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UTSA East Asia Institute offers free Korean language and culture class
Non-credit, 10-week course will run Feb. 21-May 4 at UTSA Main Campus
UTSA student Brittany Morales named Gilman scholar for spring 2012
International scholarship takes student to Ireland this semester
UTSA sponsors Feb. 16 half-day international trade mini-conference
Small business owners can learn about free-trade opportunities with Colombia
UTSA Black Student Leadership Council presents original play Feb. 11
Part of Black History Month, 'Our Reins Reclaimed' centers on self-respect
UTSA Graduate School hosts information sessions in South Texas
Information sessions are in Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo, Corpus Christi
Nursing honor society hosts Feb. 22 health-care research conference
Conference email registration deadline is Feb. 15
UT System Research Cyberinfrastructure Initiative to bring analysis growth
New initiative creates technical, cultural environment for data warehousing, analysis
S.A. Metro Health honors UTSA Roadrunner Cafe for healthy food choices
Main Campus eatery designated 'Por Vida!' healthy restaurant
University Excellence Awards: Nomination deadline extended to Feb. 10
Ceremony combines University Excellence Awards and Faculty Honors Convocation
Coordinating Board approves UTSA psychology doctorate in military health
New program is first in Texas, second in nation with emphasis on military support
Free or low-cost workshops: Learn from UTSA's small business experts
Learn about planning, government contracting, international trade, sustainability
Dinner and smart chat: Buy 'Great Conversation!' tickets now
UTSA fundraiser benefiting Honors College scholarships is Feb. 29
Easier recycling: UTSA adopts new single-stream recycling process
Recycle paper, aluminum, plastics, cardboard in blue bins formerly paper only
UTSA gallery presents prints by 19th century Mexican illustrator
Broadsheets entertained masses with tantalizing headlines, intrigue, verse, graphics
UTSA hosts distinguished urban planner Alexander Garvin for Feb. 2 lecture
Veteran of five city administrations, Garvin to speak on public parks, livable cities
Seven UTSA master's programs recognized by Eduniversal international group
UTSA business, liberal and fine arts, public policy colleges receive honors
Deborah Kaufman: UTSA Head Start Summer Institute success story
Deborah Kaufman
Share this Story(Dec. 18, 2009)--For 50-year-old Deborah Kaufman, the end of the tunnel her advisers told her about is near, and she now sees the light ahead. Kaufman will walk the stage at 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19 and graduate cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Mexican-American studies from the UTSA College of Education and Human Development.
Her journey began in 2005, when after working several years as a Head Start teacher with 3 to 5 year olds in San Marcos, and raising two children with her husband, Kaufman decided to enroll in UTSA's Head Start Summer Institute.
A federally funded program, Head Start provides learning development for low-income children from birth to five years of age. Under the No Child Left Behind Act, all Head Start teachers and staff are required to earn their degrees.
In 2002, with a new government mandate in place, UTSA sociology professor Harriett Romo founded the new institute with a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The institute allows area Head Start teachers to take classes in the summer and work their way toward completing associate or bachelor's degrees.
The program, books and student housing are provided free-of-charge to participants. The curriculum includes early childhood and Mexican-American studies. Over the last four years, Kaufman commuted from San Marcos to attend the three-week summer sessions in the first and third years, and the longer six-week sessions in the second and fourth years.
"It was a wonderful program and served as a real confidence builder," said Kaufman. "I really liked it because it just felt so comfortable."
With her associate degree courses behind her, she enrolled at UTSA and completed the remaining core courses to earn her bachelor's degree in Mexican-American studies.
"Deborah has been a very successful, highly motivated student and a role model for other Head Start teachers," said Romo. "She demonstrated that it is possible to juggle family, work and school successfully."
In addition to those responsibilites, Kaufman has taken care of her father, who suffered two strokes over the last three years.
After working with young children for 11 years, Kaufman looks forward to changing gears and working with adults teaching English as a second language.
UTSA has provided 264 Head Start teachers and staff the opportunity to return to college and continue working to obtain a degree. Over the last nine years, 3,168 college credit hours have been earned by summer institute participants. The 2010 summer session orientation begins May 15.
The UTSA Head Start Summer Institute is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Partnerships are established with the City Of San Antonio Department of Community Initiatives, San Antonio College, St. Philips College, AVANCE, Edgewood I.S.D, San Antonio I.S.D, Region 20, Family Services, Community Action Inc. and the Texas Migrant Council Inc.
For more information, call 210-458-2692 or visit the UTSA Head Start Summer Institute Web site.
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