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Dream Runners


“Partnering higher education with primary education”

                The Offices of K-16 Initiatives and Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at The University of Texas at San Antonio are in the beginning processes of developing a collaborative program that would focus on the educational improvement and progress of San Antonio area elementary and middle school students in basic reading and math skills and encourage school attendance/matriculation through the engagement of extracurricular activities at the UTSA campuses. The program, called DREAM RUNNERS, has started a pilot initiative in the Spring of 2005 at two school campuses located in the San Antonio and North East Independent School Districts.

The program will target students from these districts that serve students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the fifth, sixth and seventh grades who may be at a higher risk of experiencing academic difficulties, including low grade performance, low performance on tests, low school attendance and higher rates of dropping out of school. In coordination with campus administrators and instructors, UTSA students and staff will mentor and tutor students to improve reading and math skills in addition to TAKS examination skill sets. Approximately 250 students will be part of the first Cohort of Dream Runners.

                The major objectives of the program will be to:

  • Improve participants reading skills;

  • Improve participants mathematical skills;

  • Provide participants the opportunity to visit the UTSA Campus;

  • Provide information to students and parents regarding the various benefits and     opportunities of higher education

              Throughout the year, Dream Runner participants will be recognized for their academic achievement. Recognition/Guest Speaker sessions will be conducted at each participating campus with student athletes, students and staff from The University of Texas at San Antonio serving as presenters and guest speakers. The program will provide incentives for improved math and reading skills, overall academic performance and maintaining perfect attendance.

The Dream Runner program will also provide cultural and athletic activities as incentives for the students. These events will enable students an opportunity to spend time with university students and staff in an informal setting to gain a broader understanding of the various opportunities available at an institution of higher education, specifically The University of Texas at San Antonio.

 

2004-2005 DREAM RUNNERS PILOT CAMPUSES

  • San Antonio ISD                  Steele Elementary    

     

     

  • Northeast ISD                       Bradley Middle School