Ethnic minority support programs
At SRP, we proudly support the rich diversity of our community and customers with innovative programs that reach underserved populations.
The selection of SRP's ethnic minority programs is based on extensive community-based research, as well as key input from diverse community leaders and education experts. Our goal is to make informed investments in areas of opportunity that impact an array of ethnic minorities.
With guidance from our community partners, we've made education our top priority. Specifically, SRP ethnic minority programs are designed to:
increase high school graduation rates- increase educational attainment
- increase teacher enrichment throughout Arizona.
SRP's ethnic minority initiatives include:
- ACE (Achieving a College Education) Program: This Maricopa Community Colleges program serves a diverse student body, including 41% Hispanic students and 16% African American students. ACE targets at-risk high school youth and enrolls them in community college. Students are provided academic advisement and testing, as well as basic skills classes. ACE students graduate from high school at rates ranging from 88% to 96%, with 83% advancing to college.
- Rodel Teacher Initiative: SRP's contribution to this program supports two Rodel Exemplary Hispanic Teachers (who teach at schools with high poverty rates), as well as 12 student teachers who are mentored by the designated Exemplary Hispanic Teachers over a three-year period.
- COE/ICE: SRP has sponsored the Cooperative Office Education (COE) and Industrial Cooperative Education (ICE) programs since 1979. The programs employ Valley high school students with positions at SRP throughout their senior year. In a typical year, the percentage of Hispanic students in both programs combined is approximately 40%.
- Tolleson Advanced Placement Program: SRP's grant to this program supports curriculum development and teacher training for advanced placement programs. Advanced placement programs prepare economically disadvantaged and minority students to succeed in accelerated high school and college courses.
- SRP Bridge to the Classroom Scholarships: SRP will provide funding for ten scholarships for Hispanic student teachers in their final semester at the ASU College of Teacher Education and Leadership. Support for these teachers is critical if the demographics of teaching professionals are to mirror the richly diverse demographics of Arizona students.
- Tempe Tutors Program: In partnership with the Tempe Elementary School District, SRP employees are heavily involved in a tutoring program at Aguilar School, where 95% of the students are Hispanic. SRP volunteers provide one-on-one support for K-5 students in need of literacy and fundamental education assistance.
- Valued Youth Program (VYP): The SRP/Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program places secondary school students who are considered at risk of dropping out as tutors of elementary school students (enabling the older students to make a difference in the lives of younger students). Ultimately, the VYP reduces dropout rates, enhances basic academic skills, strengthens self esteem and reduces disciplinary actions and absenteeism.
We are grateful to those who share our commitment to Arizona's ever-improving quality of life, and we look forward to future partnerships in support of ethnic minority groups.
If you have questions about SRP's ethnic minority programs or would like more information, please call: (602) 236-2484.
