Getting a lift
DePauw supports Ridpath's 'No Excuses University'
GREENCASTLE -- Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
Through a network called "No Excuses University," students at Ridpath Primary School are being given a weapon to receive a higher education and the possibility of changing their world.
The program exposes young students to the powerful symbolism of college. The symbolism can be seen in the college flags and banners hung throughout the school and in the classrooms. It can be felt through the partnership forged between Ridpath and DePauw University.
"Our students have stepped up to the plate," said Amy Welch, associate director of DePauw's Honor Scholar Program.
On Friday, members of the Honor Scholar Program and DePauw President Brian Casey presented DePauw T-shirts to all Ridpath students.
"We want to make college tangible to the kids," said Welch.
DePauw students from first year to seniors in the scholar program worked to raise money for 250 T-shirts for each Ridpath student. The college students won't stop with just the shirts.
Once the weather becomes nicer, the college students plan to invite the smaller students to campus for a kickball game and give them a tour of DePauw, said Welch.
No Excuses University actively promotes a comprehensive model of college readiness to students the moment they begin elementary school. Educators at No Excuses Universities believe they have the power to influence every student to be academically successful.