Work-Based Grant Abstracts

1997 - 1999 SPECIAL FACULTY MINI-GRANTS
Integration of Work-based Learning into the College Curriculum
(Funding provided by the Maryland State Department of Education under a grant from the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act, Title IIIE Tech Prep)


Partners in Work-based Learning

ABSTRACTS

1997 - 1998

1998 - 1999

1999 - 2000




Title: Career Opportunities in Public Education (COPE)

Principal Investigator:
Dr. Diane Davis, Interim Chair
Department of Education
Bowie State University
Bowie, Maryland 20715

Partner:

Bladensburg High School

Abstract: As a result of the COPE initiative two goals will be accomplished:

Goal I. Folio will be available within the Department of Education and Bowie State Library that highlights the various Educational Opportunities in Education beyond the classroom teacher.

Goal II. The Practicum I Experience within Introduction to Education will be adapted to include observations of the various school team members that work together to maintain the appropriate learning environment for students to learn.

Students at Bowie State University in Introduction to Education and Practicum I will have the opportunity within the framework of the COPE grant to work side-by-side with employees within the Public School setting to gain greater understanding and appreciation of the various career opportunities within education. Based on the information received from the COPE experience, students will develop a folio and make a video tape at the completion of the course that illustrate the various responsibilities of different public school employees. As a part of the 60-hour observation, students will be required to spend two days outside the classroom working alongside a member of the education team such as resource teacher/Vice Principal, Principal, Counselor, Personnel Worker. During the two-day shared work experience, the school employee will identify the various qualifications, responsibilities, strengths, and "pit-falls" of the particular position.


Title: Dental Hygiene Community Externship Program
Principal Investigators: Lisa Bress, RDH, M.S.
Assistant Clinical Professor
Course Coordinator

Linda DeVore, RDH, M.A.
Associate Professor & Chair


Department of Dental Hygiene
Baltimore College of Dental Surgery
Dental School
University of Maryland, Baltimore

Abstract: The University of Maryland Dental Hygiene curriculum includes an externship program that enables students to experience the role of dental hygienist in community health. Senior dental hygiene students choose from a variety of community health settings in the Baltimore - Washington area such as, The United States Naval Academy, The University of Maryland Cancer Center and the Children's National Medical Center. Students provide clinical and educational dental hygiene services under the supervision of a preceptor at these sites.

This work-based learning course has been a positive experience for students who have participated in it and for professionals and patients at community settings. Many students have included community dental hygiene in their career plans as a result of their experiences at externship sites. In fact, several of the dental hygiene site preceptors are graduates of the University of Maryland. The professionals and patients at the community settings benefit from the program due to the increase in manpower that the students provide and are exposed to some of the latest techniques offered by the students.

While our community externship program has received much praise from students and community professionals, further development of the course is necessary. The grant for "Integration of Work-Based Learning into the College Curriculum" will enable the course coordinator to visit existing sites, investigate potential new sites and develop an orientation program for all site preceptors.


Title: Implementation of Bioscience Industry Skill Standards into an Undergraduate Biotechnology Curriculum

Principal Investigator:

Jillaine Hadfield, M.S.
Department of Medical & Research Technology
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Partner:
Human Genome Sciences, Inc.

Abstract: One of the great educational needs in our region is the training of B.S. degree bioscience students who matriculate with entry-level work skills for the biotechnology industry. Many new graduates are not prepared for the technical jobs they enter. The Department of Medical & Research Technology (DMRT), University of Maryland School of Medicine, has recently implemented a baccalaureate-level biomedical research track which is designed to respond to employer-defined skill standards and which integrates classroom simulations and structured externships into its curriculum. The Educational Development Center, Inc. (EDC), Newton, Massachusetts, sponsored a series of workshops in which employers from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies discussed and defined the skills, knowledge, and attributes that they desire in a new employee. EDC is now sponsoring a two-day workshop where educators will develop liaison with workers in the bioscience industry and co-develop ways to implement and to assess mastery of the National Bioscience Industry Skills Standards. This grant application is for funds to allow Jillaine Hadfield, a DMRT faculty member, to attend the EDC workshop. She will develop industry contacts and will bring information, methods, and insight back to DMRT where they will be applied to the DMRT biomedical research track curriculum.


