2008-2009 S.T.U.D.Y Academic I nternship P rogram

1. Scholarly Training in Urban Development for Youth 2008-2009 S.T.U.D.Y Academic Internship Program

2. Outline Introduction STUDY Advisory Committee STUDY Objectives Interns Application and Selection Graduating Interns Profile Program Instructors, Staff and Contributors STUDY Pipeline Academic Program Savannah, GA / Tallahassee, FL Field Trip Luncheon & Award Ceremony Follow-up Meeting Evaluation of Program Elements Conclusion Project Recommendations

3. Introduction • The 2009 STUDY program provided twenty (20) high school students residing in North Miami an enriching academic-work experience internship. • STUDY focused on government planning and urban economic development, the project’s activities supported the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) mission of investing in the socio-economic development of the community. • The STUDY project had two main thrusts: • The first, addressed the socio-political component of urban life; • The second, demystified the technical and scientific components of government and urban planning. Relevant urban planning issues were analyzed through instructors, staff and guest speakers’ lectures, workshops, and seminars. • For greater comprehension and appreciation of the topics a field trip to Savannah, GA and Tallahassee, FL, was incorporated in the curriculum. • The interns were required to commit to a specific research topic, and under staff supervision, prepare a professional quality report and present it to the public. The 2009 research topics were: • Sexually Transmitted Disease in North Miami as Compared to North Miami Beach. • Teen (Gang) Violence in North Miami in Comparison with North Miami Beach. • Raising the Quality of Education in North Miami and North Miami Beach: A Teachers’ Perspective.

4. STUDY Advisory Committee • The STUDY Advisory Committee provides guidance to the project. Its main responsibilities are as follows: • Provide feedback and suggestions to the project staff in order to maximize effectiveness of services.  • Review applications, evaluate candidates and recommend at least six (6) potential interns. • Provide staff with suggestions for curriculum design and delivery mechanisms. • Advocate for program and solicit support from the community at large. • The 2009 STUDY Advisory Committee Members • Mr. Ken Caban, Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc. • Dr. I. H. Campbell, Sixth Avenue Church of God • Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr., North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency • Dr. Yvens Fievre, North Miami Senior High • Mr. John O’Brien, North Miami Community Planning and Development • Ms. Diana Ospina, Transelco Corporation • Dr. Lumane Pluviose-Claude, North Miami City Manager Office • Dr. Berrin Tansel, FIU College of Engineering and Computing • Mr. William Wallace IV, Formerly with Biscayne Landing

5. STUDY Objectives The 2009 STUDY project focused on motivating and increasing the analytical skills of twenty (20) high school interns of primarily economically disadvantaged backgrounds for potential college or vocational studies in the field of urban planning and development. The STUDY outreach created a pipeline of over 200 students representing a pool of potential applicants. The STUDY introduced interns, who might otherwise not have the opportunity, to a potentially rewarding academic experience. The STUDY interns were motivated through close social and intellectual interaction with instructors, urban planning professionals, and peers. As a result, participation in the project is both an award and an incentive for further academic success.

6. Interns Application & Selection Interns were selected based on the following qualifications: * Applicants must:  1. Be in 10th – 11th – 12th grade for the 2008- 2009 school year. 2. Be a North Miami resident (preference may be given to eligible students who reside within the CRA district boundaries). 3. Have cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. 4. Have an interest in Government Planning, Engineering, Science, Business, Law, Architecture, Criminal Justice, Health, Education or Technology based career. 5. Provide 1 letter of recommendation from a Teacher or a Counselor. 6. Write one typed-page essay on the following topic: Applicant’s wish to participate in the STUDY program and the ways in which the program can help in meeting the student’s career goal. 7. Submit most recent transcript. 8. Have parental consent for participation. A total of 44 students applied for the internships, 28 were selected and 17 successfully completed the program.

