Department of Specialized Education Services

CDFA 84.325K

Project CONNECT: Preparing Highly Qualified Educational Interpreters

Purpose of Project CONNECT:

The project will increase the number and quality of personnel who provide educational interpreting services for students with hearing loss. The project will enhance the existing bachelor's degree Interpreting track in the Education of Deaf children program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to reflect the recently adopted state of North Carolina requirements for employment as an educational interpreter.

Objectives:

The activities of Project CONNECT focus on:

• integrating knowledge of diverse learners throughout coursework and practica
• expanding and strengthening partnerships with schools, families and the Deaf and hard of hearing community
• enhancing course delivery and accessibility through the inclusion of a variety of distance learning strategies.
• extending recruitment strategies to include establishing relationships with persons from underrepresented populations.
• implementing a plan that evaluates the project components and the impact of the project on students served by graduates.

How does Project CONNECT work?

Any interested students currently enrolled in the Interpreter Preparation Program at UNCG or at another college can apply for a grant/stipend. They must do the following for EACH semester:

·  Complete a Project CONNECT Application Form

·  Write a personal statement or letter about their educational background, their GPA, their recent or current involvement with children and/or individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, explain why they are interested in becoming an educational interpreter, their previous experience in interpreting and their future goals

·  Ask three individuals to write letters of recommendation or to have their current or former supervisors complete the Project CONNECT Reference Form

·  Get a printout of their current Degree Evaluation or college transcript

All applications materials are sent to the Project CONNECT Coordinator who will then meet with the Project CONNECT committee to review the application materials and decide who will receive a tuition grant/stipend for the semester.

Click here for the Project CONNECT Application Instructions.

Click here for the Project CONNECT Application.

Click here for the Project CONNECT Reference letter request.

Click here for the Project CONNECT Reference form
This letter must be sent by anyone who is sending a letter of recommendation for the applicant.

Contact: