2008-2009

S.T.U.D.Y Academic Internship Program

Scholarly Training in Urban Development for Youth

Outline

Introduction

STUDY Advisory Committee

STUDY Objectives

Interns Application and Selection

Graduating Interns Profile

Program Instructors, Staff and Contributors

STUDY Pipeline

Academic Program

Savannah, GA / Tallahassee, FL Field Trip

Luncheon & Award Ceremony

Follow-up Meeting

Evaluation of Program Elements

Conclusion

Project Recommendations

Introduction

The 2009 STUDY program provided twenty (20) high school students residing in North Miami an enriching academic-work experience internship.

STUDY focused on government planning and urban economic development, the project’s activities supported the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) mission of investing in the socio-economic development of the community.

The STUDY project had two main thrusts: The first, addressed the socio-political component of urban life; The second, demystified the technical and scientific components of government and urban planning.

Relevant urban planning issues were analyzed through instructors, staff and guest speakers’ lectures, workshops, and seminars.

For greater comprehension and appreciation of the topics a field trip to Savannah, GA and Tallahassee, FL, was incorporated in the curriculum.

The interns were required to commit to a specific research topic, and under staff supervision, prepare a professional quality report and present it to the public. The 2009 research topics were: Sexually Transmitted Disease in North Miami as Compared to North Miami Beach. Teen (Gang) Violence in North Miami in Comparison with North Miami Beach. Raising the Quality of Education in North Miami and North Miami Beach: A Teachers’ Perspective.

STUDY Advisory Committee

The STUDY Advisory Committee provides guidance to the project. Its main responsibilities are as follows:

Provide feedback and suggestions to the project staff in order to maximize effectiveness of services. 

Review applications, evaluate candidates and recommend at least six (6) potential interns.

Provide staff with suggestions for curriculum design and delivery mechanisms. Advocate for program and solicit support from the community at large.

The 2009 STUDY Advisory Committee Members Mr. Ken Caban, Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc. Dr. I. H. Campbell, Sixth Avenue Church of God Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr., North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency Dr. Yvens Fievre, North Miami Senior High Mr. John O’Brien, North Miami Community Planning and Development Ms. Diana Ospina, Transelco Corporation Dr. Lumane Pluviose-Claude, North Miami City Manager Office Dr. Berrin Tansel, FIU College of Engineering and Computing Mr. William Wallace IV, Formerly with Biscayne Landing

STUDY Objectives

The 2009 STUDY project focused on motivating and increasing the analytical skills of twenty (20) high school interns of primarily economically disadvantaged backgrounds for potential college or vocational studies in the field of urban planning and development.

The STUDY outreach created a pipeline of over 200 students representing a pool of potential applicants.

The STUDY introduced interns, who might otherwise not have the opportunity, to a potentially rewarding academic experience.

The STUDY interns were motivated through close social and intellectual interaction with instructors, urban planning professionals, and peers. As a result, participation in the project is both an award and an incentive for further academic success.

Interns Application & Selection

Interns were selected based on the following qualifications:

* Applicants must: 

1. Be in 10th – 11th – 12th grade for the 2008- 2009 school year.

2. Be a North Miami resident (preference may be given to eligible students who reside within

the CRA district boundaries).

3. Have cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

4. Have an interest in Government Planning, Engineering, Science, Business, Law,

Architecture, Criminal Justice, Health, Education or Technology based career.

5. Provide 1 letter of recommendation from a Teacher or a Counselor.

6. Write one typed-page essay on the following topic: Applicant’s wish to participate in the

STUDY

program and the ways in which the program can help in meeting the student’s career goal.

7. Submit most recent transcript.

8. Have parental consent for participation.

A total of 44 students applied for the internships, 28 were selected and 17 successfully completed the program.

