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Article published Jul 8, 2009 Maryville College may become a New Opportunity School for Women expansion site
By Matthew Stewart of The Daily Times Staff
Maryville College officials are evaluating whether its campus and the Blount County community can host a nationally-recognized program committed to improving the lives of low-income, middle-age Appalachian women.
Jane Stephenson, the founder of the New Opportunity School for Women (NOSW), recently visited Maryville College and North Georgia College & State University located in Dahlonega, Ga.
Stephenson, who is the wife of former Berea College president John Stephenson, spoke with officials about expanding the NOSW to their campuses.She founded the NOSW in 1987 in Berea, Ky. The program expanded in 2005 to Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C.
The NOSW's mission is to improve the educational, financial and personal circumstances of low-income, middle-age women in Kentucky and the South Central Appalachian region.
All low-income Appalachian women between 30 and 55 years old -- and who have completed high school or received a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) -- are eligible for services.
The NOSW offers two main types of programming. The school hosts summer and winter residential sessions and also offers year-round services.
More than 600 women have completed the school's three-week residential program, and nearly 1,000 women benefited last year from the NOSW's total programs, Stephenson said.
"These women are absolutely as smart as they could be," Stephenson said.
"It's really no fault of their own where they were raised, when they were raised and how they were raised. They should not be put down by society for something they could not help. That's why we're trying to look at their lives and how they can better them." The residential programs are designed to provide women with necessary educational and career-oriented resources. Twice a year, the NOSW selects 14 women to participate in its residential educational program at no costs. Money for child care and transportation are provided as needed.
Students are in classes from 8 a.m. until noon, and then they participate in community internships each weekday afternoon. On weeknights, women may participate in social events sponsored by local women's groups. Attendees go on field trips to see art and cultural events on their weekends.
Curriculum subjects include resume writing, interview skills, interest/personality inventories, basic computer skills, leadership development, creative writing, public speaking, professional mentoring, building self-esteem, professional presentation, makeovers, self-defense and women's health issues.
While on campus, each participant is offered a mammogram, a pap smear, and other health screenings when appropriate.
The NOSW also offers outreach employment and enrichment workshops each spring and fall semester. Counseling services are also available upon appointment.Impressed by MC
Stephenson enjoyed her visit with Maryville College officials, she said. "It's my first visit, and I'd love to have a program here. I think it fits well with the college's mission, and its community service and outreach in the region.
"It was a wonderful day with lots of caring people who would understand the philosophy of our program and make sure it's high-quality like everything else here. However, the administrators have to believe in it and want to do it. They have to feel like it's right for Maryville College."
If Maryville College officials show further interest, Stephenson said the NOSW expansion committee will evaluate its programming and campus capabilities. If representatives reach an affiliate agreement, Stephenson said Maryville College will agree to:
Supply the funds, instructors and supporters for at least a two-year commitment;
Follow the same curriculum and schedule as the other NOSW sites;
Have evaluations by the NOSW expansion committee after one year and five years.Campus connection
The NOSW already has one connection with Maryville College. Lori Sliwa, the wife of the college's Vice President for Enrollment Bill Sliwa, was director of Lees-McRae College's NOSW site for two years.
Sliwa said she will support whatever decision Maryville College officials make, but she hopes they decide to become a NOSW site. "If that were a decision that Maryville College and the New Opportunity School for Women wanted, I would be behind it. When I initially moved here, I thought Maryville College would be an ideal place for it," Sliwa said.
"Berea College agreed to the expansion, because they saw the (program's) mission really paralleled and blended with the mission of their college. When you look at the history of Maryville College and its service and mission, it would also work with and support the program," she said. "The women who attend and graduate from this program have hope and a future in front of them. It doesn't just help them but the community. It's truly life-changing."Studying needs
"The Center for Strong Communities is frequently presented with strong ideas for service and capacity building," said Rev. Dr. Billy Newton, organizing director of Maryville College's Center for Strong Communities.
Officials will have to talk with Blount County organizations which are currently working with women in similar circumstances to determine if there is a need, Newton said. "If it's a need, we'll want to study it and see what's possible. We don't want to duplicate services."
Before we take any positive steps, we'll have to consider partnerships with groups who help Appalachian women and study funding sources and curriculum for the NOSW," Newton said. The study will take a while, but officials have no timeline for its duration, he said.
Sometime early in the fall semester, Newton said Maryville College officials will meet with the NOSW's expansion committee members.
Officials will have to raise $100,000 a year to support it, Newton said. The program is funded solely through donations from foundations, corporations and individuals, Sliwa said.