Gov. Jay Nixon announced Oct. 2 that North Campus in North St. Louis City has received $500,000 in federal funds from the state.
21st Ward Alderman Antonio French founded North Campus in 2012 to provide students with access to math and science tutoring and enrichment programs. Federal funding will give an additional 350 students in St. Louis city and county access to these services. North Campus currently serves 150 children through in-school and after-school programming.
The investment will create a new partnership between North Campus and the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ College of Education. The partnership will offer hands-on learning and volunteer opportunities for UMSL students. Funding will be provided by the Missouri Department of Social Services to UMSL’s College of Education.
“This is a solid investment that will have a huge return for students and families in this community and in the economy of this region,” Nixon said.
Nixon briefly touched on the unrest in Ferguson. He stated that the events of the past two months have been stark reminders of the significant challenges that have “vexed” both local and national communities for generations.
“While efforts continue on multiple fronts to address the many issues that have been raised,” Nixon said, “we’re here today to talk about one of the most important issues of all – education.”
Carole G. Basile, dean of UMSL’s College of Education, described Nixon as a champion for public education who works “across the aisle to make smart, fiscally responsible investments.”
“He’s increased access to early childhood education, invested more dollars into our K-12 classrooms and partnered with higher education institutions, like ours, to keep college affordable,” Basile said.
Nixon said every child deserves a quality education, which he said is an economic imperative in today’s competitive global marketplace.
“If our workers don’t have the skills today’s high-tech employers need,” he said, “those companies will go elsewhere and our economy will fall behind.”
Despite having made “solid progress” over the last five years, Nixon said too many children are still growing up without seeing a clear path to academic achievement and economic independence. And this is especially true for low-income children.
“Some of those students are homeless. Many others come to school hungry,” Nixon said. “It’s hard to focus on your next homework assignment when you don’t know where your next meal is coming from.”
Nixon said children from poor families have drop-out rates that are five times higher than children from affluent families. He said schools within the region are working to close that gap; however, it will take the entire community to ensure that all children have an equal opportunity to succeed academically.
Nixon was joined by French, state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, and Maida Coleman and Marvin Teer from the newly formed Office of Community Outreach.
Nixon recognized Coleman, who he said “hit the ground running” in her new role as director of the newly created office. Teer serves as the office’s deputy director and general counsel.
“There are so many positive efforts on the way – initiatives that are bringing St. Louis together and are helping our youth dissect difficult issues in our community,” Coleman said.
She said leaders throughout the region are working strategically to identify key leverage points that can be used to change the region, like French’s #HealSTL. #HealSTL is a social justice project that focuses on political engagement, education and community development.
Regarding North Campus, French said there is no greater tool to reduce poverty and empower youth than education.
“When you see them in our after-school programs, they shine,” French said. “We see what they can be. Not only does it give them hope, but it gives us hope.”
Nasheed thanked the governor for his dedication to STEM throughout the state. She also acknowledged French for his commitment to youth who live below the poverty level in North St. Louis.
“Our children need our help more now than ever before,” Nasheed said. “Our children are below proficiency in a major way when it comes to math and science. And we’re going to get them where they need to be.”
Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil. E-mail this reporter: boneil@stlamerican.com.
