Umcp Aap Brochure Final

believe.conceive.achieve.Academic Achievement Programs

Providing the opportunity for young people to overcome obstacles through academic success.

academic achievement programsprofiles in achievement

ContentsI. Introduction,ExecutiveDirectorDr.JerryL.Lewis

II. AHistoryofSuccess

A. AbouttheAcademicAchievementsPrograms

III. TheFiveDepartments

A. TheSummerTransitionalProgram

B. TheStudentSupportServicesProgram

Profile:SamiAshktorab

C. TheIntensiveEducationalDevelopmentProgram

Profile:RoyKoldaro

D. TheRobertE.McNairPostBaccalaureateProgram

Profiles:ChrylLaird,LauraDiTizio

E. TheEducationalOpportunityCenter

Profile:JoelSolorzano

IV. InsidetheNumbersofAAP

V. HowtoMakeaDonationtotheAAP

UniversityofMarylandCollegePark

believe.conceive.achieve.

“…making a difference in one life, can make a difference for generations to come.”

Dr. Jerry L. Lewis, Executive DirectorUniversity of Maryland Academic Achievement Programs

SUCC

ESSDear AAP Friends, Supporters and Alumni:

“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe...can be achieved.” That’s the motto we live by in the University of Maryland Academic Achievement Programs (AAP).

Why? Because we’ve seen the magic of education make it happen so many times before. We take students who would most likely not be admitted into the University if evaluated solely on traditional criteria such as standardized test scores and financial means, and provide them with the life-changing opportunity to earn a degree at UM.

AAP looks deeper, identifying potential in young people who otherwise might not get a chance to attend college. They can be first-generation college students, come from low-income house-holds, or have a disability that has been holding them back.

Today, however, AAP faces new challenges—challenges that reflect society as a whole. As the gap between the wealthy and the poor continues to grow, the need for our services increases. But as our costs continue to rise, and funding is either reduced or kept level, the resources we have available are limited. This is where you can help.

Please take the time to learn more about what we do by reading this brochure and visiting our Web site at www.aap.umd.edu. Be sure to examine the fascinating success stories of five different students who have “conceived, believed, and achieved” because of the resources of AAP and benefactors like you.

If you would like to make a donation, please complete and return the AAP Donation Certificate at the back of this brochure. When you help us reach our goals, we can better help our students achieve a lifetime of success.

Sincerely,

Jerry L. LewisExecutive DirectorUniversity of Maryland Academic Achievement Programs

P.S. To make a donation, simply tear off, complete and return the attached certificate in the enclosed envelope. Or call the AAP office at 301.405.4736 for more information.

Jerry L. Lewis

a letter from the executive director

a rich history of success—a future filled with opportunity

The roots of the Academic Achievement Programs (AAP)

department can be traced all the way back to 1967, when 19

University of Maryland-Upward Bound Program students were

provided academic instruction, along with financial and

counseling support services, under the newly formed Intensive

Educational Development Program (IED).

With the development of additional programs in 1990, all

were placed under the umbrella of the newly formed Academic

Achievement Programs (AAP), headed by Dr. Jerry L. Lewis.

Through the years, hundreds of low-income and first-

generation students have benefited from AAP, graduated

and gone on graduate school and successful careers.

Today, AAP maintains, coordinates, and provides leader-

ship, development and supervision for five academic programs

(Student Support Services, Intensive Educational Development,

Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement, Summer

Transitional Program, and the Educational Opportunity

Center).

