Feature article

The Not So Lazy Hazy Days of Summer at BCTC’s Titian University

Article and pictures by Bluegrass Community & Technical College
June 27, 2007

LEXINGTON, KY (June 20, 2007) – Navigating a low elements ropes course, visiting Salato, the Kentucky Department for Fish & Wildlife Education Center and witnessing equine rehabilitation at the Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center are but a few of the many activities students are participating in at Bluegrass Community & Technical College’s Titian University summer program.

The program being held at the Life Adventure Center in Woodford County is a science based, hands on program designed to help students understand the natural environment and their role in the stewardship of that environment. The curriculum for the summer program covers 29 core content areas for middle school students. This extended school enrichment program is offered at no charge to all Tates Creek Middle School (TCMS) students through funding by a 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant.

"When these kids meet nature face to face whether it is a horse, frog, or katydid it is amazing to see the transformation that takes place in their faces,” said Cindy Zeller, Academic Program Director. “ As teachers, we have found this summer environmental academy to be one the most inspiring and rewarding experiences of our teaching careers. We have seen incredible growth in these children in the short period of time we have been working with them," added Zeller.

Onsite Director, Becky Simpson explained that BCTC and TCMS also conduct an after school program at TCMS from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday throughout the school year for over 90 students. The after school programming includes homework help, sports, crafts, guitar, art, marine biology and photography. This year’s summer program staff includes two BCTC college freshmen Eric Beatty and Todd Bailey.

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