ABCD's Urban College of Boston
A two-year college developed by ABCD, Urban College of Boston (UCB) is a nontraditional, multicultural college chartered by the state's Department of Higher Education in May 1993 to grant associate degrees in Human Services Administration, Early Childhood Education, and General Studies. In serving Boston's inner-city residents, UCB expands on the 29-year successful track record of ABCD's Urban College Program Collaborative.
The college is located at ABCD headquarters in downtown Boston, holding classes there and in neighborhood centers across the city in partnership with ABCD's Child Care Choices of Boston, Community Partnerships, and other human services agencies. At present, approximately 700 students are enrolled in UCB programs. The Urban College of Boston also operates the collaborative Urban College Program; a Computer Applications Certificate Program; and Certificate Programs in Early Childhood Education, Human Services Administration, General Studies, Management, and Pre-College Studies.
UCB provides inner-city residents who might otherwise never go to college with the opportunity to achieve higher education credentials and skills tied to upwardly mobile careers. Through its direct connection with the ABCD system, UCB provides students with extensive support services that enable them to stay in school and complete their degrees, including day care, health services, personal counseling, and job placement.
It has a documented ability to serve as a bridge for students from literacy, GED, adult education, and youth programs into higher education. And it provides opportunities for students to be successful in college-level courses, complete degree and certificate programs, and increase their confidence levels and ego strengths. UCB serves as a "feeder system" to the entire higher education system by getting students "college ready" for other degree programs.
First UCB Graduates
For UCB, 1996 was a year of remarkable achievements. In an historic moment, the first four graduates of the Urban College of Boston received their Associate Degrees in a heartwarming graduation ceremony. Over 50 other students received Certificates of Achievement at the ceremony, marking the halfway point toward attainment of their degrees. Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Alvin Poussaint, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Faculty Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Harvard University School of Medicine, was keynote speaker at the graduation. State Senator Dianne Wilkerson also addressed the graduates. Dr. Robert Watts Thornberg of Boston University Marsh Chapel gave the invocation.
NEASC Candidacy Achieved
In April 1996, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) granted Candidacy status to the Urban College of Boston, following an extensive review process. That process included submission of an in-depth self-study report and a four-day site visit by an NEASC evaluation team consisting of distinguished educators from colleges and universities throughout the Northeast. Candidacy status allows UCB to pursue the authority to seek access to federal financial aid for our students, makes UCB credits more easily transferable to other colleges and universities, and facilitates acquisition of public and private grants. The critical needs of our students make student financial aid, grants, and transfer of credit of utmost importance.
Federal Financial Aid Eligibility
Federal Financial Aid Eligibility UCB has applied for "institutional eligibility" to award Pell Grants, work-study grants, and the Perkins Program. If successful, financial aid will be available in January 1997.
Outstanding Leadership
UCB was fortunate this year to welcome two distinguished educators to the college's top leadership positions: Dr. Brian L. Donnelly was named Dean of the College and Dr. Eugene E. DuBois was named Academic Dean. Their extensive experience and leadership in the field of higher education and their commitment to the UCB mission are truly making a difference to UCB and the students it serves. UCB has restructured parts of the curriculum, adding a Computer Science program and holding the first Summer Program in the history of the college. Nearly half of current students are new to the program, demonstrating that UCB is reaching into the community and filling a need for affordable higher education within a supportive environment.
In addition to the 1995 transfer agreement between UCB and Wheelock Collegethat enables UCB students to transfer 60 credits and enter Wheelock as juniors, UCB is building transfer agreements with Endicott College, Quincy College, Mt. Ida College, and many others. Suffolk University, near UCB in downtown Boston, and Bentley College donate the full services of their libraries to UCB students, with transportation to Bentley's Waltham campus provided by free shuttle bus service. UCB is a member of the Higher Education Information Center located at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square and a member of the Boston Higher Education Partnership. The college participates voluntarily in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, which provides regional accreditation through its Commission on Higher Education.
Development Drive Underway
As part of its ongoing fundraising effort, UCB has embarked on the first stage of a comprehensive development initiative to fund the operation of the college, strengthen and expand existing programs, and keep tuition affordable for the inner-city students served. A highly regarded development team is currently carrying out a feasibility study that will provide direction for the development campaign.
UCB is currently in the third year of a three-year grant of $150,000 awarded by the federal Department of Education's Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education (FIPSE). UCB is one of 71 institutions awarded FIPSE grants out of 1,900 that applied.
Urban College Program
Begun in 1967, the collaborative Urban College Program is currently operated in conjunction with Bunker Hill and Roxbury Community Colleges, University of Massachusetts/Boston, Lesley College, Wheelock College, Endicott College, Northeastern University, Suffolk University, and Emerson College. Approximately 500 students attend classes held at ABCD headquarters in downtown Boston and in neighborhood centers. Students earn credits toward associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees at collaborating institutions.
The Urban College Program also arranges for college credit for ABCD and other agency job-training and staff development programs. Currently courses in Accounting, Computer Skills, Business Mathematics, Family Planning, and Early Childhood Education are accredited through the Urban College Program. Students receive credits applicable to degree programs, thus creating a direct link between ABCD and agency job-training and the world of higher education. In addition, the ABCD Urban College Program offers on-site undergraduate internship programs.
Computer Applications Certificate Program
Marketed to the entire Boston community, including employers, this program offers several "hands-on" computer applications courses that help students enter today's job market and become more valuable employees.
Courses, which can be taken for credit or noncredit, include:
- Introduction to Personal Computers and Windows
- Introduction to Word Processing Applications: Microsoft Word
- Introduction to Spreadsheet Applications: Microsoft Excel
- Intermediate Spreadsheet Applications: Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows.
Child Development Associate (CDA) and Family Services The Urban College Program works with Head Start to operate the Child Development Associate (CDA) for those working in the field of early childhood education. It has also developed a 16-credit certificate program to support Head Start's human/family services training program needs.
|
