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What is Project GRAD Cincinnati?
Project GRAD Cincinnati, a community-based nonprofit (501 (c) (3)) organization created in 2001, is part of a comprehensive national initiative aimed at improving the success of urban school students to academically achieve, graduate from high school and enter and complete a college education.  It is specifically targeted to support over 2,000 students and nearly 170 teachers, principals and counselors within the Cincinnati Public Schools.

Why Project GRAD Cincinnati?
Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) is Effective according to the State of Ohio's Department of Education.  Even with this improvement rating, many students still under-perform in reading and math.  High school graduation rate for incoming freshmen has been below 80% in CPS.  By focusing resources of Project GRAD Cincinnati low performing schools we are concentrating on the students most in need.  When our Project GRAD Cincinnati schools improve, the entire district will improve.  Project GRAD Cincinnati's goal is at least 80 percent of all students graduate from high school and 50 percent of those students continue onto higher learning. 

How does Project GRAD Cincinnati Work?
Project GRAD Cincinnati is implementing five program components in six Cincinnati Public Schools (Ethel M. Taylor Academy,
Hays-Porter K-8 School, Rees E. Price Academy, Roll Hill Academy, Robert A. Taft Information Technology High School and Western Hills University High School).  These components provide extensive teacher professional training, academic, counseling and scholarship support for students; and the parent community involvement needed to deliver success for our students.

  • Project GRAD Mathematics is an innovative program that teaches math principles and skills, using a variety of tools, to students starting in kindergarten, to prepare them for algebra by 8th grade.
  • Research based Reading and Writing  - added support for students and teachers to maximize learning opportunities utilizing the districts adopted reading and writing curriculum.
  • Consistency Management and Cooperative Discipline® is a program that builds the self-image, responsibility, and self-management skills of children in all grades.
  • Campus Family Support is provided to students' families through social services and parent involvement activities to help students solve problems that distract them from learning.
  • College Counseling, Summer Institutes and College Scholarships:  For students who maintain a 93 percent high school attendance rate, a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average, attend at least two Summer Institutes on college campuses and complete required coursework, up to $4,000 in college scholarships will be awarded.

Across the country, Project GRAD is generating evidence that it can narrow, and perhaps even close the achievement gap in some of the lowest performing school districts in the country.

Project GRAD Cincinnati Mission:    All students graduate from high school and are prepared to succeed in college and career.

Project GRAD Cincinnati Vision:    Project GRAD Cincinnati raises expectation and achievement for all students by building high impact partnerships within the community to provide a premiere college readiness, access and support program.






2011-12 Upcoming Events

March 1, 2012 - Board of Director Meeting - 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Rees E. Price Academy 

May 3, 2012 - Board of Director Meeting - 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education meeting room 1A

May 18, 2012 - Scholarship Banquet - 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Qualifying graduating seniors of Taft High School and Western Hills University High School will be awarded the Project GRAD Scholarship.  This event will be held at Cincinnati State College.

May 24, 2012 - Western Hills University High School Graduation - 4:00 p.m. at Cintas Center, Xaiver University

May 29, 2012 - Robert A Taft Information Technology High School - 4:00 p.m. at Cintas Center, Xavier University

Septmeber 6, 2012 - Board of Director Meeting - 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education meeting room 1A

November 1, 2012 - Board of Director Meeting - 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education meeting room 1A

 

Western Hills University High School January 2012 Newsletter

Click here to read the January newsletter.

 

Taft High School College and Career December Newsletter

Click here to read the December newsletter.

 

Western Hills University High School November Newsletter

Click here to read the November newsletter.

 

Taft High School College and Career October/November Newsletter

Click here to read the October/November newsletter.

 

American Spiritual Ensemble Visits Western Hills University High School

The world renowned American Spiritual Ensemble performed at Western Hills University High School on February, 23, 2011, in recognition of Black History month.  Click here to read entire article. 

