CONTACT - Volume 9, Number 2
Learning Achievement Program Begins

The Division of Nursing was delighted to receive a notice of grant award for $650,000 for the next three years to fund the Learning Achievement Program (LAP) proposal submitted under the Nursing Workforce Diversity initiative of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Faculty at Barry, as well as schools throughout the country, are concerned about the academic difficulties that many nursing students encounter and are struggling to find solutions to help students complete their nursing programs of study. Student dropout rates have steadily increased over the last several years. English as a second language, inadequate secondary education preparation as documented recently in the local media, family problems and financial issues are just a few a few of the reasons for student attrition. Barry University Division of Nursing has developed the Learning Achievement Program as a means to address these problems.

The LAP is a three-phase transitional and developmental support program for students from minority and/or disadvantaged backgrounds. It is our goal to admit twenty students to the LAP each year. The first phase is a four-week summer bridge program assisting students in making the transition to university life and the rigors of academic work. Students will take courses in English, reading and nursing, mathematics and computer science. In addition, students will receive personal and academic counseling and socialization activities. Phase two and three will continue the advising and counseling activities along with a modified supplemental instruction component. After class-assistance will be provided to students and NCLEX preparation activities will be implemented during Phase three.

The faculty is anxious for LAP to begin and are confident that they will see positive outcomes. It is consistent with our philosophy and mission that we not only assist our Barry students to achieve their educational goals but at the same time support the nursing profession by preparing a workforce of professional nurses to support the diverse human health care needs within our community.