7. STUDY 2009 Graduates

8. Graduating Interns Profile Alexis, Steve I am a ’09 graduate of William H. Turner Technical Arts High School. I plan on attending Miami Dade College (North, and Wolfson campus) for EMT and firefighter classes. The internship program helped me see that Firefighting is a career field I want to be in. I will also be pursuing a degree in graphic designing and audio engineering. Baron, Herine I am 17 years old and I am a `09 graduate of North Miami Senior High school. I was planning on going to the University of Florida but after experiencing the program I've decided to stay in Miami and attend Miami Dade college to get a bachelor degree in RN, after that I'm planning on transferring to Nova to purse my career by getting a Ph.D in nursing.  . Bellevue, Elizabeth I am presently in my junior year at North Miami Senior High. I help out a lot within my community. I help in the school library fixing books once a month. This internship program will get me prepared for the work force when I am ready to work. Brown, Christopher I am a graduate of North Miami Senior High School. I am class of 2009 and I currently attend school at Florida A&M University. My major is nursing, and I have plans of returning back to my hometown of North Miami once I graduate.  . Delices, Will'Rod I am enjoying the rest of the summer vacation and I hope it is the same for you all. I am in 11th grade at William H. Turner Technical Arts High School. My plan for the 2009-2010 academic school year is to work hard so I can pass the SAT and graduate at least with a 3.0 grade point average (GPA). Dorval, Yonie I am a 09' graduate from North Miami Senior High. In fall I will be attending St. Thomas University. At first I was going to major in pre law but after completing my internship with the CRA, I changed my mind. Now I'm doing double major in criminal justice and political science. Flores, Yetsania I am a Junior at the School For Applied Technology. Pursuing a career in Veterinary Medicine is something that I am very interested in doing. The hands on experience would really help me in figuring out my future and which career path I will choose.

9. Graduating Interns Profile Cont. Leveille, Islangia I am a Senior at North Miami Senior High. Devotion and determination are my strength. I plan to pursue a major in the field of health science during my college years, but my ultimate career goal is to become a doctor specializing in the areas of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Louis, Viotha I am a junior at North Miami Senior High. I’ve learned many interesting things through this program. I’ve especially learned a lot during the onsite portion of the Internship. I’ve experienced and learned many things about my future career choice of becoming a Dental Hygienist. Thanks to the STUDY program I’ve proudly confirmed that decision. Lubin, Lina I am a 10th grader at North Miami Senior High. I wanted to major in business and marketing, but after working in the field I decided to major in something else. Noel, Rotchil I am going to the 12th grade. I'm currently Mr. North Miami for the year 2010 at North Miami Senior High School. The STUDY program has been real beneficial. It made me learn new aspects to certain careers. Osorio, Mariana I graduated from William H. Turner Technical Arts High school. Now, I attend Miami Dade College majoring in Criminal Justice. The experience that I gained from this internship was amazing and unforgettable. I also gained a lot of experience that will be useful in the future. Pompilus, Ania I am a ’09 graduate of North Miami Senior High School. I am presently attending Miami Dade North Campus and will attend Florida Atlantic University hopefully by next trimester. After the internship program I've changed my major in college, because the program made me realize that working in the law field was not for me, so now am working towards my goal of becoming a pediatrician in the years to come.

10. Graduating Interns Profile Cont. Raphael, Daphney I graduated from North Miami Senior High school in 2009 with (Magna Cum Laude) Honors. I will be attending Florida International University for my degree in Biology. This internship program help me see how much I can accomplish if I put my mind and my soul in it. I was going to drop out, but knowing that all this work will pay off in the future, I stayed and finished it and was very proud of myself at the end. I will soon be a Pediatrician, because I love taking care of children. For every new intern that will be participating, just never give up and always do your best. Thank you. Therazin, Jennifer I graduated from Somerset Academy in 2009. I am attending the University of Florida on a full scholarship and double majoring in journalism and business to pursue a law degree.  I had gained so much experience from the STUDY program that is unbelievable. One of my favorite parts was the trip because in Tallahassee we got to meet state officials and visit the state capital building and in Georgia we visited Haitian monuments and learned about Haitian history. There is so much to gain in the program and a perfect example arethe lectures and the internship. The lectures teach you about the issues of the city and help for the projects assigned which in fact allow you to gain social and oral skills. The internship allows you to work in the field of your choice. I had the chance to work in Andre Pierre's law office and received a one on one view of my future profession. The whole program was an experience I can never forget and the knowledge and connections you obtain only enhance the memory. Therazin, Octania I am a current junior at Somerset Academy Charter High School. This S.T.U.D.Y internship program has been nothing but beneficial to me as well as my fellow interns, this program has been very successful and filled with opportunity. This internship gave me many opportunities such as meeting important people and gaining experience in my field of interest. I will refer this program to anyone who is looking for a great opportunity.   Williams, Lynard I am a Class of '09 graduate from North Miami Senior High. I am an African American. I'm a very hardworking young man and I believe I can achieve anything I put mind to. My first plan was to go to Miami Dade College to major in Emergency Medical Technician, then I thought about going to the Navy to become an Emergency Medical Technician. But I've made up my mind, and I'm going to stick with my first plan which is to attend Miami Dade College.

