Published: September 29, 2008 09:49 am            

SCC’s GMSCPP students visit Somerset police officer

Our Neighbors

Students participating in the Governor’s Minority Student College Preparatory Program (GMSCPP) at Somerset Community College had the opportunity to visit with Somerset Police Officer Brooks Barleston this summer as part of the year-long GMSCPP program.

This is the eighth year that SCC has provided the enrichment program.

Barleston, who is the first African-American police officer on the force since the 1960s, talked to the students about his training to become a police officer, as well as how his faith in God is a significant influence in the direction of his life.

Officer Barleston then took the students out to see his cruiser. He showed them the special features that it has.

George Martinez, coordinator of the GMSCPP and an assistant professor in the Social Sciences Division at SCC, said, “Officer Barleston did a wonderful presentation for our students and the students had a favorable response to his presenta-tion. He is a well-respected member of our community and the GMSCPP program benefited from his participation this summer.”

GMSCPP is a year-long grant program at SCC. The program works with area middle school students. The purpose is to encourage minority students to prepare and plan for college.

The program includes a three-week summer enrichment program and monthly activities intended to begin preparing students for college.

Other examples of past activities conducted by the GMSCPP Program include a visit by Dr. Wardell Johnson, Eastern Kentucky University assistant professor, sports and exercise science, to discuss how student choices impact academic performance. He encouraged the students to work hard academically and be prepared to make adjustments as they continue their pursuit for higher education.

At the conclusion of his presentation, he invited the students to Eastern Kentucky University to learn more about how to access higher education and experience campus life.

The students traveled to Eastern Kentucky University in November to tour the campus and gather information about the various academic programs available.

The middle school students concluded the 2007-08 program year with a field trip to the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville.

For more information about the GMSCPP Program contact George Martinez at George.mar tinez@kctcs.edu or call him at (606) 451-6698.

        

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