Grants

Success Stories

Why Try?

Why Try? There are many Junior High age students who ask themselves that question everyday. That is why the Center for the Advancement of Leadership partners with the Why Try Program. Utah Valley University students volunteer and are teamed up in groups of two to teach lessons and activities provided by the Why Try Program. Students were assigned to the following Junior High Schools in Utah County: Lakeridge, Oak Canyon, Pleasant Grove, and American Fork.

Once a week our Utah Valley University students traveled to their assigned classes consisting of approximately 8-20 students, for about 30 minutes. A school counselor would sit in on the class or nearby, in case of needed assistance. With each lesson there was an activity to reinforce the concept. Discussions are important, but by having an activity, the students were able to release some energy, and utilize hands-on application.

Student facilitator, Kasie Hugh met with the teams each month for in-service training, and invited Bruce Bushnell, from Why Try to join them to discuss lesson plans, how their classes were going and to share experiences. We also reviewed upcoming activities. In April, a survey will be provided to all who participated as student teachers, students, counselors, or any others, in order to receive specific feedback on how it has made a difference in their lives.

Why Try? Participants from Utah Valley University included: Michael Kitto, Aimee Johnson, Jackie Fuller, Bryan Coleman, Ashlee Moffett, Hannah Hogg, Savannah Bayles,
Jennifer Hulet, Kristyn Farnsworth, Sheen Beard and Kristina Cox.

The CEL Grant provided funding for in-services held and provided student teachers with: $1,500.00 Student Director fee for In-service meetings, coordinating schools and running the program. $1,000.00 10 UVU student teachers for gas, incentives and equipment for activities.