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USF, UCF, FIU Form Consortium To Drive Economic Development
Legacy Preparatory Academy Students Visit Armed Forces Museum
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
On Thursday, May 14th, students from Legacy Prepara- tory Academy in West Tampa traveled to Largo to visit the Armed Forces History Mu- seum.
Ms. Deneia Fair- weather, Exceptional Stu- dent Education Specialist at the Academy, said the students were motivated and inspired by the exhibits.
“We had taken them on an earlier field trip involving the history of war in this country, and it was lacking in diversity. The only thing the students saw was a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, and that lack of diversity was noticed quickly.
“When we went to the mu- seum in Largo, there are still a lot of holes that need to filled with African American partic- ipation during war time, but they did have a little more than the other place.”
Ms. Fairweather said the students now understand they have a voice and knowl- edge to share with the commu- nity.
“I have a lot of creative stu-
Standing in front of the display are students: Jaydon Sykes- Griffin, Dante Harris, Xavier Simons, JaMarcus Robertson, Cedric Brown, Alicia Hancock, Kayla Hardy, Samuel Vaughn, Jaden Jen- nings, and Dayjinae Dailey.
dents and I thought they needed to know everything. I think this was a good start, and they know they have an en- gaged public and they were very receptive.
“There is so much they can improve on, and with commu- nity sponsors, the students will be able to get the full story.”
Ms. Fairweather says it’s a challenge separating reality from what the students see in video games or on television.
“Just for them to hear what really happened is so valu- able.”
Ms. Fairweather said
Ms. Eunice Butts shared her story with the students, and they were all excited to be a part of this project.
“The students saw the planes, uniforms and other items that were used during the war, and were truly fasci- nated.
“We want to make sure our students are engaged in learn- ing more about their history, and every person who played a role in that history and their contributions.”
Students in grades 6-to-8 went on the field trip, and 10 expressed the most interest.
The University of South Florida, University of Central Florida and Florida Interna- tional University have united in a collaborative effort under the Florida Consortium of Metro- politan Research Universities.
By forming the Florida Consortium of Metropolitan Research Universities, the in- stitutions hope to increase the number of degrees awarded in high-demand areas, raise the six-year graduation rate for mi- nority students, increase the number of graduates employed in Florida and raise the salaries graduates earn.
Representatives from each of the universities came to- gether to share best practices and seek ways to advance their goals during a Student Success Conference at USF on April 21st.
Currently, there are 41,888 students attending USF; 59,770 attend UCF, and 47,736 attend FIU.
The three schools serve al- most 50% of the students en-
rolled in the state University system and are based in areas making up nearly 65% of the state’s population, including 70% of the state’s minorities.
Through the partnership, the schools believe the number of degrees awarded can be in- creased by 12% and salaries of graduates can be increased by 10%. They also want to in- crease the six-year graduation rate for minority students by four percentage points.
USF Provost and Executive Vice President, Ralph Wilcox will monitor the collaboration for that campus, and FIU Exec- utive Vice President and COO, Kenneth G. Furton, will do the same for that school. UCF has not appointed a lead per- son at this time.
The three school collabora- tion made a $12 million legisla- tive budget request for 2015-2016. The funds would be used to help students complete degrees through the use of pre- dictive analytics and tracking technologies.
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 11-A