Title: Work-based Learning through Outdoor Education

Principal Investigator:

Dr. Joe Manjone
Frostrburg State University
Frostburg, MD 21532

Partners: Allegany County Public Schools
Garrett County Public Schools
Boy Scouts of America
YMCA
4-H Clubs

Abstract: Outdoor Education is defined as learning in and for the outdoors. School age children usually in the fifth and sixth grades are brought to an outdoor setting for a 3-5 day living experience. There they learn outdoor living and survival skills, and study academic subjects as related to the outdoor environment. Hands-on-learning is the key ingredient to the success of outdoor education. This project will focus on these same hands-on-learning principles. This project, however, will be concerned with the instruction and leadership of the children who participate in these outdoor schools. Frostburg State University undergraduate and Allegany and Garrett County senior high school students who are interested in careers in education, environmental education, adventure sports, youth serving agencies or recreation management will be taught how to set up and administer an outdoor school program, and what and how to teach in the outdoor environment. This project will provide work based learning experiences in teaching, leadership, and administration for college students and high school seniors, while at the same time providing hands-on-learning with school children.


Title: Tourism Course Development in Geography

Principal Investigator:

Henry W. Bullamore, Professor and Chair
Department of Geography
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD 21532

Partner: Allegany County Visitor's Bureau

Abstract: Development of courses in tourism will respond to a Western Maryland Priority and provide an opportunity for students to develop skills needed for careers in the hospitality industry. Utilizing both available texts and consultations with industry professionals on extended site rotation will lead to courses focused on needed skills. The "Geography of Tourism" course will provide basic content and develop core communication and interpersonal skills. The "Tourism Planning" course will utilize the active project team instructional approach to take students from ideas formulation to evaluation of the complete project plan.


Title: Making Connections - Work-based Learning (Visual Arts)

Principal Investigators:

Dustin Davis, Chair
Lisa Sheirer, Assistant Professor
Dietrich Maune, Assistant Professor
Department of Visual Arts
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, Maryland 21532

Partners: Schwab Co.
Biederlack of America
D'Atri Designs
McClarran & Williams
Graphic Response
Hagerstown Bookbinding & Printing Co.

Abstract: The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree program in the Department of Visual Arts contains a graphic design component which is our largest area of concentration. The graphics program serves an average of sixty students. Our curriculum provides students of design with study in print graphics, multi-media, and video, along with an optional internship program where a student can work for an agency/business and receive advanced level course credit. The current program provides students with knowledge of industry standard computers, peripherals and software to create and produce design. This grant will enable professors to work with degree candidates in all phases of their university career to develop communication skills, resume and final professional graphics portfolio which is proof of the mastery of design and technical abilities. We are asking for grant funding to help connect the components of our existing program which are: 1) advanced graphics courses, 2) senior directed study (portfolio development), 3) graphics internships.

Our plan is to incorporate more client based design assignments in advanced level graphics courses. Students will produce designs for area business as well as on campus organizations. This experience will teach students the skills needed to accurately and effectively represent organizations through research and development of content along with visuals. These assignments will involve group collaboration with actual clients and students from other disciplines. Graphics students will be required to form creative design teams that may include students of computer science (for custom software design), literature (copy writing), foreign language, (used in global communications), communications, (video - public relations), and/or psychology, (market research).

Senior directed study, (portfolio development) will help the student to organize and refine their advanced design portfolios and representative resumes. Students, professors and business leaders will work together towards an accurate assessment of student's strengths.

The final phase of our program is the internship which will benefit both our students and area businesses. Students will gain on-the-job experience working for design studios and business will gain skilled creative professionals. In the past business leaders of Western Maryland have praised our program and our graphics laboratory facilities for providing students with the needed skills to produce quality graphics portfolios. With the help of this grant we hope to continue on this positive course.


Title: Integrating Database Teaching and Learning Environment with Database Applications of Manufacturing
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Ramesh K. Karne, Assistant Professor
Computer and Information Sciences
Towson University
Towson, MD 21252

Partner:
Northrop Grumman

Abstract: Data is spread across many sources in a manufacturing environment. Typically, product designs are conducted in a CAD/CAM environment where data generated is either stored as information in a CAD drawing or in a large relational database together with other company data. In today's information infrastructure, the data may be stored anywhere on the network and preferably accessible through the Internet. I will investigate the data integration issues related to manufacturing environment at Northrop Grumman, and study their data environment and data sources. I will work with the engineers there to study this problem and bring this work-based learning to a database teaching and learning environment. I will integrate the database courses taught at Towson University with the manufacturing knowledge acquired by me while conducting this study. The proposed database issues to be studied include: data analysis, modeling, integration, heterogeneity, integrity, access and control, and distribution. These database issues pertinent to manufacturing are targets of integration into the database curriculum, class homework, and projects. In this problem, I will spend half a day per week for two semesters at Northrop Grumman to accomplish the proposed mission.


