28, 2018 | University City Connect
On a recent Saturday, a dozen middle-schoolers came to the AT&T store near IKEA for an informal class on city planning, technology and math.
The draw for the kids and several parents? Learning from pros about rewarding careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Vision Builder Adventures, a UCity-based non-profit, organized the event.
A University City resident, Johnny White, launched Vision Builder Adventures several years ago to motivate young students.
Today, Vision Builder Adventures offers entertaining and challenging programs to help students develop confidence in their budding math and science skills. (more…)
by Rich Haag | Nov 25, 2018 | University City Connect
An officer reads to University City school children. Photo courtesy of Spectrum News Charlotte
Bears Behind the Badge, a program that helps youngsters get closer to both books and police, would love your help.
Officers visit schools to read with children and give them books and stuffed animals. Many children have few books of their own. Some children also fear police officers.
“We kind of plant the first seed of positive police interaction with a child,” Officer Chad Webster, community coordinator for the University City Division, told Fox 46 news earlier this year.
That seed-planting takes many books and stuffed animals, and there’s where the public can help, Webster says, by providing books and stuffed animals appropriate for children in grades K-3. (more…)
by Rich Haag | Nov 8, 2018 | University City Connect
Dozens of Vance High students recently traded Saturday freedom for an extra class at school. Their incentive: free reconditioned laptop computers and the training to make good use of their new learning tools.
University City Partners and E2D Inc. hosted the Vance Family Connect digital literacy academy.
E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide) works with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and area businesses and groups to bring digital education and solutions to all students and families in Charlotte. (more…)
by Rich Haag | Oct 19, 2018 | University City Connect
The Camino Community Center, INTech Camp for Girls and Ace & TJ’s Grin Kids have all benefited from Walmart’s recently concluded upgrades to the Supercenter at 7735 N. Tryon St.
The three Charlotte-based nonprofit groups will share a total of $31,000 as part of Walmart’s celebration of its University City store, the Charlotte Observer recently reported.
The Camino Community Center, located near the Walmart at 201 Stetson Dr., provides numerous services to low-income families and individuals. (more…)
by Rich Haag | Oct 19, 2018 | University City Connect
Khamiah Alderman’s GPA alone will turn heads, but that is just the beginning of her achievements.
When you hear her list of interests and activities, it is easy to understand why this Vance High scholar was honored on Oct. 11 as the 2018 Outstanding Teen by NCWorks, a group devoted to promoting workforce innovation and opportunity.
Khamiah, a participant in the MeckEd Career Pathways Program at Vance, was nominated for the 2018 Governor’s NCWorks Award for Distinction by her MeckEd career pathway advisor, Torrie Burgess. (more…)
by Rich Haag | Oct 10, 2018 | University City Connect
One of University City’s most popular classrooms isn’t at a school; it’s at the University City Regional Library.
Next week alone, library staff and volunteers will lead 29 programs ranging from tech-games for kids to a daylong screenwriting workshop (taught by the Charlotte Film School). Most programs are free.
Parents seeking to encourage a child’s special talents or strengthen a struggling learner’s skills may find help at the library. (more…)
by Rich Haag | Sep 18, 2018 | University City Connect
Governors Village students are getting a healthy dose of TLC and real-life learning from the good people at Hendrick Lexus Northlake and Hendrick Motors of Charlotte.
“Many of our dealerships are invested in volunteering with local students, both on-site at their schools and by bringing students to our dealerships to experience different mentorship opportunities,” said Deana Reel, guest services manager at Hendrick Lexus Northlake.
Hendrick recently made a video of its school involvement. Several activities featured in the video involve students at Nathaniel Alexander Elementary School.
(more…)
by Rich Haag | Jun 14, 2018 | School Supply Drive, University City Connect
The Camino Community Center invites the University City community to make the 14th annual Back to School Children’s Fair the best one yet, by attending, volunteering, donating school book bags and supplies, and helping sponsor the event.
The fair will take place 9 am-2 pm July 28 at the Camino Community Center, 201 Stetson Drive near the University City Blvd Transit Station.
The Camino Center describes the fair as a free, family-friendly event “focused on equipping families to live healthy, hopeful and productive lives.” (more…)
by Rich Haag | May 30, 2018 | University City Connect
The ACE Mentor Program for high-school students interested in construction, engineering and architecture has paid off for the fledgling chapter based at UNC Charlotte. The chapter recently won ACE’s regional design challenge.
The challenge: to reimagine a high school.
Students’ reward: working closely with architects, engineers, planners and other construction professionals.
“I’m super-duper proud of these kids. They crushed it!” said Tobe Holmes, the chapter’s advisor. Holmes, the planning and development director for University City Partners, helped launch the ACE-UNC Charlotte chapter during the 2016-17 school year. (more…)
by Rich Haag | May 30, 2018 | School Supply Drive, University City Connect
Here is a simple and very much appreciated way you can help our students get a great start on school in August! Donate a book bag filled with supplies (check our list) to the University City Connect Book Bag Drive, taking place June 1-8. Click for all the details!
The University City Connect Book Bag Drive seeks bags and school supplies for children attending eight elementary, middle and high schools that serve University City.
Taking part in the Book Bag Drive is as simple as 1-2-3-4. (more…)
