The University of New England, Westbrook Campus, has initiated a campus community project entitled The Stevens Avenue of Educational Excellence. The goal of this project is to foster academic excellence for all students in the Stevens Avenue community. Stevens Avenue presents a unique geography in which a resident can attend preschool through graduate school without leaving the avenue. The University of New England has taken a leadership role in establishing and fostering collaborative relationships among all the schools, social institutions, and businesses along the avenue.
In 1999, the Stevens Avenue Collaborative Advisory Committee was formed, defined its structure and purpose, and established vision and mission statements for the Collaborative. Its vision is that “”Stevens Avenue is a community noted for its excellence in fostering quality lifelong education, mental and physical health, mentoring relationships, a safe environment, and a commitment to service among all its citizens.”" Its mission is: “”To enhance the human spirit through education, health, mentoring, safety, and service.”"
Several other accomplishments were also realized. The Collaborative established a bimonthly newsletter, A Community of Excellence, which describes significant projects and accomplishments of students along the avenue. The third issue is currently being prepared and has a circulation of about 600. Students from UNE’s Community Nursing class worked with the 7th and 8th grade science teacher at St. Joseph’s Parish School to present eight classes on the body systems. Students from UNE’s Language Arts tutored reading at Longfellow Elementary School with training provided by the Longfellow reading specialist. UNE students conducted several research projects at the Park Danforth Residence, Deering High School, and Longfellow Elementary School.
A UNE education course on computer technology was taught in the Lincoln Middle School computer lab. Over 500 students from elementary to high school visited the UNE Art Gallery. UNE began an Alternative Health Promotion program at Park Danforth involving professionals from the medical school, students from the nursing and gerontology programs, and undergraduate students. UNE met with both high school principals to discuss enrichment opportunities that it could provide such as the College Exploratory Program, guest speakers, Art Gallery exhibits, and career information.
Next year, the Collaborative will focus on the theme of mentoring as the major focus of its activities. UNE is currently working with the principal of Lincoln Middle School to develop a mentoring program for middle school students. In addition, the Collaborative will continue the tutoring activities, and the bimonthly newsletters and meetings. It will also support a Poetry Workshop from Burbank Library, provide college campus tours for middle and high school students to raise academic aspirations, facilitate oral histories conducted by middle school students with Park Danforth residents, develop a Stevens Avenue web page, and continue to create strong partnerships along the avenue.
