SYLVANIA, Ohio, December 13, 2022: Dr. Jami Curley, Dean of the Lourdes University College of Social Sciences is pleased to announce a new grant for its Like Me Program dedicated to diversifying the educator workforce. The $50,000 one-year grant is awarded by the Greater Toledo Community Foundation through the Sisters of St. Francis (Sylvania) Donor Advised Fund.
“This generous donation allows the Education Division to further strengthen the Like Me Program. As a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis, Lourdes has proudly prepared teachers for several decades,” says Vincent Laverick, Ed.D., Chair of the Education Division.
First Student Cohort
In August 2022, Lourdes welcomed the program’s inaugural Like Me cohort.
“These students and aspiring teachers bring enthusiasm and optimism to the University and to the education industry. They are the first of hopefully many who will provide a more diverse teacher population to the region and beyond. It’s important to provide these talented individuals with the tools needed to succeed,” notes Angelica Johnson, M.A., Like Me Program Coordinator.
To support the students’ educational efforts, they are receiving intensive advising and are mentored by an educator of color in one of four partner school districts – Springfield, Washington Local, Sylvania, and Toledo Public. Each student also receives a scholarship as well as a monthly stipend.
Angelica Johnson, M.A., Like Me Program Coordinator
A lifelong Toledoan, Angelica Johnson is a respected leader and educator. In addition to her previous work as the interim program manager for Racial Equity and Diversity Training at The University of Toledo, Ms. Johnson served as the program director of their Multicultural Emerging Scholars Program, participated in the 2021-2022 United Way Leadership Toledo Program, and is a general member of the Toledo Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Lourdes Education Division
Housed within the College of Social Sciences, the Lourdes University Education Division offers six undergraduate and three graduate degree programs. The University’s Teacher Education Initial Licensure and Advanced Program are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for a period of seven years, fall 2022 to fall 2029.
Lourdes University
Rooted in the Catholic and Franciscan tradition, Lourdes University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, and offers baccalaureate degrees in a variety of academic majors as well as graduate degrees in business, education, nursing, theology and more. Community outreach programs include the Appold Planetarium and Lifelong Learning. A member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, Lourdes students can also compete in a variety of men’s and women’s sports. Named a “Best in the Midwest” college by the Princeton Review, Lourdes University is a nationally accredited, veteran and transfer-friendly institution offering a variety of student scholarships. Explore the possibilities online at www.lourdes.edu or by phone at 419-885-3211.