11. Program Instructors & Contributors

12. Number of Students = 134 STUDY Pipeline A pipeline program was created with 213 students in 9th – 12th grade participating in academic and counseling sessions at both NMSH and the Griffing Community Center. The academic sessions lasted anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes over a 6-month period. Essentially they consisted of a lecture on the history of the city of North Miami including the CRA, as well as their political and administrative structures. In addition, to test the students understanding of the material presented pre and post lecture examinations were administered. STUDY 2009 Pipeline Students Average Score

13. Academic Program • SESSION FORMAT AND COURSE SCHEDULE • The weekly Saturday program (10:00 am – 2:00 pm) starts with a 15-minute orientation followed by 1hr45mns session. At twelve noon, the interns take a break for lunch. At 12:45 they return to their session until 1:45 pm, when they complete the daily evaluations. • PREPARATION AND DELIVERY OF CURRICULUM • Curriculum design began on December 2008, and lasted through June 10, 2009, and was created such that most subjects/topics covered had an explicit connection with the planning, operation and management of a city. • The STUDY implementation plan was characterized by the delivery of the academic curriculum throughout the period February 07 - July 30, 2009. The curriculum was subdivided around five basic themes: • History of the City and the CRA • Public Administration and Financing • Research Methodology • Infrastructure • Urban Social Issues / Challenges • STUDY RESEARCH PROJECT • The STUDY academic internship program also involved the interns in the production of research projects. Additionally, these activities gave the interns an insight into issues and tasks involved in real-life projects. The project themes were Education, Youth Crime and Health. • The three groups presented the results of their research in a public forum on July 17, 2009. • TRIP TO SAVANNAH, GA AND TALLAHASSEE, FL (Tuesday, March 31 – Friday, April 2, 2009) • Tuesday, March 31, 2009 • Departed from North Miami Public Library to Savannah, GA • Visited of the Haitian Monument in Downtown Savannah – Tour of Savannah • Departed from Savannah, GA to Tallahassee, FL • Wednesday, April 1, 2009 • Session on Political System in Tallahassee by Rep. Ronald Brisé • Tour of the State Capitol building • Participated atthe Miami Dade Days events; met with Governor Charlie Crist • Thursday, April 2, 2009 • Visit of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) • Departed from Tallahassee to Miami

14. Field Trip Photos STUDY Interns with Mayor Kevin Burns at the Miami Dade Days, Paella Lunch Event, on April 1, in Tallahassee, FL. STUDY Interns surrounding City Alderman Clifton Jones (holding shirt) in front of Haitian Monument in Savannah, GA. STUDY Interns with Governor Charlie Crist and Mayor Kevin Burns in the Capitol Executive Hall. STUDY Interns with Representative Ronald Brisé after his welcoming session. Photos by: Richard (Ricky) Preval

15. Interns On-site Assignments The process of locating host departments for the interns’ assignments began in January 2009 with a massive letter campaign targeting 125 businesses and institutions in the county. Interns worked for a 4-week period from June 15 to July 10, 2009. Ultimately eight agencies/institutions were willing to provide onsite work experience to the interns.

16. Luncheon & Award Ceremony • The closing Research Presentation, Luncheon and Award ceremony was held on July 17, 2009 at the Miami Shores Country Club. • The key note speaker for the event was Mr. Alix Desulme, Clerk, City of North Miami. Several high-level officials were present at the luncheon, including Councilman Frantz Pierre, City of North Miami Beach; Mrs. Betsy Kaplan, former School Board Member; Ms. Sherronda Daye, Commissioner Dorrin Rolle’s office; Mrs. Joyce Pernicone, Director, North Miami Public Library; Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr., Executive Director, NM CRA; Assistant Chief Karls Paul-Noel, Miami Dade County Fire Rescue Department. • All of the interns received Certificates of Achievement along with a facsimile check for $1,000/ $1,100/for $1,200 for completing the program successfully. • In addition, “Certificates of Appreciation” were presented to various individuals, organizations and agencies for their contributions and support of the 2009 STUDY program. • Outstanding Host Awards were presented to Jackson Memorial Downtown Medical Center, North Miami Police Department, and Miami Dade Fire Department for special support of the program. • Finally, the Outstanding Instructor Award was given to Dr. Natacha Yacinthe, and Outstanding Intern Awards to Jennifer Therazin (1st place), Mariana Osorio (2nd place), Yonie Dorval (3rd place), and Christopher Brown (Honorable Mention).