STUDY 2009 Graduates

# Name Gender School Grade1 Alexis, Steve M William H. Turner Tech. Arts 12th

2 Baron, Herine F North Miami Senior High 12th

3 Bellevue, Elizabeth F North Miami Senior High 11th

4 Brown, Christopher M North Miami Senior High 12th

5 Delices, Will'Rod M William H. Turner Tech. Arts 10th

6 Dorval, Yonie F North Miami Senior High 12th

7 Flores, Yetsania F School For Applied Technology 11th

8 Leveille, Islangia F North Miami Senior High 12th

9 Louis, Viotha F North Miami Senior High 11th

10 Lubin, Lina F North Miami Senior High 10th

11 Noel, Rotchil M North Miami Senior High 11th

12 Osorio, Mariana F William H. Turner Tech. Arts 12th

13 Pompilus, Ania F North Miami Senior High 12th

14 Raphael, Daphney F North Miami Senior High 12th

15 Therazin, Jennifer F Somerset Academy Charter H. 12th

16 Therazin, Octania F Somerset Academy Charter H. 10th

17 Williams, Lynard M North Miami Senior High 12th

Graduating Interns Profile

Alexis, SteveI am a ’09 graduate of William H. Turner Technical Arts High School. I plan on attending Miami Dade College (North, and Wolfson campus) for EMT and firefighter classes. The internship program helped me see that Firefighting is a career field I want to be in. I will also be pursuing a degree in graphic designing and audio engineering.

Baron, HerineI am 17 years old and I am a `09 graduate of North Miami Senior High school. I was planning on going to the University of Florida but after experiencing the program I've decided to stay in Miami and attend Miami Dade college to get a bachelor degree in RN, after that I'm planning on transferring to Nova to purse my career by getting a Ph.D in nursing.

 .

Bellevue, Elizabeth I am presently in my junior year at North Miami Senior High. I help out a lot within my community. I help in the school library fixing books once a month. This internship program will get me prepared for the work force when I am ready to work.

Brown, ChristopherI am a graduate of North Miami Senior High School.

I am class of 2009 and I currently attend school at Florida

A&M University. My major is nursing, and I have plans of returning back to my hometown of North Miami once I graduate.

 .

Delices, Will'RodI am enjoying the rest of the summer vacation and I hope it is the same for you all. I am in 11th grade at William H. Turner Technical Arts High School. My plan for the 2009-2010 academic school year is to work hard so I can pass the SAT and graduate at least with a 3.0 grade point average (GPA).

 

Dorval, YonieI am a 09' graduate from North Miami Senior High. In fall I will be attending St. Thomas University. At first I was going to major in pre law but after completing my internship with the CRA, I changed my mind. Now I'm doing double major in criminal justice and political science.

Flores, YetsaniaI am a Junior at the School For Applied Technology. Pursuing a career in Veterinary Medicine is something that I am very interested in doing. The hands on experience would really help me in figuring out my future and which career path I will choose.  

Graduating Interns Profile Cont.

Leveille, Islangia I am a Senior at North Miami Senior High. Devotion and determination are my strength. I plan to pursue a major in the field of health science during my college years, but my ultimate career goal is to become a doctor specializing in the areas of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Louis, ViothaI am a junior at North Miami Senior High. I’ve learned many interesting things through this program. I’ve especially learned a lot during the onsite portion of the Internship. I’ve experienced and learned many things about my future career choice of becoming a Dental Hygienist. Thanks to the STUDY program I’ve proudly confirmed that decision.

Lubin, Lina I am a 10th grader at North Miami Senior High. I wanted to major in business and marketing, but after working in the field I decided to major in something else.

 Noel, Rotchil

I am going to the 12th grade. I'm currently Mr. North Miami for the year 2010 at North Miami Senior High School. The STUDY program has been real beneficial. It made me learn new aspects to certain careers.

Osorio, MarianaI graduated from William H. Turner Technical Arts High school. Now, I attend Miami Dade College majoring in Criminal Justice. The experience that I gained from this internship was amazing and unforgettable. I also gained a lot of experience that will be useful in the future.

Pompilus, AniaI am a ’09 graduate of North Miami Senior High School. I am presently attending Miami Dade North Campus and will attend Florida Atlantic University hopefully by next trimester. After the internship program I've changed my major in college, because the program made me realize that working in the law field was not for me, so now am working towards my goal of becoming a pediatrician in the years to come.

Graduating Interns Profile Cont.

Raphael, Daphney I graduated from North Miami Senior High school in 2009 with (Magna Cum Laude) Honors. I will be attending Florida International University for my degree in Biology. This internship program help me see how much I can accomplish if I put my mind and my soul in it. I was going to drop out, but knowing that all this work will pay off in the future, I stayed and finished it and was very proud of myself at the end. I will soon be a Pediatrician, because I love taking care of children. For every new intern that will be participating, just never give up and always do your best. Thank you.

Therazin, JenniferI graduated from Somerset Academy in 2009. I am attending the University of Florida on a full scholarship and double majoring in journalism and business to pursue a law degree.  I had gained so much experience from the STUDY program that is unbelievable. One of my favorite parts was the trip because in Tallahassee we got to meet state officials and visit the state capital building and in Georgia we visited Haitian monuments and learned about Haitian history. There is so much to gain in the program and a perfect example are the lectures and the internship. The lectures teach you about the issues of the city and help for the projects assigned which in fact allow you to gain social and oral skills.The internship allows you to work in the field of your choice. I had the chance to work in Andre Pierre's law office and received a one on one view of my future profession. The whole program was an experience I can never forget and the knowledge and connections you obtain only enhance the memory.

Therazin, Octania

I am a current junior at Somerset Academy Charter High School. This S.T.U.D.Y internship program has been nothing but beneficial to me as well as my fellow interns, this program has been very successful and filled with opportunity. This internship gave me many opportunities such as meeting important people and gaining experience in my field of interest. I will refer this program to anyone who is looking for a great opportunity.  

Williams, LynardI am a Class of '09 graduate from North Miami Senior High. I am an African American. I'm a very hardworking young man and I believe I can achieve anything I put mind to. My first plan was to go to Miami Dade College to major in Emergency Medical Technician, then I thought about going to the Navy to become an Emergency Medical Technician. But I've made up my mind, and I'm going to stick with my first plan which is to attend Miami Dade College.

Program Instructors & Contributors

Name Title Topics

Dr. Sylvan C. Jolibois, Jr.Project

Director/Lecturer

City of North Miami Research Approach /

History

Key Concepts of Urban Life and

Infrastructure

Mr. Sankaran Nair Lecturer Research Methodologies

Dr. Natacha Yacinthe Lecturer Urban Social Issues/Challenges

Ms. Myrline Aristil Lecturer Public Financing / Public Administration

Representative Ronald

BriséGuest Speaker

Political System in Tallahassee

Mr. Wisler Pierre-Louis Guest Speaker Infrastructure in North Miami

Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr. Guest Speaker NMCRA: Its Functions, Goals and Programs

Ms. Lydie CherilusGraduate Intern

Assistant

N/A

Ms. Maryse Gervais Intern Assistant N/A

Mr. Richard Preval Intern Assistant N/A

Ms. Miriam Cotto Parent Chaperone N/A

Ms. Maria Osorio Parent Chaperone N/A

Ms. Willine Desvallon Parent Chaperone N/A

Ms. Queteline St Jean Chaperone N/A

Ms. Ange Pierre-Louis Chaperone N/A

Mr. Lucksen Pierre Chaperone N/A

STUDY Pipeline

A pipeline program was created with 213 students in 9th – 12th grade participating in academic and counseling sessions at both NMSH and the Griffing Community Center.

The academic sessions lasted anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes over a 6-month period. Essentially they consisted of a lecture on the history of the city of North Miami including the CRA, as well as their political and administrative structures. In addition, to test the students understanding of the material presented pre and post lecture examinations were administered.

Number of Students = 134

STUDY 2009 Pipeline Students Average Score

Academic Program

SESSION FORMAT AND COURSE SCHEDULE The weekly Saturday program (10:00 am – 2:00 pm) starts with a 15-minute orientation followed by 1hr45mns session. At twelve noon,

the interns take a break for lunch. At 12:45 they return to their session until 1:45 pm, when they complete the daily evaluations.

PREPARATION AND DELIVERY OF CURRICULUM Curriculum design began on December 2008, and lasted through June 10, 2009, and was created such that most subjects/topics covered

had an explicit connection with the planning, operation and management of a city. The STUDY implementation plan was characterized by the delivery of the academic curriculum throughout the period February 07 - July

30, 2009. The curriculum was subdivided around five basic themes: History of the City and the CRA Public Administration and Financing Research Methodology Infrastructure Urban Social Issues / Challenges

STUDY RESEARCH PROJECT The STUDY academic internship program also involved the interns in the production of research projects. Additionally, these activities

gave the interns an insight into issues and tasks involved in real-life projects. The project themes were Education, Youth Crime and Health.

The three groups presented the results of their research in a public forum on July 17, 2009.

TRIP TO SAVANNAH, GA AND TALLAHASSEE, FL (Tuesday, March 31 – Friday, April 2, 2009) Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Departed from North Miami Public Library to Savannah, GA Visited of the Haitian Monument in Downtown Savannah – Tour of Savannah Departed from Savannah, GA to Tallahassee, FL

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 Session on Political System in Tallahassee by Rep. Ronald Brisé Tour of the State Capitol building Participated at the Miami Dade Days events; met with Governor Charlie Crist

Thursday, April 2, 2009 Visit of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Departed from Tallahassee to Miami

Field Trip Photos

STUDY Interns surrounding City Alderman Clifton Jones (holding shirt) in front of Haitian Monument in Savannah, GA.

STUDY Interns with Governor Charlie Crist and Mayor Kevin Burns in the Capitol Executive Hall.

STUDY Interns with Representative Ronald Brisé after his welcoming session.

STUDY Interns with Mayor Kevin Burns at the Miami Dade Days, Paella Lunch Event, on April 1, in Tallahassee, FL.

Photos by: Richard (Ricky) Preval

Interns On-site Assignments

The process of locating host departments for the interns’ assignments began in January 2009 with a massive letter campaign targeting 125 businesses and institutions in the county. Interns worked for a 4-week period from June 15 to July 10, 2009. Ultimately eight agencies/institutions were willing to provide onsite work experience to the interns.

Institutions Interns

North Miami Police Department 1. Yonie Dorval2. Mariana Osorio3. Ania Pompilus

North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency / North Miami Community Planning & Development Department

1. Lina Lubin2. Rotchil Noel

Miami Dade County Fire Rescue Department 1. Steve Alexis2. Lynard Williams

Jackson Memorial Downtown Medical Center1. Herine Baron2. Yetsania Flores 3. Islangia Leveille4. Viotha Louis5. Daphney Raphael

Universal Medical Center, P.A. of Dr. Smith Joseph 1. Elizabeth BellevueComprehensive Health Center, Inc. of Dr. Rudolph Moise 1. Octania TherazinGlobal Solutions Agency, Inc. 1. Delices Will’RodThe Law Office of Andre D. Pierre, P.A. 1. Jennifer Therazin

Luncheon & Award Ceremony

The closing Research Presentation, Luncheon and Award ceremony was held on July 17, 2009 at the Miami Shores Country Club.

The key note speaker for the event was Mr. Alix Desulme, Clerk, City of North Miami. Several high-level officials were present at the luncheon, including Councilman Frantz Pierre, City of North Miami Beach; Mrs. Betsy Kaplan, former School Board Member; Ms. Sherronda Daye, Commissioner Dorrin Rolle’s office; Mrs. Joyce Pernicone, Director, North Miami Public Library; Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr., Executive Director, NM CRA; Assistant Chief Karls Paul-Noel, Miami Dade County Fire Rescue Department.

All of the interns received Certificates of Achievement along with a facsimile check for $1,000/ $1,100/for $1,200 for completing the program successfully.

In addition, “Certificates of Appreciation” were presented to various individuals, organizations and agencies for their contributions and support of the 2009 STUDY program.

Outstanding Host Awards were presented to Jackson Memorial Downtown Medical Center, North Miami Police Department, and Miami Dade Fire Department for special support of the program.

Finally, the Outstanding Instructor Award was given to Dr. Natacha Yacinthe, and Outstanding Intern Awards to Jennifer Therazin (1st place), Mariana Osorio (2nd place), Yonie Dorval (3rd place), and Christopher Brown (Honorable Mention).