 

Western Hills University Student to Play Football at Tiffin University

Senior Tyrie Lovette received a full ride scholarship to Tiffin University on February 3, 2011.  Click here for complete press release.

 

Western Hills University High School Holds 2011 Student Ambassador Ceremony

On Monday, January 31, Western Hills University High School held their annual Student Ambassador Induction Ceremony where 18 students were formally inducted.  Click here for the complete press release.

 

Project GRAD Cincinnati's First Annual On-line Silent Auction

Project GRAD Cincinnati is teamin up with eBay and Mission Fish in an exciting fundraising opportunity.  Project GRAD Cincinnati is holding their first annual on-line silent auction via eBay and Mission Fish.  Click here for entire press release.

 

Project GRAD Brings Academic Help, Role Models to CPS Students

Beginning in November, third- through sixth-grade students in Ethel M. Taylor Academy, Hays-Porter K-8 School, Rees E. Price Academy, and Roll Hill Academy will have to college student tutoring through Project GRAD Cincinnati's Bearcat Buddies program.  Bearcat Buddies, a partnership between Project GRAD and the Unviersity of Cincinnati's Center for Community Engagement, matchese elementary school students with college volunteers who coach them in math and English skills through the school year.  Click here for the remainder of the press release.

 

 

Robert A Taft Information Technology High School Held an Open House

Taft High School held their Open House on Monday, September 20th from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Parents listened to a Jazz Trio, and were introduced to Powerschool, learned about Taft's afterschool programs and sports, ordered uniforms, received midterm reports and met teachers and administrative staff. 

 

American Federation of Teacher's President Randi Weingarten visits Ethel M. Taylor Academy

On September 7th, Randi Weingarten visted the Ethel M. Taylor Academy.  Part of the Cincinnati Public Schools Community Learning Center program, the school offers students and their families an array of wraparound services that include a public health clinic, mental health services, academic tutoring and counseling, after-school programs and many recreational activities.  To read the complete article click here.

 

Project GRAD Cincinnati and Western Hills University Have Had a Long Standing Partnership

The former Superintendent Rosa Blackwell developed a union between Western Hills University High School and Project GRAD Cincinnati.  Click here to read the entire story.

 

 Robert A Taft Information Technology High School Recognized

Taft IT High School, which has dramatically improved academic results since being transformed into a technologically focused school assisted by a partnership with Cincinnati Bell, is the first high school in the district to earn the coveted Blue Ribbon distinction.  Click here to read more.

 

Western Hills University High School held its 9th-grade orientation on August 12, 2010

The Project GRAD Cincinnati staff hosted an information table for parents and students.  Click here for complete press release.

 Hats off to the Sponsors Who Joined us in Celebrating Dr. O'dell Owens and Project GRAD Cincinnati

The Project GRAD Cincinnati Founders Award Ceremony on November 30, 2009, was sponsored by the following businesses or individuals:

US Bank, KnowledgeWorks Foundation, Penny Friedman, Gates and Kathy Smith, QRC Associates, Melody Sawyer Richardson, Joseph Auto Group, Law Firm of Kamine and Schilling, Patricia Stewart-Adams, Powers Agency and Georgine Wolohan.

 

Project GRAD Cincinnati sincerely appreciates the sponsorships that were given by these individuals or businesses. 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert Taft Information Technology High School named School of Promise

Robert Taft Information Technology High School was designated a School of Promise by Ohio for performance on state tests and a high percentage of impoverished students.  Among the selection criteria:  at least 40 percent of students are from low-income families; at least 75 percent pass state tests in reading or math.  High schools must have an 85 percent graduation rate or better.  Schools much meet federal and state goals for academic progress.

 

Western Hills University Students Debate Politics; Conduct Research

Two juniors at Western Hills University High School - Jamal Cooper and Amanda Kennedy - represented their peers at the Youth and City Government conference.  Click here for more details.

