SALEM, Mass. - An after-school program at Salem State College provides 60 young learners from Lynn the opportunity to broaden their horizons.

During their once-a-week visits to the Salem State College campus, fifth and sixth graders from the Ford School meet up with student volunteers and faculty members at the college to take part in activities designed to develop interpersonal skills as well as physical fitness. "Every child has a right to learn and to be physically fit enough to learn," said Michele Sweeney, an organizer of the program and a professor in the college's Sport, Fitness and Leisure Studies department. "There is extensive research that tells us if you can't be physically fit, you can't be mentally fit," she explained.

At each session, the FASST (Ford and Salem State Together) Project provides a nutritious afternoon snack before forming three groups: the computer club, the health and wellness club and the adventure club. Volunteer student leaders from the college lead the three groups through activities that develop computer, literacy, social and physical skills.

"College students qualify for credit toward fieldwork for related courses," explained Jessica Theriault, a graduate student at the college who serves as project coordinator.

"Despite the fact that most SSC students work to support their studies, many students enthusiastically volunteer their time for this program," Theriault added.

Dr. Claire Crane, principal of the Ford School, and Dr. Mary-Lou Breitborde, project director of the FASST Project and a professor at Salem State, credit the SSC-Ford partnership with having a direct effect on the elementary school's improved performance. The Ford School has recently moved from its rating as the poorest performing school in Lynn to the highest performing among the city's large elementary schools.

The partnership between the Ford School and Salem State College is supported with funding from the state Department of Social Services, federal Title I funds and the Nellie May Foundation.

For more information, contact Dr. Breitborde at (978) 542-6262 or
e-mail marylou.breitborde@salemstate.edu