Luncheon & Award Ceremony Photos

11th graders (L – R) Yetsania Flores, Rotchil Noel, Viotha Louis, Elizabeth Bellevue receiving their Certificates of Achievement from Dr. Sylvan Jolibois, Project Director, Mr. Alix Desulme, City Clerk of North Miami and Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr., CRA Executive Director.

12th graders (L – R) Mariana Osorio, Jennifer Therazin, Lynard Williams, Steve Alexis, Yonie Dorval, Ania Pompilus, Herine Baron, Islangia Leveille, Daphney Raphael receiving their Certificate of Achievements from Dr. Sylvan Jolibois, Project Director, Mr. Alix Desulme, City Clerk of North Miami and Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr., CRA Executive Director.

12th graders (L – R) Mariana Osorio, Jennifer Therazin, Lynard Williams, Steve Alexis, Yonie Dorval, Ania Pompilus, Herine Baron, Islangia Leveille, Daphney Raphael, Christopher Brown receiving their facsimile checks for $1,200. 

10th graders (L – R) Octania Therazin, Will'Rod Delices, Lina Lubin receiving their Certificates of Achievement from Dr. Sylvan Jolibois, Project Director, Mr. Alix Desulme, City Clerk of North Miami and Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr., CRA Executive Director.

Photos by: Gerard Hermantin

Luncheon & Award Ceremony Photos

(L-R) Mr. Alix Desulme ( City Clerk), Dr. Sylvan Jolibois (STUDY Director), and Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr. (CRA Executive Director) awarding Certificates of Appreciation to Ms. Sherronda Daye, Mrs. Betsy Kaplan, Dr. Berrin Tansel, Chief Karls Paul-Noel, Mr. William Wallace IV and Marie Montpremier.

Participants at the July 17, 2009, Research Presentation and Award Luncheon, at Miami Shores Country Club.

Dr. Natacha Yacinthe and her twin daughters receiving Outstanding Instructor Award

(L-R) Mr. Alix Desulme ( City Clerk), Dr. Sylvan Jolibois (STUDY Director), and Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr. (CRA Executive Director) awarding Certificates of Appreciation to Ms. Guylene Berry, Chief Karls Paul-Noel, and Ms. Sherronda Daye.

STUDY Project Director, Dr. Sylvan Jolibois, introducing guest speaker, The Hon. Alix Desulme, City Clerk of North Miami.

Photos by: Gerard Hermantin

Follow-up Meeting

On Saturday, July 18, 2009, a follow-up meeting was scheduled for the interns and staff that had participated in the STUDY. Four items were on the agenda:

Discussion of the STUDY program.

Discussion of the research presentations.

Final exam designed to evaluate the interns’ understanding of the

material covered during the sessions.

Finally, based on their academic school grade level, the interns

were presented with a cashiers check for $1,000/$1,100/$1,200

equivalent to the sum earned for their monthly on-site internship.

Evaluation of Program Elements

At the end of each academic session, interns were provided an evaluation form in which they were to assess the day’s activities with respect to the following: the instructors/guest speakers, the class sessions and the staff. The data obtained was to serve as feedback for addressing immediate critical issues and to assist us in improving the courses implemented in the STUDY program.

95% interns either strongly agree or agree that the materials were clearly presented.

94% said the instructors/guest speakers encouraged discussion. 92% either strongly agree or agree that staff was attentive to their needs. 83% of the interns who participated in the trip found the experience to be helpful. 89% found it very interesting.

The interns also evaluated the STUDY program as a whole on several criteria. 65% found the trip to be the most interesting part of the program. 24% found the onsite internship was the most interesting. 16 out the 17 graduates (94%) would recommend the program to their peers.

Conclusion

For its first fully funded year, the STUDY Program can be considered as a success. It introduced interns, who might otherwise not have the opportunity, to a potentially rewarding academic experience.

Specifically, the project was successful because: It serviced 241 North Miami Students. It graduated 17 out 20 interns (85%). It provided three outstanding research presentations delivered at a public forum. It brought the interns to close interactions with public officials, including Governor Charlie Crist. It received overwhelming support from major community agencies, both public and private. The interns performed very well in their on-site assignments (all received maximum score of five in

their supervisor evaluations). The fact that 16 out of the 17 graduates (94%) would recommend the STUDY Program to their

peers. The outstanding support receiving from city and county agencies as well as the private sector

companies.

