Meriden Public Schools Enrichment Academy at Middlesex Community College

1. Middlesex Community College Partnership with Meriden Public Schools EnrichmentAcademy

2. Students • Students in sixth through eighth grade from both public middle schools in Meriden were invited to participate in the Middlesex Community College Enrichment Academy. • 31 Meriden students participated • This program promotes diversity as students from other districts, private schools, and home schools are in attendance

3. Sessions Offered • Students and their families choose from two programs… • Shark Tank 101: Entrepreneurship • Intro to New Media

4. Class Times • Classes were held on 5 consecutive Saturdays from February 13th through March 12th • Class time was from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm • Both classes included a ½ hour break

5. Last Day Families were invited to view the final presentations at the last session. New Media: The students displayed their websites/blogs to their families. Shark Tank: The students participated in a copy-cat show “Shark Tank” and presented their business plan to 3 sharks (MxCC Academic Dean, Dr. Minkler, Asst. Superintendent, Dr. Cardona, and Meriden Councilman and small business owner, Miguel Castro) in hopes to get money and make a deal to finance their business.

6. Student Comments SHARK TANK: • “The best part of Saturday Academy was presenting to the investors” • “Being able to make your own business plan” • “Being able to learn about business while the professors make it fun” NEW MEDIA: • “Making a blog” • “I really enjoyed making my own website, that’s my favorite part” • “Making a blog was the best, in other words everything”

7. Parent Comments • “John was able to receive an opportunity to be creative in a different environment and at college level” • “Zachary was challenged academically and enjoyed coming” • “It was a great opportunity to learn outside of school” • “Seeing my son’s excitement with his project” • “Watching and Knowing Jakob was excited to go and grow” • “My daughter enjoyed herself and expressing herself” • “Thank you for having my child attend, and keeping her in safe hands while away from home and teaching her new things. Great experience”

8. Faculty Comments • The students were very attentive, by the end of the session, they had a business plan and knew how to develop it. I was amazed how quickly the students picked up the information. I could not have been more proud of them during the open house when they did their presentations for the group of "Sharks". -- Ed Bonilla • Teaching at the Enrichment Academy was both rewarding and inspiring -- which is why it was so fulfilling to me. Students demonstrated a willingness to learn and appreciation to be a participant in the class. This fuels you as a teacher, and in turn, makes it a true joy tobe there (and that's saying something for a Saturday morning class).The administrative support is excellent, and the teaching assistant you are provided with is outstanding as well. Again, leaving you the instructor with only one focus -- provide the best possible course for the students.It was a very memorable experience, and I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to be a part of it. -- Adam Chiara

9. Enrichment Academy • Provides children an opportunity to experience a college classroom • Provides challenging academics to supplement school curriculum • Opens up the mind to new possibilities • Encourages growth and lifelong learning • Provides a supportive and positive environment • Allows students to meet students from other schools and districts • Builds confidence and self esteem