Hillsborough County Public Schools Student Services and Federal Programs
Information Item

DATE: Tuesday, August 7, 2007
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Camp Anytown Participation (Curriculum & Instruction and Student Services & Federal Programs Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

During the weeks of June 17-21, 2007, and July 8-12, 2007, 122 middle and high school students attended Camp Anytown, a youth leadership and diversity awareness program. Students were screened and selected through an application process and divided into either a high school or middle school group of 40-50 participants each.  The middle school group consisted of students from numerous schools in Hillsborough County as well as some students from Sarasota County. Both groups were ethnically, culturally, and socio-economically diverse, although females were represented almost 2-1 compared to males.

Community Tampa Bay, formerly known as The National Conference for Community and Justice’s Anytown program began fifty years ago to promote understanding and cooperation among students from diverse racial, religious, and ethnic backgrounds by helping students understand and appreciate the unique multicultural society.

Today, more than 25 regions conduct the Anytown program around the United States.  Anytown graduates hold key positions in government, academic, and business organizations.  Anytown has been cited as a “Best Practice” by the United State Department of Education and President Clinton’s Race Relations Initiative, “One America.”  Additionally, Anytown was cited by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency as “one of the best programs in the nation for preventing juvenile delinquency.”

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

Goal 6 - All schools in the district will be assigned a grade of A, B, or C.

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

Funds of approximately $70,000 (GEAR-UP $35,000 and Advanced Placement $35,000) were used to sponsor two chaperones and student camp participation for two weeks.

EVALUATION

The students from the district schools are followed for a period of one year. Students are monitored for their disciplinary actions as well as their academics. At the conclusion of their one-week “camp-like” experience, the students were ask to evaluate their experience. The overwhelming response was that the students found the experience meaningful and enjoyable.

SUBMITTED BY: Eric Bergholm, General Director of Advanced Academic Access
 Jorma Young, Supervisor, Academic Programs

Michael Grego, Ed. D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221 		Gwendolyn L. Luney
Assistant Superintendent, Student Services & Federal Programs
(813) 272-4879
9.01
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20070807_263 * Section E Item# 9.01