Title: Practice Oriented Design and Manufacturing: A New Approach for Senior Capstone Design in Mechanical Engineering

Principal Investigator:

Dwayne D. Arola, Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Partners:
AAI
Black & Decker
Danaher Corporation
Northrop Grumman

Abstract: Many employers assert that today's engineering graduates are not adequately prepared to practice engineering after completing their educational requirements. Instead, companies are forced to provide extended training to new employees facilitating the transition from an academic to an industrial environment. In light of these concerns, four year universities must seek to instill the practical needs of industry through innovative educational programs. Hence, a new course in mechanical engineering is proposed focusing on "work-based" design and manufacturing. The course is to be offered as a senior capstone design option in which as multi-component product is designed and actually manufactured, identical to the industrial setting. Students are divided into "product teams" which are responsible for the successful design and manufacture of one component from a multi-component structure subjected to realistic constraints (e.g. cost, manufacturing processes, and time to market). Individual product groups learn the importance of communication and teamwork to insure that the primary features of each part enables successful manufacture, assembly, and service of the final multi-component product. This work-based scholastic environment is a vital step towards enhancing the quality of our engineering graduates and the technical aptitude of our nations industries.


Title: Culture of the Workplace: Emergency Health Services, Paramedic Track

Principal Investigator:

Bruce J. Walz, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair
Department of Emergency Health Services
University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Partner:
Baltimore City Fire Department

Abstract: Undergraduates in the paramedic track of the Department of Emergency Health Services, UMBC, participate in 208 hours of field internship. Successful completion of the field internship is a requirement for national certification as an Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic.

The field internship consists of ride-alongs and performance of appropriate skills on paramedic ambulances. Students are assigned to actual shifts with career providers throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. While on-duty, the students interact with working professionals both during emergency responses and while awaiting calls.

For most students, the field internship is their first formal interaction with career paramedics. Although most students have experience as volunteers, they have not been exposed to the culture of a career environment. This can be stressful given the difference in educational level, work ethic, and biases existing within the emergency services.

This grant will fund development and delivery of a mandatory workshop for junior level paramedic students. The focus of the workshop will be to explore the culture of the workplace, student and preceptor expectations, and strategies for effective interaction. Students will interact with career paramedics, senior students, and faculty to explore issues and perceptions related to the field internship.


Title: Developing and Implementing an Advanced Computer-Assisted Design Course for Engineering Technology
Principal Investigator:

Dr. Leon L. Copeland
Chairman, Department of Technology
University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Partners:
Becker Morgan Moore Olds and Richter Architects and Engineers
Dresser
Premier Design Systems, Inc.

Abstract: A faculty externship is proposed to investigate the applications of computer graphics and solid modeling in an industrial setting. Faculty visits to local architectural and manufacturing firms and participation in two workshops will provide professional exposure and training relative to computer graphics and solid modeling applications in engineering design. Knowledge and skills documented from these experiences will be utilized to plan and implement an Advanced Computer Assisted Design (CAD) course that will cover Computer Graphics, Geometric Modeling and Solid Modeling. This course will be required for all Construction Management, Engineering Technology and Technology Education majors. The prerequisite for the advanced CAD course will be the Introduction to CAD course which is currently a requirement.


Title: Incorporating Technology into Four Key Courses in a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management

Principal Investigator:

Stewart Eidel
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Program Coordinator
Department of Hotel and Restaurant Management
Downtown Baltimore Program

Partners:
Anne Arundel Community College
Burger King of Baltimore
Micros Computers
Omni Hotels

Abstract: This project will bring together three Hospitality Industry Partners and an educational partner to facilitate the incorporation of Work Based Learning into the Curriculum of the Hotel and Restaurant Management Department at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Downtown Baltimore Program. We will focus on work based competencies in three areas: Customer Service, Food Production, and Human Resources Management. The faculty member will team up with each industry partner to identify and evaluate how technology is utilized within in their organization. Then, working in small teams, design and develop classroom simulations, exercises, projects and training scenarios for the classroom using the appropriate technologies. The work based classroom experiences will be incorporated into three different courses within the Hospitality Curriculum; Human Resource Management, Technology Systems in Hospitality and Front Office Management.


Title: Faculty Externship in Health Education

Principal Investigators:

Fredrick Surgent, Ed.D.
Bonnie Hircock, Ed.D.
Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department
Frostburg State University

Abstract: This grant will be used to ascertain the knowledge and skills that human resource personnel are seeking in employees in the Health and Wellness industry. This information will be utilized as a guide in the restructuring of the Health Fitness emphasis of the Health and Physical Education major at Frostburg State University. In addition, pertinent information will also be incorporated into existing courses to reflect the needs of the industry. It is assumed that new courses will also need to be developed in order to fully meet the requirements of the industry.

Traditionally the Health and Physical Education major at Frostburg State University has centered around teacher preparation. Education reformation has forced us to look at more appropriate ways in which to prepare our majors. This preparation includes a serious look at the career pathways we can provide. Health Education and related health areas are one of the career pathways we are focusing upon


Title: ESOL & Literacy: Teachers, Tutors, and Resources

Principal Investigator:

Dr. Lorrie S. Verplaetse
English Department
Salisbury State University

Partner:
Wicomico County Public Schools

Abstract: Through the project, "ESOL & Literacy: Teachers, Tutors, and Resources", Salisbury State University students, studying to become English as Second Language teachers, will tutor ESOL middle/high school students during the first year of their teacher training curriculum. In addition to exposing teachers-in-training to the "real world" of ESOL, a second benefit of the project will be that Wicomico County ESOL students will receive 120 -150 hours of additional ESOL Literacy tutoring during the academic year.

Moreover, this project will initiate a joint resource center to be shared by the Wicomico County ESOL teachers and SSU's teachers-in-training. Collaboratively, they will identify needs for materials, visit the Baltimore-based Multifunctional Resource Center, and order materials for a local center.

ESOL remains one of the areas facing serious teacher shortage for the State of Maryland. The number of ESOL students on Maryland's Eastern Shore has more than doubled in the last decade leaving the school systems in need of ESOL resources. This project will enhance the learning experiences of future ESOL teachers, while supporting the immediate needs of Wicomico County's ESOL teachers and students. Finally, the proposed ESOL & Literacy Project will leave a legacy of resources for future collaborative use.


Title: BIO-BRIDGE: Biotechnology Workshop for High School Science Teachers


Principal Investigators:

Patrick Cummings
Assistant Professor

Hassan M.E. Azzazy
Assistant Professor

Jillaine Hadfield
Instructor

University of Maryland School of Medicine
Department of Medical and Research Technology

Partners:

MedImmune, Inc.
Baltimore City Community College
Dundalk Community College
Maryland Public High Schools

Abstract: A workshop was conducted to provide high school science teachers with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills to introduce work-based learning into the high school science curriculum, and thus link their classroom instruction to real-world applications. Instructors for the workshop included faculty from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Research Technology, a community college biotechnology program, a high school educator who directs a biotechnology magnet program, and a researcher from a biotechnology company. Follow-up technical assistance by course coordinators will be available. The teachers who participated in the workshop were excited about the prospect of incorporating the new knowledge and skills into their curricula.




Title: Western Maryland Collaborative Work on Information Technology (IT) National Skill Standards


Principal Investigator:

Mohsen Chitsaz
Professor and Chair
Department of Computer Science
Frostburg State University

Partners:
Debra C. Phebus
Division Chairperson
Computer, Electronics and Multimedia Technology
Allegany College of Maryland

Allegany County Board of Education

Abstract: The purpose of this project is to implement a professional development program in information technology for high school teachers in Allegany County. This program is the first step in the design of a "2+2+2" seamless computer science education and training program that will enable students to transition easily from high school, to community college, to a four-year institution.
 

Title: Hands-on -- Minds-on: Science, Mathematics, Reading and Writing.

Principal Investigator:

Ellen D. Williams
Professor and Director of Materials Research Science and Engineering Center
University of Maryland, College Park

Partner:

Northwestern High School

Abstract: The outcomes of this project include, a) development of new, highly effective; interdisciplinary curriculum, b) strengthened relationships between the University, industry and high school, c) an increased student understanding of the workplace and technology, d) improved student declarative and procedural knowledge in the areas of science; mathematics, reading and writing, e) faculty and professional service-learning experience, f) teacher professional development, and, g) student development of a life-long appreciation for science. An indication of the success of the project is a request from the high school to implement and expand the program this fall.
 

