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DEL.ICIO.US‘C’ students also can see a bright future
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
He’s taught at the college level. Middle and high school, too.
So Michael Woodward knows a thing or two about kids and the skills they need to get into college and succeed.
He’s seen all types, but the one thing that bugged him the most were unprepared learners. Students who lacked confidence in themselves, who were afraid to speak up in class, to ask questions, make presentations. To think.
“They didn’t have the tools,” said Woodward, who teaches history and geography and coaches wrestling at Norcross High School.
“There was a clear disconnect between what the universities expected, and what kids were taught in the school and, of course, at home.”
So Woodward culled together a free program that’s geared toward metro Atlanta kids not expected to go to college. The borderline kids, those with C averages or who might not blow the SAT out of the water.
It’s called the Alpha Leadership Program, a name that reflects Alpha Phi Alpha, the black college fraternity Woodward joined while earning three undergraduate degrees and a master’s degree at Florida A&M.
Now in its fourth year, the program relies on volunteers, grants and fund-raisers to stay afloat. It’s growing too. Reputation and mission are selling points.
In 2004, organizers expected a first-year enrollment of 15 or so students. They wound up with 35. The next year, when they thought they’d have 35 participants, 75 signed up, followed by more than 100 the following year.
This year, 125 students took part in activities that ran concurrent with the school-year calendar. On weekends, they attended sessions that dealt with etiquette, proper attire, interview skills, critical thinking and public speaking. They learned about college financial aid and how to select colleges.
A highlight was a trip to North Carolina for tours at several colleges, including Wake Forest, Shaw University and North Carolina A&T. The group visited the Bank of America Corporate Center in Charlotte, too.
“We want them all to go to college, and 98 percent of them do,” said Woodward, 37, of Lawrenceville. “But we’ll take getting them in the military or trade school as well.”
He recalls one student well.
Sasha Johnson, a 2006 Norcross High grad whom he described as a “middle-of-the-road kid” was unmotivated about college.
“She was bright and had a great personality,” said Woodward, who also runs a tutoring business in Tucker. “We worked real hard with her.”
Hard work paid off.
Last fall, Johnson was accepted at Middle Georgia College. In January, she was killed in a car accident while returning to campus. Her mother, Ki Johnson, asked Woodward to speak at the funeral. Pallbearers were volunteers from the leadership program.
“These are African-American men who have families and could be doing other things, but they have decided to invest their time and money in our children,” Johnson told me.
“I am indebted to that program and if they have any needs, I’ve told them to let me know because they invested so much into Sasha.”
To learn more about the Alpha Leadership Program, please contact Michael Woodward at 678-525-3498 or e-mail:mwoodward@alphalearn ingandtutoring.com.
• Rick Badie’s column appears on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact him at 770-263-3875 or e-mail: rbadie@ajc.com.
Permalink | Comments (20) | Post your comment | Categories: Rick Badie
Comments
By Gwen Russell Green
May 14, 2007 6:14 AM | Link to this
There is clearly a great need that Mr. Woodward is meeting. The facts in this article speak loudly of his true calling by God to do his chosen work.
By Matielyn Jones
May 14, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
I am very proud of your efforts to take a non-traditional approach to equip students who are often “worked around” rather than cultivated. Most students are under-achievers who never reach their full potential until pushed in the direction of greatness by people who care.
Kudos!
By Tasha Bateman
May 14, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Thank you AJC for bringing to light an individual that trully has a desire to make a difference in the lives of todays African American youth. Bravo Mr. Woodward keep up the wonderful work.
By Tasha Bateman
May 14, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Thank you AJC for bringing to light an individual that truly has a desire to make a difference in the lives of todays African American youth. Bravo Mr. Woodward keep up the wonderful work.
By Tasha Bateman
May 14, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
Thank you AJC for bringing to light an individual that truly has a desire to make a difference in the lives of today’s African American youth. Bravo Mr. Woodward keep up the wonderful work.
By Yashica Squire
May 14, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
I am glad to see that credit and recognition is finally being given to Mr. Woodward for his efforts. It is not often that you find people that are willing to invest so much time into making sure that our “average” kids aren’t overlooked. This program and Mr. Woodward is truly a blessing and should be viewed as such. I hope to see the program expand and reach as many kids as possible, even those outside of Metro Atlanta because it has proven to be beneficial. Keep up the good work Mike. Shica
By Andrea
May 14, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
Mr. Woodward is doing a great thing. Great things really must run in his fraternity. His fraternal brother, Billy Smith, started a program in Savannah called the Alpha Bears. The program in Savannah is simply awesome! Our Alpha Bear program is based out of one of the local elementary schools. Last year the boys toured Morehouse College and this year they went to Howard University. Lack of exposure, not lack of understanding or ability, has stymied our youth for far too long. Kudos to Mr. Woodward and Mr. Smith for believing in our kids!!
p.s. In case you didn’t figure it out, I am a proud Alpha Bear Parent!