17. Luncheon & Award Ceremony Photos 10th graders (L – R) Octania Therazin, Will'Rod Delices, Lina Lubin receiving their Certificates of Achievement from Dr. Sylvan Jolibois, Project Director, Mr. Alix Desulme, City Clerk of North Miami and Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr., CRA Executive Director. 11th graders (L – R) Yetsania Flores, Rotchil Noel, Viotha Louis, Elizabeth Bellevue receiving their Certificates of Achievement from Dr. Sylvan Jolibois, Project Director, Mr. Alix Desulme, City Clerk of North Miami and Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr., CRA Executive Director. 12th graders (L – R) Mariana Osorio, Jennifer Therazin, Lynard Williams, Steve Alexis, Yonie Dorval, Ania Pompilus, Herine Baron, Islangia Leveille, Daphney Raphael receiving their Certificate of Achievements from Dr. Sylvan Jolibois, Project Director, Mr. Alix Desulme, City Clerk of North Miami and Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr., CRA Executive Director. 12th graders (L – R) Mariana Osorio, Jennifer Therazin, Lynard Williams, Steve Alexis, Yonie Dorval, Ania Pompilus, Herine Baron, Islangia Leveille, Daphney Raphael, Christopher Brown receiving their facsimile checks for $1,200. Photos by: Gerard Hermantin

18. Luncheon & Award Ceremony Photos (L-R) Mr. Alix Desulme ( City Clerk), Dr. Sylvan Jolibois (STUDY Director), and Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr. (CRA Executive Director) awarding Certificates of Appreciation to Ms. Guylene Berry, Chief Karls Paul-Noel, and Ms. Sherronda Daye. (L-R) Mr. Alix Desulme ( City Clerk), Dr. Sylvan Jolibois (STUDY Director), and Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr. (CRA Executive Director) awarding Certificates of Appreciation to Ms. Sherronda Daye, Mrs. Betsy Kaplan, Dr. Berrin Tansel, Chief Karls Paul-Noel, Mr. William Wallace IV and Marie Montpremier. Participants at the July 17, 2009, Research Presentation and Award Luncheon, at Miami Shores Country Club. STUDY Project Director, Dr. Sylvan Jolibois, introducing guest speaker, The Hon. Alix Desulme, City Clerk of North Miami. Dr. Natacha Yacinthe and her twin daughters receiving Outstanding Instructor Award Photos by: Gerard Hermantin

19. Follow-up Meeting • On Saturday, July 18, 2009, a follow-up meeting was scheduled for the interns and staff that had participated in the STUDY. Four items were on the agenda: • Discussion of the STUDY program. • Discussion of the research presentations. • Final exam designed to evaluate the interns’ understanding of the material covered during the sessions. • Finally, based on their academic school grade level, the interns were presented with a cashiers check for $1,000/$1,100/$1,200 equivalent to the sum earned for their monthly on-site internship.

20. Evaluation of Program Elements • At the end of each academic session, interns were provided an evaluation form in which they were to assess the day’s activities with respect to the following: the instructors/guest speakers, the class sessions and the staff. The data obtained was to serve as feedback for addressing immediate critical issues and to assist us in improving the courses implemented in the STUDY program. • 95% interns either strongly agree or agree that the materials were clearly presented. • 94% said the instructors/guest speakers encouraged discussion. • 92% either strongly agree or agree that staff was attentive to their needs. • 83% of the interns who participated in the trip found the experience to be helpful. • 89% found it very interesting. The interns also evaluated the STUDY program as a whole on several criteria. • 65% found the trip to be the most interesting part of the program. • 24% found the onsite internship was the most interesting. • 16 out the 17 graduates (94%) would recommend the program to their peers.

