Program to help Phila. students

Teachers often quip that June, July and August are the most rewarding time of year -- because they have plenty of free time. But University students searching for the perfect summer job may not have to look too far from home to judge that statement false. Summerbridge Germantown, a six-week intensive academic program for local elementary and middle school students, is looking for high school and college students to act as teachers this summer. "We're looking for students who are committed, creative, enthusiastic and thoughtful," said Julie Friedberg, the program's coordinator. "If you are fascinated with the process of learning, you have an interest in working with kids and you're willing to work hard and cooperate with other people, then I would definitely apply." The tuition-free program, which spans two years, serves elementary and middle school students from eight public schools in Northwest Philadelphia. "All of the kids have a lot of academic potential, and are very motivated," Friedberg said. "For a variety of reasons, though, they may not be fulfilling their potential at school now." The high school and college students who teach the classes design them themselves. Last year, classes included African American poetry, journalism, Shakespeare and civil rights, in addition to the required core classes, Friedberg said. A community outreach component provides a unique aspect to the Philadelphia program, she added. Last summer marked Summerbridge Germantown's first year. Ninety rising seventh graders vied for 35 spots, according to Friedberg. The program will double in size this year, she said, with all of last year's students returning for their second summer and an additional 35 rising seventh graders beginning their stay in the program. Although no Penn students taught at Summerbridge Germantown last year, Friedberg said she hopes some will participate this year, adding that she wants to "encourage Penn students to think locally." "Not only do the kids grow from the program, but the staff go through a huge growth experience," Friedberg said. "They have full responsibility for the kids." She noted that those teaching the classes even conduct parent conferences. The first Summerbridge school began in San Francisco in 1978. A national office was established there in 1991, and the program has since expanded to 36 programs nationwide. College freshman Adam Ring taught writing and swimming classes at a Summerbridge program in Marin Country, Calif. three summers ago. "One of the great things of the program is that it's really a crash course in terms of teaching," Ring said. "It's an extremely intense, compact program, which teaches what it's like to potentially become a teacher." College freshman Matt Kalin attended the program as a student in San Francisco for three years -- during the summers before he entered seventh, eighth and ninth grades. "It's a really open, caring environment," Kalin said. "Summerbridge makes learning interesting. It taught me that when I'm interested in learning something, it's not a chore." Kalin said some of his best friends now are those who taught him when he was a student at Summerbridge. Interested high school and college students can apply to up to 12 different programs nationwide. Although Summerbridge students must pay for their own transportation, the college students who teach receive a $750 stipend and those currently on financial aid are eligible for an additional $750. Applicants for staff positions must complete a rigorous application process, including both a written application and a phone interview, Friedberg said. "Working with so many other young people who are so committed to teaching and to helping young kids really gives one a sense of the influence of education, and it really makes one curious to get into the field," Ring said.