Though we receive state and federal government funding,

AAP also relies on the financial support of individuals like you

to continue our mission to meet the economic and educational

needs of our students. conc

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1967 1968 1972 1990 1991 1997 2006

The five departments of the Academic Achievement Programs (AAP):• Summer Transitional Program (STP)

• Student Support Services Program (SSS)

• Intensive Educational Development Program (IED)

• University of Maryland Educational Opportunity Center (UM-EOC)

• Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program

Who does AAP help? For students to be eligible for the opportunity to pursue a college degree through participation in AAP, the following criteria are considered:

1. Low income status

2. First generation college student

3. Traditionally underrepresented students

AAP moves to its first permanent home in over 30 years—Marie Mount Hall

First Educational Opportunity Center grant

IED created as pilot program by Dr. Julia Davison, Dr. George Marx, Dr. Thomas Magoon and Dr. Stanley Pavey

Academic Achievement Programs established

First Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program grant

UMD applied for and was awarded the first Student Support Services grant; IED and SSS form collaborative partnership to address cognitive and affective developmental needs of students

IED program delivery begins in the summer of 1968 with support services as a bridge program for the original 19 graduates of the University of Maryland’s Upward Bound program

Academic Achievement Programs Timeline

the summer transitional program (STP)

Adjusting to college life on both academic and personal levels can

seem overwhelming to many students. AAP students face even

greater stressors. That’s why successful completion of all Summer

Transitional Program components is a requirement for every student

entering the University through Student Support Services/Intensive

Educational Development (SSS/IED) Programs.

This six-week program helps students prepare for college life and takes

place the summer prior to their Fall semester. Academic adjustment is

aided by:

• Skills enhancement in math, English, college study strategies,

and tutoring

• Participation in a three-credit university core course

• Enrollment in a one-credit college orientation course

• Weekly individual and/or group counseling

sessions

Simply stated, STP is a valuable, enriching tool in the

preparation, retention, graduation and success of all AAP

students.

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Some day in the near future, plans call for Sami

Ashktorab, originally from Shiraz, Iran, to be

known as Dr. Sami Ashktorab. A graduate of the

University of Maryland through AAP, Sami is now

attending medical school at George Washington

University.

It all started with one little postcard she received

from AAP after applying for traditional admission

to the University. Sami answered the AAP outreach

and came in to meet with the staff and to take a

placement test. She found the people she met to

be serious about their work, caring toward their

students, and dedicated to their mission.

Sami’s sense of accomplishment started with

completion of the Summer Transitional Program

(STP). Today, she says she and her fellow STP

students felt like they had already been through a

“practice game” when the Fall semester started, one

giant step ahead of other incoming freshmen.

The AAP staff played a significant role in guiding

Sami through the STP and even in giving her the

ability to help her fellow students. She was “on the

job” her first semester of her freshmen year, in one

case helping a fellow biology student jump from an

“F” to an “A” in his next examination.

Says Sami, “AAP helps turn children into mag-

nificent adults, who care for their community, who

want to help others by furthering their education,

and who make our community better one person at

a time.” And that’s a prescription for success.

“I believe in AAP so strongly that I encouraged my sister, who has a great high school academic profile, to enter the program when she starts college next year.”— Sami Ashktorab, Summer Transitional Program

a profile in believing and achieving

Sami Ashktorab

College highlight—AAP provided me with

an amazing overall

experience and I hope

through the knowledge

I have gained I can be of

assistance to others.

the student support services program (SSS)

the intensive educational development program (IED)

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The Intensive Educational Development (IED) and Student Support Services (SSS) Programs

The roots of AAP can be traced back to 1968 with the launch of the

state-funded IED program. Through the Federal TRIO and Upward

Bound efforts, IED was the first organization to enroll a significant

number of African-American students in the University.

When SSS gained Federal funding a few years later, it helped to expand

the counseling and academic services to low-income participants, allow-

ing IED to focus its resources on the cognitive skill enhancement classes

in mathematics, English, reading, college study skills and tutoring services.

Assisting incoming freshman to the University is certainly a vital role

of IED and SSS. However, their valuable support continues throughout

each AAP student’s time at the University, from their first year right on

through to graduation.

