Darkness to Light and GEAR UP
The Darkness to Light Initiative
The Citadel's School of Education has successfully incorporated the Stewards for Children training program into each of our four divisions: Counselor Education; Literacy Education; Educational Leadership; and Teacher Education. The Stewards of Children curriculum is a Darkness to Light program designed to train adults to recognize, prevent, and respond appropriately to child sexual abuse. Faculty from each of the School of Education's divisions have been trained as Stewards for Children facilitators. In turn, these faculty representatives train other faculty, cadets, graduate students and members of the community to implement this Darkness to Light initiative.
The Citadel's School of Education has taken the lead among Charleston area institutions of higher education in integrating this training into all programs that prepare students to work with children and youth. With The Citadel in the lead, Charleston Southern University, the College of Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Trident Technical College have all implemented training programs enabling graduates to protect the children and youth of the Lowcountry. This Citadel initiative is part of a national effort to foster greater awareness of what can and should be done to foster the Darkness to Light agenda.
The Citadel GEAR UP College Tour
Wendell Rogers and Stephenie Hewitt-coordinators of The Citadel's GEAR UP initiative-accompanied tenth grade students from Charleston County's School of the Arts, Goose Creek High School, North Charleston High School and Garrett High School on a spring break tour of South Carolina colleges and universities. Traveling by bus, these rising juniors visited Claflin University, South Carolina State University, Presbyterian College, Newberry College, and Francis Marion University, and Morris College.
Students learned about the admission requirements for each of these institutions and received information regarding available scholarship funds. College students from the Charleston area enrolled in these institutions shared with the high school students their insights on how to prepare for college and what they need to do now to ensure success in college. The college students also explained what it is like to be in college and described the many activities available on college campuses.
Eating in the cafeteria proved to be a highlight of each college visit. The high school students appreciated the variety of food choices but were not as impressed with the taste. Several commented that college food was just not the same as "home cooking." All in all the experience was a positive one for the rising juniors and it enhanced their understanding of higher education and what it takes to take advantage of the available opportunities.
