SCOPE Program Benefits from Cycle-Thon

by David Price (May 2010)

 UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - A Penn State University Park-based program that benefits high school students in underrepresented groups is getting a shot in the arm thanks to the College of Education's annual Cycle-Thon. The volunteers, sponsors, and participants involved in Cycle-Thon overcame a chilly, wet day to send $5,000 to the Summer College Opportunity Program in Education (SCOPE) to bolster student scholarships.

Aileen Zaballero, a doctoral student in the College of Education's Work Force Education program, was the winner of a bicycle donated by Target for the event, and the Junior Women’s club of State College volunteered their time and ran the children’s games and finish line cards.

SCOPE is a four-week initiative for rising high school juniors in historically underrepresented groups who are interested in a career in teaching, counseling, special education, rehabilitation, or educational administration. The program addresses areas including academic and study skills, admission criteria/application processes, financial aid, leadership, community service, cultural-affirmation, and career and personal development through a nurturing environment.

Cycle-Thon helps pay for the students' tuition and room and board. The event on Saturday, April 17, 2010, featured a 13 ½ mile bike ride and a 5K walk/run beginning and ending at Sunset Park on McKee Street in State College.