While the IED and SSS are funded through different entities and

maintain separate staff, their collaborative efforts and holistic approach

help to bring workshops, counseling and academic skill enhancement to

students in the following components:

• English

• College Study Skills

• Mathematics

• Tutoring Services

• Supplemental Instruction

• Counseling Services

• Academic Advising

Together, IED and SSS perform essential functions to back the AAP

mission of “providing services that enhance the academic potential and

personal growth of each student served.”

IED

Working 30 hours a week and trying to maintain your

grades is a tough assignment for any high school

student, let alone one whose first language is Hebrew.

However none of that stopped Roy Koldaro from believing

and achieving.

The son of Israeli parents, Roy had a cousin who graduated

from the University of Maryland. So, Roy took a chance and

applied, but his grades and SAT scores were not satisfactory

for traditional admission. That’s when he found out about AAP.

In the summer of 2003, Roy got his wish and was

admitted into the AAP Summer Transitional Program (STP),

which introduces students to college life and college work. One

of the requirements for Fall admission is that students achieve a

3.0 or higher GPA during their STP studies. Roy surpassed that

mark and felt he had an advantage over new students in the Fall

because of his summer introduction.

Roy has now made it through the demanding schedule of

being an AAP student. He credits taking advantage of the

required tutoring, the help and guidance of the full AAP staff,

and a special opportunity to study abroad in London for a

semester as several reasons for his success. In fact, while many

of Roy’s friends who entered the University through traditional

means are going on to their fifth year, Roy is graduating in four.

In addition to the pride of being the first in his immediate

family with a college education, Roy has already lined up a

position with an internationally known consulting firm. And

Roy’s not done with school. He plans to pursue his MBA

through his new company’s graduate degree program.

“AAP has provided me with opportunities that nobody else could have provided. I’m very grateful and encourage the full support of AAP.”— Roy Koldaro, IED

College highlight—Being able to broaden my

world view by studying in

London for a semester.

Roy Koldar0


The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program

Through AAP, the University of Maryland Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate

Achievement Program is designed to prepare low-income, first generation and

traditionally underrepresented students to pursue doctoral studies.

Full-time University juniors and seniors who wish to pursue doctoral studies, enhance

their skills to prepare for graduate study, participate in undergraduate research with

faculty members, and meet overall program requirements are eligible to apply. The

program offers services which include, but are not limited to:

• Preparation for graduate school admissions tests

• Academic counseling, tutoring and mentoring

• Summer research internships, which may include monetary stipends along with free

room and board

• Faculty-guided research and mentoring

• Assistance with identification and acquisition of graduate school financing

• Advanced writing classes

• The opportunity to present original research at national forums and academic

conferences

This McNair program at the University is one of approximately 167 such programs

nationwide and serves a very important function in preparing AAP students for doctoral

programs.

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“McNair is often the break minority and other students need to get a chance in a graduate program. This program must be funded!” — Chryl Laird, The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program

Fitting into a certain group has not always been as clear as

black and white for Chryl Laird. Growing up the daughter

of working-class Jamaican parents, Chryl’s ethnicity was often a

challenge for her peers to overcome—but not for her.

While Chryl and her family dreamed of a college degree,

their financial situation made that goal seem unattainable.

However, through scholarships, financial aid and good grades,

Chryl was able to attend the University of Maryland—one

mission accomplished.

Chryl’s AAP story begins while she was already attending

the University. During a 2004 summer program for minority

students, she heard about the Ronald E. McNair Post-

Baccalaureate Achievement Program and how it helped

low-income, first-generation students pursue Doctoral

degrees.

Chryl credits the University’s McNair program as an

outstanding experience through its innovative coursework and

research projects, dynamic faculty, and comprehensive prepara-

tion for Graduate School. Some of her fondest moments took

place outside the classroom, through interaction with a varied

group of fellow students whose ethnic and academic diversity,

drive to succeed, and discussions about a wealth of topics

opened her mind to a world of possibilities.