21. Conclusion • For its first fully funded year, the STUDY Program can be considered as a success. It introduced interns, who might otherwise not have the opportunity, to a potentially rewarding academic experience. • Specifically, the project was successful because: • It serviced 241 North Miami Students. • It graduated 17 out 20 interns (85%). • It provided three outstanding research presentations delivered at a public forum. • It brought the interns to close interactions with public officials, including Governor Charlie Crist. • It received overwhelming support from major community agencies, both public and private. • The interns performed very well in their on-site assignments (all received maximum score of five in their supervisor evaluations). • The fact that 16 out of the 17 graduates (94%) would recommend the STUDY Program to their peers. • The outstanding support receiving from city and county agencies as well as the private sector companies. • While challenges were faced, e.g., transport logistics, drop out ratio, the added element of the interns working onsite, researching an issue and presenting their results in a public forum, proved to be very successful. The project introduced interns to the challenging opportunities in the urban planning arena while offering them a trip to Savannah, GA and Tallahassee, FL.

22. Project Recommendations Following the completion of the CRA STUDY 2009, the Advisory Committee and staff evaluated the project. The following are the topics/possible improvements that were addressed: • INTERN RECRUITMENT • This year in collaboration with Global Solutions Agency, Inc., led by Ms. Guylene Berry, JHS staff advertised the program on radio for a two-month period. • A sophisticated pipeline was created, where hourly sessions were provided to 213 current 9 – 12th grades students in order to create a pool of potential applicants. • A similar program will be implemented with the new Mourning Senior High School in 2009-2010. • Graduating interns will also be involved in the recruitment process. • RESEARCH PROJECTS AND CURRICULUM • The interns would have preferred if more time had been allocated to work on their projects. Next year, the number of hours assigned for the (group) projects will increase. • Public speaking sessions will be added as part of the regular academic sessions to improve the curriculum. • ON SITE INTERNSHIPS While the project has received support from key agencies; STUDY staff must continue to explore potential partnerships with the North Miami private sector, the county and the State. Federal agencies based in the county will also be approached. • STUDY PROGRAM LOCATION Some alternative location to FIU Biscayne Bay Campus will be pursued, e.g., Johnson and Wales and Barry Universities. • ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Committee should include representatives from Miami Dade College and Miami Dade County.

23. Acknowledgments JHS & Associates, Inc. would like to acknowledge the contributions of various individuals and organizations which supported the STUDY goals. We extend our sincere appreciation to:  Mr. Kevin Burns, Mr. Michael R. Blynn, Mr. Jacques Despinosse, Mr. Scott Galvin, Mrs. Marie Erlande Steril, Mr. Jean R. Marcellus, Mr. Andre D. Pierre, CRA Board Members Mr. Ronald Brisé, Ms. Yolly Roberson, Members, Florida House of Representatives Mr. Dorrin D. Rolle, Miami Dade County Commissioner Mr. Gareth Mann, Ms. Joyce Oliver, Mr. Aldwyn Thomas, North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency Ms. Ruby Hemingway – Adams, Miami Dade Transit Mrs. Betsy Kaplan, Ret. School Board Member Ms. Pamela Paultre, Office of Rep. Ronald Brisé Ms. Sherronda Daye, Commissioner Dorrin Rolle office Ms. Joyce Pernicone, North Miami Public Library Dr. Pamela Smith, North Miami Senior High Mr. Dan Lima, NMCommunity Development and Planning Mr. Wisler Pierre-Louis, North Miami Public Works Department Ms. Guylene Berry, Global Solutions Agency, Inc. Dr. Marc A. Joseph, Dixie Medical Center - Dr. Smith Joseph, Universal Medical Center, P.A. - Dr. Rudolph Moise, Comprehensive Health Center, Inc. A sincere thank you is also sent to: Jackson Memorial Hospital, North Miami Police Department, Miami Dade County Fire Rescue Department for their wonderful support. Finally, a heartfelt “Merci Beaucoup” is extended to our STUDY Advisory Committee Members: Mr. Ken Caban, Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc. Dr. I. H. Campbell, Sixth Avenue Church of God Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr., NM/Community Redevelopment Agency Dr. Yvens Fievre, North Miami Senior High Mr. John O’Brien, NM/Community Planning and Development Ms. Diana Ospina, Transelco Corporation, Inc. Dr. Lumane Pluviose-Claude, North Miami City Manager Office Dr. Berrin Tansel, FIU – College of Engineering and Computing Mr. William Wallace IV, Formerly with Biscayne Landing