Title: It's the Eastern Shore's Business: Chesapeake Bay and Environmental Career Connections

Principal Investigator:

Wayne H. Bell
Vice President for External Relations
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Partners:

Wye Research and Education Center
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
University of Maryland, College Park

Upper Shore Career Connections, Chesapeake College

Abstract: A collaborative project between the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), Wye Research and Education Center (WREC), and Upper Shore Career Connections, responds to the needs of Eastern Shore business interests for a work force that is better prepared to understand and address environmental issues. By connecting work-based learning and school-based learning, it brings high school students and their teachers in closer contact with professionals in various environmental careers while at the same time increasing their respective abilities to learn and teach about environmental issues important to the Eastern Shore. Activities include: Chesapeake Careers Day I and II (fall, spring) for 40 Upper Shore high school students and teachers; Teach Chesapeake! a workshop to include topics on career-based learning appropriate to the Chesapeake Bay and Environmental Careers Connection theme; Chesapeake Careers Environmental Internships paid internships for 5 students; and Upper Shore Teacher Internship, where participating businesses underwrite the stipend for an 8-week research internship for a teacher from an Upper Shore school district.
 

Title: Bridge Examples Program

Principal Investigators:

Denny Gulick
Professor
Department of Mathematics
University of Maryland, College Park

Kenneth Berg
Professor
Department of Mathematics
University of Maryland, College Park

Rebecca Berg
Professor
Department of Mathematics
Bowie State University

Janine Horn
Mathematics Teacher
Glen Burnie High School

Richard Penn
Professor
Department of Mathematics
Montgomery College, Rockville

Abstract: A collaborative project, including principal investigators from a secondary school, a community college, and two USM institutions, to design a large class of examples to stimulate discussion of proposed "Bridge Goals." In Maryland, the Bridge Goals were created in order to supplement the Core Learning Goals. The purpose of the Bridge Goals is to bridge the gap between mathematics needed for graduation from any Maryland high school and the mathematics needed for success in college level mathematics and science courses that satisfy general education requirements. The main objective of the Bridge Examples Program was to create reasonable examples with complete solutions for the Bridge Goals.
 

Faculty Externships
 

Title: Pilot Model of Activity Based Costing in a High-Tech Manufacturing Environment

Principal Investigator:

Jerome J. DeRidder
Professor
Department of Accounting
Franklin P. Perdue School of Business
Salisbury State University

Partners:

Mark Sullivan
Assistant Professor
Department of Accounting
Wor-Wic Community College

K & L Microwave, Inc.

Abstract: The outcome of this externship was that a university faculty member and a community college faculty member were able to study and validate a theoretical model analysis and the application of service costs in an actual hi-tech manufacturing environment, and to integrate the findings into the classroom.

Title: Faculty Externship at Human Genome Sciences, Inc..

Principal Investigator:

Jillaine Hadfield
Instructor
School of Medicine
Department of Medical and Research Technology
University of Maryland, Baltimore

Partner:

Human Genome Sciences, Inc.

Abstract: This provided the funds to allow a faculty member to develop industry contacts and to bring information, methods and insight back to the department. It also served to allow the faculty member to share information regarding the latest technology and standards with faculty and students, enhance preparation for the students for externships and employment in the biotechnology industry.

Other grant activity: In addition, three (3) continuation grants were awarded to USM faculty, and fifteen (15) Blended Instruction grants were awarded directly to secondary school teams in support of the development and implementation of blended instruction curricula.



Title: Student Developed and Implemented Mentoring Program

Principal Investigator:


Dr. Louise Laurence
CBE Student Center, College of Business and Economics
Towson University
Towson, Maryland 21252

Partners:
Aerotek, Inc.
Advance Business Systems

Abstract: Many of the students at the University often lack direction on what type of entry-level positions are available to them with their credentials and how best to search for such a position. In addition, many require help and guidance in the preparation of their resumes and interview skills. The CBE Student Center staff sought to introduce a mentoring experience with a professional in the world of work who shares their area of interest. The mentor forms the bridge in the transition from school to work, offering the student his/her knowledge and advanced or expert status to nurture a student with similar interests. There are variety of models for mentoring programs. A program was created to fit the desires and needs of the students and the business professionals who volunteered their time to this effort. Thus, it was the students along with an advisory board of employers, with who the University has an established relationship, who worked together on the design of the project. The students then took the design and implemented the program. The principal investigator served as both supervisor and coach for the Student Consultants through the process.