Chryl’s McNair experience is ongoing, as she was accepted

for a full five-year Fellowship to obtain a Ph.D. in Political

Science from Ohio State University. Her research area is

Race and Politics with an emphasis on Minority Youth Political

Participation and Civic Engagement. She aspires to be a Political

Science professor, supporting her ideal of a strong minority

presence in academia.

Chryl Laird


College highlight—Being selected as the

2005 commencement

speaker for the College

of Behavioral and Social

Sciences.


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Being diagnosed with a learning disability at an early age can be

an overwhelming obstacle to the growth of any child. Not so for

Laura DiTizio, a recent University AAP graduate and Ronald E.

McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program student.

Instead, Laura tossed aside any labels, worked very hard, and

graduated from South Carroll High School in just three years.

Though she excelled in her scholastic achievements, Laura

struggled with the rigors of standardized testing and faced the

possibility of not being able to fulfill her dream of attending

college.

With her sister in the second year of the AAP program,

Laura was aware of its benefits, applied and was admitted herself.

She then began the demanding Summer Transitional Program.

Those weren’t the only demands she would face. Due to

financial circumstances, Laura’s parents could not help her with

books and bills. Laura’s participation in AAP made her eligible for

Student Support Services supplemental grant aid that helped her

meet rising tuition costs.

Laura moved off campus after her freshman year, and found

that her car expenses and living expenses were just too great.

Through determination and sacrifice, she began living on a boat

in Annapolis to save money! After all she says, “Living on the

water is free!” That highly unusual step allowed her to get back

on her feet. She then entered the McNair program which

provided her with housing and a food card to live on.

Through Laura’s determination, the continued assistance

of the AAP staff, and the direct challenges posed by Executive

Director Dr. Jerry Lewis, she became an outstanding AAP success

story and set her sights on a doctoral degree through the

McNair program. She is now attending the University of

Wisconsin in pursuit of her Ph.D. in Family Studies with a full

first-year assistantship and an AOF fellowship to follow.


“AAP and the McNair program have made it possible for me to achieve my academic goals.” — Laura DiTizio, The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program

Laura DiTizio


College highlight—Meeting the many

challenges I faced and

being able to pursue my

doctoral degree.

EOC

The Educational Opportunity Center is the newest addition to the many

services provided by AAP. Created by a grant from the U.S. Depart-

ment of Education in 1997, the EOC provides information and assistance to

low-income, first-generation college-bound citizens of Prince George’s County

age 19 and older to gain admission and obtain financial aid for post-secondary

education enrollment.

EOC has seen substantial growth over the last decade and now assists more

than 1,000 adults per year in:

• Enrollment or re-enrollment in post-secondary education

• Guidance and counseling in the post-secondary admissions process

• Academic, personal and career counseling

• Assistance with completing the FAFSA application and securing financial aid

for students through various resources

• Referral to community agencies to complete the GED process

The EOC main office is located in New Carrollton

and maintains additional office space and staff on campus

within the AAP facility.

the educational opportunity center (EOC)

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EOC For Joel Solorzano, the natural born son of El Salvadoran

parents, simply graduating from Bladensburg High

School as a Latino student required overcoming many

serious obstacles.

Joel persisted, and following graduation he went right

into the workforce. College was just a passing dream. As

a few years passed, a friend told him about the Academic

Achievement Programs Educational Opportunity Center

and the opportunities available.

Joel followed the advice of EOC Counselor Edna

Gonzalez-Velazquez and submitted his application to the

University of Maryland. After a few months of anxious

waiting, the good news came—he had been accepted

into AAP’s STP program and given two days to decide his

future. Another friend, who Joel later married, helped put

into perspective what an important opportunity this was.

The rest, as they say, is AAP history.

Joel began attending UM in the summer of 2000, at first

feeling awkward and out of place as an “older” student.

Through hard work, many sleepless nights, and the help

of AAP staff, tutors and classmates alike, he accomplished

what once seemed unimaginable.

Joel received his Bachelor’s Degree amid tears of joy

from friends and family. He is currently the Assistant

Director of a camp for children. His new dream is to

continue his education and receive a teaching certificate

so that he too can help out as many children as possible.