 

 

Robert A Taft Information Technology High School Wins Sportsmanship Award

Taft Information Technology High school receives the 2008-09 Harold A. Meyer Award for Sportsmanship.  Click here to read more.

 

 

 

 

31 New Scholars in 2009

Project GRAD Cincinnati recognized 31 graduating seniors in the Class of 2009 at our fourth annual scholars’ reception on May 15th. With a $1000 annual Project GRAD college scholarship for each student, this class can receive up to $200,500 by the end of the students’ college careers at the institutions of their choice.

 

Students and their parents are promised the $1000 scholarships when they sign the Project GRAD pledge in their 9th grade year at Western Hills University High School. The promise states that the scholarship is available if the student maintained strong school attendance, attended at least two summer programs to increase their academic skills and preparation for college, and carried at least a 2.5 GPA in high school.  For many students, knowing that the Project GRAD college scholarship is promised to them for their achievement provides hope. In addition, Project GRAD staff members work closely with students to make sure that they have the academic and social support to maintain grades, stay in school, and complete the often overwhelming college application process.

 

Western Hills University High School Graduate Robert Golsby Started Late But Caught Up Quickly

Project GRAD Cincinnati student Robert Golsby graduated fifth in his class of 108, with a weighted 4.35 GPA, even though the facts that kept him at home during his freshman year never went away.  He will be attending the University of Cincinnati this fall majoring in chemical engineering.  Click here to read more. 

 

 

Western Hills University High School Students Walk to Fight Multiple Sclerosis 

Thirty students from Western Hills University High School participated in the MS Walk at Sawyer Point to help fight multiple sclerosis (MS).  For more information click here.

 

Robert A Taft Information Technology High School sponsored a male student empowerment program called C.H.O.I.C.E.S.

Robert A Taft Information Technology High School sponsored a male student empowerment program called, C.H.O.I.C.E.S. (Connecting, Hands-on experiences, Opportunities, INformation & Knowledge, Connections, and Empowerment is Success!) on April 1, 2009.  For more information click here.

 

Ethel M. Taylor Academy Students Get Active in the Community

A select group of students at Ethel M. Taylor Academy in grades 3-6 have been selected as the first members of the Junior Community Action Committee, an organization sponsored by Union Savings Bank that exposes students to volunteerism.  To read the entire article click here.

 

Western Hills University High School Selected as School That Works

The US Department of Education made a site visit to Western Hills University High School as an example of a school that is "Doing What Works."  To read more on this, please click here.

  

Four Robert A Taft Information Technology High School Seniors sign for Athletic Scholarships

Click here to read the Press release.

 

Western Hills University Students Say "Yes We Can to President Obama

 The students of Western Hills University High School created a "Yes We Can" flag to honor President Barack Obama.  Click here to read the entire story.

 

Ethel M. Taylor Academy, Robert A. Taft Information Technology High School, Western Hills University High School and Others Receive Grants to Further Students' Understanding of American Art

Several CPS Schools have received the We the People Picturing America(tm) grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities.  Please click here for the entire article.

 

Robert A Taft Information Technology High School Parnters with Hewlett Packard for a Pilot Program

Robert A. Taft IT High School is partnering with Hewlett Packard, Inc to begin a pilot Junior Achievement Program at the school beginning April, 2009.  The focus is "Careers with a Purpose."  Taft is excited to have HP professional work with and mentor their students in this manner.

 

Local DJ Gives Roll Hill Students a Lesson in Music History

The 5th and 6th grade students at Roll Hill Academy learned about the origins of today's most popular music genres when local DJ Casual T stopped by Mr. Bjorn Knudsen's music class.  Click here for more information.  

 

Robert A. Taft Information Technology High School Named School of Promise

Robert A. Taft Information Technology High School has been named Schools of Promise by the Ohio Department of Education for exceeding high standards of achievement during the 2007-08 school year.  Please click here for entire article.