While challenges were faced, e.g., transport logistics, drop out ratio, the added element of the interns working onsite, researching an issue and presenting their results in a public forum, proved to be very successful. The project introduced interns to the challenging opportunities in the urban planning arena while offering them a trip to Savannah, GA and Tallahassee, FL.

Project Recommendations

Following the completion of the CRA STUDY 2009, the Advisory Committee and staff evaluated the project. The following are the topics/possible improvements that were addressed:

INTERN RECRUITMENT This year in collaboration with Global Solutions Agency, Inc., led by Ms. Guylene Berry, JHS staff

advertised the program on radio for a two-month period. A sophisticated pipeline was created, where hourly sessions were provided to 213 current 9 – 12th

grades students in order to create a pool of potential applicants. A similar program will be implemented with the new Mourning Senior High School in 2009-2010. Graduating interns will also be involved in the recruitment process.

RESEARCH PROJECTS AND CURRICULUM The interns would have preferred if more time had been allocated to work on their projects. Next year,

the number of hours assigned for the (group) projects will increase. Public speaking sessions will be added as part of the regular academic sessions to improve the

curriculum.

ON SITE INTERNSHIPS

While the project has received support from key agencies; STUDY staff must continue to explore potential partnerships with the North Miami private sector, the county and the State. Federal agencies based in the county will also be approached.

STUDY PROGRAM LOCATION

Some alternative location to FIU Biscayne Bay Campus will be pursued, e.g., Johnson and Wales and Barry Universities.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Committee should include representatives from Miami Dade College and Miami Dade County.

Acknowledgments

JHS & Associates, Inc. would like to acknowledge the contributions of various individuals and organizations which supported the STUDY goals.

We extend our sincere appreciation to: 

Mr. Kevin Burns, Mr. Michael R. Blynn, Mr. Jacques Despinosse, Mr. Scott Galvin, Mrs. Marie Erlande Steril, Mr. Jean R. Marcellus, Mr. Andre D. Pierre, CRA Board

Members

Mr. Ronald Brisé, Ms. Yolly Roberson, Members, Florida House of Representatives

Mr. Dorrin D. Rolle, Miami Dade County Commissioner

Mr. Gareth Mann, Ms. Joyce Oliver, Mr. Aldwyn Thomas, North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency

Ms. Ruby Hemingway – Adams, Miami Dade Transit

Mrs. Betsy Kaplan, Ret. School Board Member

Ms. Pamela Paultre, Office of Rep. Ronald Brisé

Ms. Sherronda Daye, Commissioner Dorrin Rolle office

Ms. Joyce Pernicone, North Miami Public Library

Dr. Pamela Smith, North Miami Senior High

Mr. Dan Lima, NM Community Development and Planning

Mr. Wisler Pierre-Louis, North Miami Public Works Department

Ms. Guylene Berry, Global Solutions Agency, Inc.

Dr. Marc A. Joseph, Dixie Medical Center - Dr. Smith Joseph, Universal Medical Center, P.A. - Dr. Rudolph Moise, Comprehensive Health Center, Inc.

A sincere thank you is also sent to: Jackson Memorial Hospital, North Miami Police Department, Miami Dade County Fire Rescue Department for their wonderful

support.

Finally, a heartfelt “Merci Beaucoup” is extended to our STUDY Advisory Committee Members: Mr. Ken Caban, Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc. Dr. I. H. Campbell, Sixth Avenue Church of God Mr. Tony E. Crapp, Sr., NM/Community Redevelopment Agency Dr. Yvens Fievre, North Miami Senior High Mr. John O’Brien, NM/Community Planning and Development Ms. Diana Ospina, Transelco Corporation, Inc. Dr. Lumane Pluviose-Claude, North Miami City Manager Office Dr. Berrin Tansel, FIU – College of Engineering and Computing Mr. William Wallace IV, Formerly with Biscayne Landing