“I am a prime example of how, through the help of AAP programs, anything is possible.”— Joel Solorzano, EOC

College highlight—Taking part in a study abroad

course with a host family in

Lesotho, South Africa.

Joel Solorzano


Retention rates surpass national average

Through hard work, dedication and your help, students in AAP seize

the opportunity to earn a college education. That’s why the program’s

first-year retention rates meet or exceed those of the general student

population and those of similar programs across the nation.

Based on most current available data

AAP gets high ratings

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AAP National Avg. UM New, First Retention Rate SSS Program Time Student After One Year* One-Year First Year Retention Rate ** Retention Rates*

2001 98.10% 74.6% 91.90%

2002 94.00% 75.1% 92.70%

2003 95.30% 75.7% 92.60%

2004 92.10% n/a 92.60%

2005 93.50% n/a 91.70%

for retaining and graduating students

*Source: University of Maryland IRPA, 2007** Source: An Interim Report on The Student Services Program: 2002-03 and 2003-04, with Select Data from 1998-2002, U.S. Department of Education, 2007

AAP SSS/IED 4 year 5 year 6 yearProgram grad rate grad rate grad rate

1998-1999 11.5% 36.9% 47.7%1999-2000 16.3% 41.3% 51.0%2000-2001 19.4% 52.0% 62.20%2001-2002 22.2% 53.7% n/a2002-2003 14% n/a n/a

National Average 4 year 5 year 6 yearof SSS Programs grad rate grad rate grad rateenrolled in original institution

1998-1999 10.8% 22.2% 28.0%1999-2000 10.5% 23.0% n/a

Based on most current available data

Exceptional student graduation rates

Based on available data, the University’s AAP program also surpasses the na-

tional averages for graduating students of like programs in their 4th, 5th, and

6th years of study, including a 62.2% 6-year rate in the ’01/’02 school year.

While they are hardworking individuals, many students in AAP simply have very limited resources to

fund their college educations, requiring significant financial assistance and unrealistic loan burdens.

Now, helping a student in need is easy, and you can even choose which area your donation will help.

You can elect to contribute to…

1. The AAP Student Book Fund

2. The AAP Study Abroad Fund

3. The Michele Angyelof Memorial Scholarship Fund, or

4. Help AAP meet daily expenses to continue to assist students at the highest possible level

To make your donation today by credit card or check, please complete the attached reply card, fill

out the appropriate information, and then return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

For more information on how you can help, please call the University of Maryland Academic

Achievement Programs Department at 301.405.4736. You can also visit our Web site at

http://www.aap.umd.edu.

help make a brighter tomorrow for AAP students …make a donation today

AAP Donation Certificate Name_______________________________________________

Address______________________________________________

City___________________________State_______ZIP________

Phone ( ) ______________________________________

UM graduate? Yes____ No____

AAP alumnus? Yes____ No____

Year of graduation _____________

Email address ______________________________________

YES, I want to help AAP students achieve their goals!

Here is my tax-deductible donation to the following area:

q AAP Student Book Fund

q AAP Study Abroad Fund

q Michele Angyelof Memorial Scholarship Fund

q AAP Fund for Daily Operations

Donation Amount $________________

Method of Payment: q Visa q MasterCard q Discover

Credit Card #________________________________________

Expiration date: ________________ Amount: ______________

Signature ___________________________________________

OR, I have enclosed a check/money order made payable

to the University of Maryland, Academic Achievement Programs.

Please detach this card, complete it and return it with your

payment in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

Thank you!!Changing academic potential into academic success.

Academic Achievement Programs2110 Marie Mount HallUniversity of Maryland

College Park, MD 20742

http://www.aap.umd.edu

301.405.4736 Telephone

301.314.9794 Fax

Special thanks to Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Donna Hamilton, for support of this publication.

Umcp Aap Brochure Final

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