UT3 gets five stars

In order to set the University of Toledo apart from other institutions of higher education in the region of Northwest Ohio and beyond - to really become a "transformative force" in the world - UT must become a leader in education. This status cannot be earned only by producing innovative solar panel technology or by engaging in cutting-edge biofuel research, but also by providing a quality education to all students.

One of the biggest threats to achieving this type of excellence in education - as much a problem here as at any other public university with open enrollment - is making sure that students enter into college prepared to receive a quality education capable of transitioning them into professional life. A strong relationship, therefore, is needed between universities and K-12 academic institutions.

Almost two weeks ago, The Independent Collegian ran an editorial discussing the importance of a strong relationship - financial and otherwise - between UT and the daycare provider Apple Tree Nursery School. This week, we will focus on the good work that is being done through the UT3 (UToledo, UTeach, UTouch the future) program. This link between UT and middle-high school education, further bolstering UT's focus on lifelong learning, sends students interested in a future in education to urban high schools with high-needs students to teach science and mathematics.

The program not only provides UT students with a useful insight into their prospective careers, but it also works to combat the marked deficiency in science and mathematics literacy that is sadly so prevalent among much of America's youth. By strengthening their grounding in these technical areas, America stands to become more of a competitor in research and technology development on the world stage.

But on an even more fundamental and significant level, this relationship will hopefully better the lives of the high-needs students receiving the special attention. Without a strong education showing these students the possibilities open to them beyond high school and college (if they graduate from either), the motivation to better themselves and to rise above life's daily challenges will be nonexistent. The strong and destructive influences of poverty, urban violence and drug abuse will go unopposed without a good education to inspire and prepare the students for a life of flourishing and success.

Perhaps the best candidates to perform this service for the underprivileged youths would be these young college students. Though inexperienced, these volunteer students would be closer in age to the middle-high schoolers than most college grads and anyone with a masters degree. This would allow the college students to more closely identify with the high-needs students and to thus encourage more profound learning.

The UT3 program is a great example of UT's commitment to becoming a leader in education, and those students participating in it deserve a commendation.