Temple is a leader among American research universities in working with individuals, schools, churches and community groups to improve education and opportunities for neighborhood youth.
Temple scholarships earmarked for community residents in the Susquehanna and Cecil B. Moore communities are well known, as are successes like the annual George Washington Carver Science Fair.
Less know but as important is the myriad of Temple programs for youth and schools. A partial listing is contained in the brochure "Temple University and North Philadelphia Educational Partnerships."
Two blocks from The Tuttleman Learning Center and the adjoining Paley Library is Dunbar Elementary School, with which Temple has a storied association.
We celebrate today's dedication of the Tuttleman Learning Center in the Temple tradition by announcing, with Dunbar Principal Judith Simkins, four new Temple initiatives.
All are aimed directly at benefiting the education of Dunbar students as well as other neighborhood youth. Here are four new programs:
Dunbar students' use of Temple's Paley Library
Dunbar's 3rd, 4th and 5th graders will be issued Temple University library identification cards for access to the Paley Library. The students' use will include individual reading and research, and group student and group projects.
Dunbar's own library collection
Temple is working with Principal Simkins, teachers and staff to upgrade Dunbar's library holdings immediately, with funding by University grants from the private contributions of Temple's trustees.
Dunbar's own computer system
Working with Principal Simkins, Temple will immediately replace Dunbar's four library computers with four new Pentium-level computers. Again, funding will come from a University grant from the private contributions of Temple's trustees.
Temple Neighborhood Children's Reading Program
Neighborhood children are also the focus of four new Temple-sponsored educational experiences:
Everyone benefits when our youth are well prepared for the competitive and global market.
Temple will continue being a good neighbor and partners in community-wide efforts to improve the educational and cultural opportunities for our children.
One more word about the future:
The Entertainment, Education, and Community Center, at The Apollo of Temple
The Apollo of Temple has six parts. The sixth unit opens in 2001 and will include intergenerational programs for children and the elderly.
We expect the Center to become an umbrella for Temple's educational initiatives for area youngsters.
Peter J. Liacouras
President, Temple University
###