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The Sallie Mae Fund awards grant to Huddle Learning, Inc.; aims to further an understanding of effective teaching methods

RESTON, Va., June 11, 2002—The Sallie Mae Fund recently awarded a grant to Huddle Learning, Inc., in support of their pilot program aimed to improve academic performance and higher education expectations among a targeted middle school population in the Turner School District in Kansas City, Kansas. The Sallie Mae Fund is the philanthropic arm of SLM Corp., commonly known as Sallie Mae and the nation's leading provider of higher education funding.

The pilot targeted twenty at-risk seventh- and eighth-grade students. In an after-school program, the students used diagnostic software to address skill gaps in their education and received remedial assistance with computer-based instruction. Parents and/or adult sponsors were required to participate in meetings for the program, which included on-site visits to two local colleges.

"This pilot program has made a difference in the lives of these students at Turner Middle School," said Kay Highbarger, Superintendent, Turner School District. "A diagnostic process and automated prescription for students assured that each student was focused on his or her individual learning needs."

Since research indicates that the decision to drop out of school is often contemplated during middle-school years, this program focused on academic remediation and setting realistic expectations regarding attendance requirements for post-secondary institutions. Twelve participants completed all program requirements and each earned a one hundred dollar scholarship toward a higher education.

"The Sallie Mae Fund is committed to opening doors to higher education for America's children," said Susan Porter, managing director of community outreach, Sallie Mae. "We are happy to support this Huddle Learning program because we realize academic achievement is key to accessing higher education."

The purpose of this program was threefold. First, to assess each student for skill deficits using diagnostic and prescriptive software and provide remediation using computer-based instruction; second, to focus parents and students on the importance of setting higher education expectations for school performance; and third, to introduce students and their parents to the college-campus setting.

Data from this pilot program will be used as a foundation for future programs with elementary- and middle- school students.

For more information, contact:

Stephanie Tew (Sallie Mae)
703/810-6810

The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, achieves its mission—to increase access to a post–secondary education for America's students—by supporting programs and initiatives that help open doors to higher education, prepare families for their investment, and bridge the gap when no one else can. For more information visit www.salliemaefund.org.

Huddle Learning, Inc. (HLI) is a non-profit corporation, dedicated to -- HelpingUndo the Digital Divide by Learning Electronically. Facilitating partnerships enables HLI to offer "Piloting Your Future" programs.