The following is a list of current projects that Towson University is a part of in Cherry Hill.
Cherry Hill Oral History Project
The Cherry Hill Oral History Project aims to bring together 5th grade students of Arundel Elementary with Towson University students to employ information literacy and research skills in order to understand how the Cherry Hill neighborhood was created, the historical significance of the neighborhood, and what it was like in years past. Students record interviews with elders of the Cherry Hill community for the creation of an oral history collection for the neighborhood and an increased understanding of our shared history.
National STEM Security Initiative: Mathematics Teacher Professional Development and After-School Student Tutoring for Cherry Hill
This initiative seeks to use intensive professional development for teachers in elementary/middle and high schools in Cherry Hill to improve 1) attitudes about teaching mathematics, 2) understanding of how students best learn and understand mathematics, 3) content knowledge of mathematics, 4) repertoire of activities and engaging lessons, and 5) understanding of the alignment of state and local curriculum. Towson University faculty in the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics and the College of Education work directly with Cherry Hill teachers to provide professional development and support. In addition, this program provides after-school math tutoring and STEM enrichment twice weekly for middle grade students. Towson University students work as tutors with small groups of Cherry Hill students to help them achieve academic success in STEM areas, with a special emphasis on mathematics.
The Reading Clinic, which is an internship class for teachers in TU’s Graduate Reading Program, provides services for children and adolescents who have learning difficulties, are lagging behind their peers in reading, or who are not motivated to read for enjoyment and information. The clinic employs the most up-to-date, success-oriented, motivational teaching techniques and incorporates home activities that reinforce the students' learning in enjoyable and authentic ways. Students from Arundel Elementary/Middle School in Cherry Hill as well as their families are able to attend weekly sessions at the Reading Clinic at no cost and receive free transportation.
Many Cherry Hill residents lack access to affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk, and other foods that make up the full range of a healthy diet. In September 2010, to combat this lack of access, the Housing Authority of Baltimore arranged a lease agreement allowing residents to build the Eat Healthy Live Healthy Urban garden on 0.5 acres of vacant land. In collaboration with faculty from TU’s College of Health Professions, the neighborhood residents and members of the Cherry Hill Community Coalition developed the Eat Healthy Live Health Urban Garden. The garden currently has over 20 raised beds which produced a range of fresh vegetables in the garden’s first growing season. Towson University works with the residents and the schools of Cherry Hill to maintain the Eat Healthy Live Healthy Urban Garden.
Towson University was recently awarded a People's Garden Grant by the US Department of Agriculture. The majority of the awarded $60,000 is to be distributed as micro-subgrants (up to $3500) to community groups and organizations that fulfill the goals of the grant. The goals/objectives of the Cherry Hill People’s Garden Grant are to:
Establish at least 4 school gardens in Cherry Hill
Establish at least 4 community gardens in Cherry Hill
Ensure collaboration between at least 2 organizations/groups for each awarded sub-grant
Deliver at least 18 education sessions
Engage at least 225 people in the Cherry Hill community
Promote workforce development in the area of urban agriculture
The Hackerman Academy's Saturday Morning Science Series is held on campus at Towson University throughout the academic year. This series features presentations, performances and demonstrations that will excite the mind and spark the imagination of young and old. Targeted for students of all ages, the programs are designed to share the excitement of modern discoveries in mathematics and science. Several times each year, The Hackerman Academy takes its Saturday Morning Science Series to Cherry Hill. Students from Cherry Hill’s schools are invited to attend at no cost. On other Saturdays, students and families from Cherry Hill may take advantage of free bus transportation to travel to TU to participate in Saturday Morning Science activities.
8000 York Road | Towson, MD 21252 | 410-704-2000
