The PEP program is designed to improve the community of Paramount’s ability to access, utilize and benefit from education.  It is a collaborative effort among the Paramount Unified School District, City of Paramount, local business leaders, the general community, and GCPI.  Several innovative and practical programs have been selected for implementation during PEP’s first year.

COMMUNITY LEARNING RESOURCE CENTERS (CLRCs)

The Computer Learning Resource Centers provides free programming for all age groups in the city of paramount. The classes are geared at increasing the level of education as well as the quality of life and economic standing of individuals in the community.

Homework Help Program
Provides a safe quiet study environment in which staff will assist students with help in completing and understanding various concepts of their homework.

PLATO/Computer Skill Building Program
Provides computerized training and hands-on activities in reading, writing, and mathematics to students in the k-8th grades to enhance basic skills and to ensure that students perform at grade level and to keep them from falling behind by providing them with the skills necessary to reach and maintain grade level.

New Discoveries
Encourages school-age children, grades 1-8, in reading and writing by giving students a series of topics to research. Giving students the opportunity to develop a love for reading, understand the writing process, and be able to articulate what they have learned to other students through oral and computer presentations.

PARAMOUNT YOUTH OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM
Provides students who do not plan to continue with a secondary education the skills necessary that are marketable and needed for technical/trade/vocational jobs in the city.

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANCE/ HOME HEALTH AIDE PROGRAM
The certified nursing assistant/home health aide program at Camillus College is designed to provide the student for certification by the State of California as an entry-level worker in a long-term healthcare facility. The purpose of the program is to provide student who have dropped out of high school, are unemployed or are receiving assistance to receive skills and certification necessary that are marketable and needed for a job in nursing.

MESA SCHOOLS PROGRAM

In collaboration with California State University Long PEP has implemented the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program to eight schools in Paramount.  Some components of the MESA school program include:  individual academic plans, academic excellence workshops, SAT/PSAT preparation, career and college exploration, parent leadership training and incentive awards.

SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Our goal is to make education beyond high school financially accessible to all students in the city of Paramount. PEP is a collaborative effort between the City of Paramount, Paramount Unified School District, Paramount Chamber of Commerce, Gateway Cities Partnership, Inc., and the community.

We are proud to offer various scholarships:  $1,000 for students attending a community college and $3,000 for students attending an accredited four-year institution within the United States, including vocational/trade/technical schools. Scholarship monies may only be used to pay tuition, fees, books and supplies for the 2008-2009 school year.

Click here for a scholarship application. Please review the instructions carefully before submitting the application.  In order to be eligible to receive a scholarship, you must complete and submit all requested material. 

The application must be delivered by May 1, 2008 to the address below:

Attn: Scholarship Committee
Gateway Cities Partnership, Inc.
8303 Alondra Blvd, Suite B
Paramount, CA 90723

COMMUNITY ORGANIZING & MARKETING CAMPAIGN

Marketing activities and materials have been developed to promote the value of education and provide information about educational opportunities.  The marketing campaign will increase the awareness of individual programs and serve as an educational information resource for the residents. Community organizing will be vital for the recruitment of volunteers from the general community and the coordination of their efforts.  The goal of community organizing will be to involve every individual in the city in making Paramount a learning community.  It strives to build grassroots leadership, community initiative and constituent influence in the local neighborhoods and communities.

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