Title: Structured Community Service Student Internships

Principal Investigator


Dr. Robert Dombrowski, Chair
Department of Accounting and Legal Studies
Franklin P. Perdue School of Business
Salisbury State University
Salisbury, Maryland 21801

Partner:
Internal Revenue Service

Abstract: The objectives of the project were to: 1) ensure all undergraduate accounting majors participate in two quality experiential learning activities, related to two distinct subject areas of their classroom studies, 2) increase direct faculty involvement and supervision of their students in the workplace application of academic and professional knowledge, and 3) develop the students' appreciation of and commitment to a fundamental tenet of a profession -- Community Service.
To meet the first objective, students were required to participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, currently a voluntary experiential learning option. In addition, students participated in a program of community service audits and financial consulting engagements for local charitable, non-profit, and small business organizations.

To meet the second objective, all students were under the direct supervision of a faculty member for each of the two experiential experiences. Faculty negotiated student responsibilities and experiences with the internship sponsor to ensure the maximum interrelationship between classroom instruction and the workplace environment.

To help develop the students' appreciation of and commitment to the Community Service responsibilities of professionalism, both required elements of this structured internship program focussed primarily on providing assistance to community service organizations. The VITA program provides income tax preparation assistance each spring to clients who typically cannot afford to pay for the services of tax preparation services or Certified Public Accountants. The Auditing and Financial Consulting component provides these services to community organizations, non-profits, area churches, and small business owners. Past clients have included the Holly Center (state residential facility for the mentally handicapped), PTA associations, and churches.



Title: Development of Internships for "Pre-Medical" Students

Principal Investigator:


Dr. Wayne Yoder
Department of Biology
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, Maryland 21532

Partners:
Western Maryland Area Health education Center (WMAHEC)
Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center

Abstract: The purpose of this project was to develop internships and/or volunteer work experiences for students interested in pursuing careers in the health professions (including, medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, pharmacy). These experiences will enhance their educational experience, and give them a fuller understanding of what they will encounter in the workplace. The internships have been incorporated into the new "Med. Ed." Learning Community at the University. Classroom activities are designed to incorporate site visits and presentations by medical personnel invited to the "Med. Ed." classes to share with students on various subjects and introduce them to the medical profession. The internships developed will become part of the sequence of educational programs and experiences during the student's first summer after entering the University. During the second summer, they will be involved with additional experiences in their chosen discipline.



Title: College Course Equivalency for Classification of Professional Addiction Counselors and Managers in Maryland


Principal Investigator:


Dr. Ann Bristow
Department of Psychology
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, Maryland 21532

Partners:
Allegany College of Maryland
Office of Education and Training for Addictions Services (OETAS)
Allegany County Health Department Addictions Programs

Abstract: Legislation passed in 1996 tied certification of addictions counselors to degrees granted by institutions of higher education (associate, baccalaureate, and master's). The new law will be onerous for currently employed addictions counselors who have not continued their course credit education beyond the high school diploma. A mechanism to provide some college credit for extensive hours of successful completion of OETAS courses and relevant work experience should not only provide an equitable solution for equivalent training experiences but also an orientation into institutions of higher education in the state, institutions which they have not accessed previously, probably due to both financial concerns and anxiety about performance at the college level. Many high school educated addictions counselors in Maryland relied upon their own recovery experiences as qualifying them for employment. These individuals may or may not view higher education as a potentially inhospitable experience. Successful translation of OETAS training and work experience in addictions into college course credits should provide a firm foundation for pursuit of advanced degrees and parlay employment successes into higher education successes.



Title: The Guiding Principles of Entrepreneurial Success

Principal Investigator:

Dr. Keramat Poorsoltan
Department of Business Administration
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, Maryland 21532

Partners:
Phoenix Technologies
Artmor Plastics Corporation
Ed Mason's 1890 Restaurant
Kreative Plastics

Abstract: This project included investigation of, and learning from the accumulated knowledge and experience of successful entrepreneurs, as elicited from entrepreneurs, and making these insights and experiences available to students of entrepreneurship.

Objectives of this research were two-fold: 1)- development of new and useful insights into successful entrepreneurial principles, strategies, and behaviors. This was done via a "shadowing" method. Small to medium-sized successful companies were visited and their practices and behaviors were recorded and tabulated. This was used to constitute a benchmark that can be used by other entrepreneurs and students, and 2) to disseminate these insights to prospective students who have selected Entrepreneurship as their area of concentration within the Business Administration Department. This will be done through site visits; integrating the research findings into the curriculum, class assignments and discussion; and internships.

Two basic premises of this project are, 1) the knowledge useful for training future entrepreneurs will emerge from the experience of other successful entrepreneurs, and 2) learning will emerge from a process of direct observation of practices that can easily be disseminated to students through class assignments and site visits rather than through the lecture.