 

Western Hills University Students Earn First Place in Holiday Decorating Contest

Phillip M., an 11th grader and budding artist at Western Hills University High School, led a team of fellow students to another first-place prize the the "Holiday on the Hill" window painting contest, which has been a favorite in the Price Hill community for years.  Click here for the entire article.

 

Exxon/Mobil Gives Schools a Small Boost

The Exxon/Mobil Educational Alliance has provided $500 mini-grants to dozens of Cincinnati Public Schools, including Western Hills University High School to support academic programs.  Click here for entire article.

 

Ethel M. Taylor Academy Helps Match Parents with Jobs

More than 50 people came out to the Ethel M. Taylor Academy in search of their next job.  Click here for the entire article.

 

Taylor Academy Students Inducted into National Honors Society

Ethel M. Taylor Academy recently inducted several 7th and 8th grade students into the National Honors Society for the 2008-09 school year.  Click here for the article.

 

Taft IT Students Raise Money, Breast Cancer Awareness

In October, students at R.A. Taft Information Technology High School worked hard to raise awareness about breast cancer.  Read the entire article here.

 

Western Hills University Student Shines at Chemistry Symposium

Robert G., a senior at Western HIlls University High School gave an impressive presentation of his research, Gravimetric Analysis of Vapochromic Platinum (II) Salts," which he conducted while participating in the Project SEED program last summer.  Click here for entire article.

 

Bengals, American Heart Association Team Up to Fight Obesity

The Cincinnati Bengals and the American Heart Association kicked off the "What Moves U Challenge" at Ethel M. Academy.  Click here for more information.

 

Taft IT Success Story Highlighted by Center for School Change

The partnership between R.A. Taft Inforamtion Technology High School and Cincinnati Bell has garnered more national attention as the Center for School Change has featured a case study on the partnership's success on its Web site.  Click here for entire article.

 

 

 

Anthony Smith of Taft IT High School Invited to Present at Student Discipline Conference

Mr. Smith, principal at R.A. Taft Information Technology High School was invited to present at the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators' Student Discipline Conference in Columbus on October 9, 2008.  Please click here for this article.

 

Project Nehemiah to Recognize CPS Teachers and Staff

Project Nehemia, a nonprofit outreach ministry of the Church of the Living God in Avondale, will honor five CPS teachers and staff members with its 2008 Salute to Excellence in Education Awards.  Click here for the article.

 

2008 Project GRAD Cincinnati Annual Report

Click here to read the 2008 Project GRAD Cincinnati Annual Report.

 

Project Yoga is working with students in Ethel M. Taylor Academy, Hays-Porter K-8 School, Roll Hill Academy,  and Western Hills University High School.  Project Yoga is a non-profit organization created to serve inner city schools of Cincinnati the practices of Yoga that foster self realization, greater awareness and heighten potential.  Volunteers teach breathing, meditation, visualization, and physical postures to strengthen physical health, mental clarity and spiritual well being.  Project Yoga is meant to bridge communities together in service to raise and heighten opportunities. 

 

Welcome to Dr. Sean McCauley - Principal at Taylor Academy

 

Dr. McCauley has been working in the Cincinnati Public School system for the last 18 years. He began his teaching in the early 90’s at Millvale elementary. He entered the Assistant Principal training program and interned at John Parker and Westwood Elementary. The last six years he was assistant principal at College Hill Fundamental AcademyClick here for the entire article. 



Robert A. Taft Information Technology High School

"Where success is embraced and expected."

 

Project GRAD Cincinnati welcomes Robert A. Taft Information Technology High School as the newest addition to the GRAD family.  Students who will be graduating from Taft High School in 2012 will be eligible for the Project GRAD Cincinnati Scholarship.   Below are some highlights of the new Project GRAD Cincinnati high school.  Click here for the entire article.

 

 

 

 

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Project GRAD Cincinnati, 301 Oak Street, PO Box 19477, Cincinnati, OH  45219
(513)363-3240 -
www.projectgradcincinnati.org