By Stephanie Perry Moore
May 14, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
Mr. Woodward is doing a fine job in our community. The Lord is using this program to give kids hope. Thanks to the AJC for recognizing we truly are working in the our area to leave no kid behind. People like, Mr. Woodward are making a difference.
By judy
May 14, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
Is this only for “African American” children?
By judy
May 14, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
Is this only for “African American” children?
By Daphanie Howard
May 15, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
Thank you AJC for the article on a positive male role model in the community. Mr. Woodward continue to be a blessing to the children.
By Adam
May 15, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Beautiful work Mr. Woodward!
My wife works at NHS as well and sent me the article. Great job. Very impressive and we will support the program any way we can.
By Cartrina Richey-Scipio
May 15, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
Kudos to Mr. Woodward and the entire staff of the Alpha Leadership program, this is an excellent program. For the past 2 years I have driven my daughter from Lithonia to Norcross on Saturdays to attend the program. She is more prepared for college and knows that any goal or dream she has, she can achieve it. I pray that from this article, the program will get the well deserved recognition and support needed to continue and grow. Many thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Woodward and the entire ALPHA staff.
By Angel
May 15, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
Judy, nowhere in this article does it say that this program is only geared toward african american children. I am so glad that God blessed us with a man like Mr. Woodward, Mr. Snorton and all of the other men that were mentors in this program. My son is a 6th grader and is not a middle of the road student. He’s an honor student. The ALPHA program embraces every type of student. There’s no such thing as too much of a postive thing. We will continue to participate until my son graduates. Thank you for spotlighting Mr. Woodward’s program. It’s newsworthy. Thank you Mr. Woodward and staff for loving our children enough to take time from your own to take on such an awesome task and responsibilty. Blessings!
By Annoy
May 15, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
Should have taken this. Oh well.
By Valencia Warner
May 16, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
This is a great program and I am glad to see it receive more attention. I thank God for Mr.and Mrs. Woodward, Mr.Snorton and the Alpha brothers. If if was not for a program like the Alpha Leadership Program my daughter who has been in the program for three years may not be as focused and driven. Thanks to the program she has visited over 12 colleges and will be attending Fort Valley University in the Fall of 2007. Mr. Woodward and Mr. Snorton keep up the great work. You both are great teachers and are excellent examples of leadership.
By Valeree' Teasley
May 16, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this
My daughter Ashleigh paticipated for this first time this 2006 - 2007 school year after many discussion of how she could benefit from it. It turned out to be a wonderfully enlightening experience for the both of us. Ashleigh is a A/B student that plans to be a Educator in the future and with mentors and examples like Mr. Woodward and Mr. Snorton helping her along the way with the proper guidance and instruction she is moving ahead in the right direction with me there having her back all the way. The Alpha leadership program is a great program and FYI to others in the Gwinnett and Dekalb County School Districts it is not limited to Gwinnett County High Schools and nor just Norcross High School the program is for whatever youth want to participate the meetings are just held at Norcross High School. Thanks Again Alpha Men for your Contribution to my Daughters future!!!!!
By Rev. Gerald J. McPhail
May 16, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Mr. Woodward and all those who give of themselves for our children, again I say THANK YOU! My daughter Jessica has benefited from the program and she is an example of a student who could have easily gone in the wrong direction had not some positive teachers showed that they really care. May God continue to bless you and your great service. (http://www.NECConline.org)
By Marcia Cunningham
May 16, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
Mr. Woodward (Coach) has been my son’s teacher and has also been his Coach on the Norcross HS Wrestling team for the past three years. Derek also participated in the Alpha Leadership program in 2006, and took the College Tour that April as well. The tour and total experience were wonderful for him. Great article Mr. Badie … my husband and I read and appreciate your column regularly. And THANK YOU Coach Woodward for your contribution and commitment to the community.
By Marcia Cunningham
May 16, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
Mr. Woodward (Coach) has been my son’s teacher and has also been his Coach on the Norcross HS Wrestling team for the past three years. Derek also participated in the Alpha Leadership program in 2006, and took the College Tour that April as well. The tour and total experience were wonderful for him. Great article Mr. Badie … my husband and I read and appreciate your column regularly. And THANK YOU Coach Woodward for your contribution and commitment to the community.