News Release
April 2000
The Learning Connection at Moravian College was recently
honored after a successful first year as a family mentoring program.
College president, Ervin J. Rokke, honored the Moravian College students
and the program’s corporate partners for their outstanding service
and commitment to the children of our community. Local companies participating
in the program include Air Products and Chemicals, Just Born, Bell Atlantic,
EDS, and Best Buy Children’s Foundation.
Last fall, 21 Moravian students were matched with fourth
graders at William Penn and Lincoln Elementary schools. The students
visit with their younger partners weekly, assisting them with academic
work and behavioral skills. Through games, quiet talks, leisure reading,
classroom projects, the pairs establish strong bonds that encourage
the youngsters to excel in school - both in academics and classroom
attitudes and actions. Each month, the children, their parents and the
mentors share a morning on Moravian’s campus involved in a wide
range of activities.
"The college community has provided a new dimension
for the children and their families, many of whom live within walking
distance of the campus, but have not felt part of the Moravian community,
said Dr. Rokke, college president. "The concept for The Learning
Connection began with a vision from the Community Relations Head at
Air Products and Chemicals, Timothy Holt. Mr. Holt enlisted several
corporate partners and Moravian Chaplain, J. Christian Giesler to develop
this partnership with Bethlehem Area School District," he said.
"The corporate partners generously provide the resources necessary
to fund the program and provide special events for the children and
their families, as well as leadership and support," Rokke added.
Moravian College faculty have led workshops on topics
such as creative writing, children’s science experiments, and
the brain. Other Saturday sessions have included art projects for the
children and parenting workshops for the adults. Special events include
the children’s siblings as well, such as a trip for all to The
Discovery Center of Science and Technology, where children of all ages
became part of the science exhibits and experiments.
The mentoring program focuses on improving the family
life of these fourth graders and providing a stimulus for academic achievement.
"By giving Moravian students an opportunity to be involved in community
service activities that enhance the lives of children, we reinforce
many college curricular goals and positively represent Moravian College
to our neighbors," said Moravian Chaplain, J. Christian Giesler.
"The Learning Connection is an exemplary way to bring together
the college community, the business and the school system to fulfill
the goals and the mission of Moravian College for its students and to
improve the quality of life in our community."
Moravian College is a private, coeducational, selective
liberal arts college located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Tracing its
founding to 1742, it is recognized as America's sixth-oldest college.
Visit the Web site at www.moravian.edu.
