A small amount of recognition can make a big difference for a child. That is why UNLV is expanding its Adopt-A-School program, which rewards elementary school children for excelling academically and provides the UNLV community with an opportunity to mentor and engage at-risk students in the Clark County School District.
"Last year, we couldn't wipe the smiles off our face," said Earnest Phillips, senior director of marketing and public relations. "The program was like a huge dose of goodwill and service that kept us all on cloud nine the entire year.
"This year, after receiving generous support from UNLV Athletics and The Lincy Institute, we were able to keep the program alive," said Phillips. "We've now set our sites on expanding the program and showering more students with the Rebel Spirit."
How to Participate
UNLV alumni, donors, and friends of the university are encouraged to participate in the 2010-11 Adopt-A-School program to recognize high achieving students at:
- Ruth Fyfe Elementary
- Dean Petersen Development School
- Oran K. Gragson Elementary
- Ruth Cunningham Elementary
The quickest and easiest way to help is to donate a ticket to the Nov. 13 homecoming game. UNLV athletics is donating 300 football tickets to the homecoming game against Wyoming and is challenging the community to match its donation. Vouchers for food and drinks will be provided for students and their families. Those attending the game also will be given special recognition during halftime.
You can also donate materials or volunteer at a school. One of the most important aspects of the Adopt-A-School program is the time spent mentoring and guiding elementary students on the path to higher education.
History of the Program
The Adopt-A-School program began in 2009 as an offshoot of UNLV's homecoming festivities with the belief that removing the mystery of higher education would lead to future college graduates. In 2010, the program's goals were revised to strengthen the link to academics.
Schools are selected based on their at-risk status and the rate of students receiving free and reduced lunches. Cunningham Elementary was chosen as the pilot school. It had a large homeless student population and 69 percent of students were on free and reduced lunch.
The UNLV Alumni Association purchased 100 Rebel Fun Packs, which included four tickets and coupons for four hotdogs and four drinks. In total, 120 packs were given to the top students at the school and $5 from every pack sold was donated back to Cunningham Elementary.
Other components of the Adopt-A-School program included a pep rally during homecoming week complete with T-shirts and a visit from the Rebel Girls, Hey Reb!, and members of the football team. UNLV faculty, staff, and students also held a book drive for the school's Accelerated Reader program.
The Adopt-A-School program was developed by a homecoming subcommittee with representatives from UNLV athletics, admissions, marketing and public relations, alumni relations, the Alumni Association, the Rebel Pride Council, and the office of civic engagement and diversity.
