Baltimore County Public Schools

Lansdowne and Dundalk were the two Baltimore County GEAR UP middle schools and Lansdowne and Dundalk are the site’s high schools.  Its higher education partners are the University of Maryland, Baltimore, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Towson University, and the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)—Dundalk , which all offer their services for campus visits and for financial aid and admissions workshops.  The CPIP projects offer direct student services such as after-school academic tutoring, career-focused student clubs, and college and scholarship writing workshops. Teachers are also eligible to apply for professional development courses in science taught at UMBC and supported with Title IIA professional development funds granted by MHEC.  The site staff and higher education partners provide supplemental instruction and tutoring for students, on-campus cultural activities that support curricular objectives, college and career awareness activities, and financial aid workshops.  Panel discussions and other events are planned for the cohort students’ parents to assist them in preparing their children to make informed decisions about their education and career choices.

1901 Delvale Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21222

410-887-7023

3800 Hollins Ferry Road

Baltimore, MD 21227

410-887-1417

Program Contacts

Ms. Phyllis Bailey, Executive Director

Special Programs K-12 

Baltimore County Public Schools
pbailey@bcps.org
410-887-2280  Phone
410-887-2645  Fax

Ms. Peggy Johnson, Principal (Dundalk HS)
410-887-7023  Phone

401-887-7025  Fax

Mr. Thomas DeHart, Principal (Lansdowne HS)

tdehart@bcps.org 

Ms. Dora Eldridge, Project Coordinator (Lansdowne HS) 

deldridge@bcps.org 

410-887-1417  Phone

410-887-1461  Fax

Project Title:              Breaking the Mold: Building the Future

Project Director:        Vanessa Fahie 

                                    School of Nursing

University of Maryland, Baltimore

                                    655 W.  Lombard Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

                                    fahie@son.umaryland.edu

Project Abstract:

            The Breaking the Mold:  Building Your Future Project is designed to increase the academic achievement of GEAR UP students at Lansdowne High School.  This is the second year that the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s  (UMB) School of Nursing has worked with Baltimore County GEAR UP.   Through offering an array of activities, the project fosters 1) academic enrichment, 2) increased parental involvement, 3) a decrease in dropout rates and absenteeism, 4) college preparation, 5) career exploration, and 6) personal development  

The project’s objectives include increasing students’ scores on standardized examinations, such as the MSA and SAT, and increasing students’ commitment to exploring career options.  UMB has several academically enriched activities planned throughout the school year and next summer.  Beginning in the fall semester, the partnership continues two activities that were introduced last year—the academic enhancement program (AEP) and the Health Careers Club (HCC).  The AEP is an after-school homework program that provides science-content assistance for students studying biology, chemistry, or physics.  The HCC meets during lunch-time at the high school and provides an opportunity for students to learn more about career opportunities in health-related fields.  New this year, the project is offering PSAT preparation workshops for students that plan to take the new version of the exam in October 2004.  UMB continues to motivate students through a quarterly recognition for students that have academically excelled.  Next summer, the partnership will offer a week-long summer program who helps students enhance their technological and communication skills.