FYI

Coastal Carolina gets program grant

Coastal Carolina University's Lifelong Learning program has received a $100,000 grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation, a San Francisco-based philanthropic organization. In recognition of the grant, CCU's adult education program will be named the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Coastal Carolina University.

At present, the foundation supports 115 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI) on university and college campuses in 48 states, as well as a National Resource Center for the institutes at the University of Southern Maine. Osher hopes to sponsor at least one institute in each of the 50 states. South Carolina now hosts three OLLI programs at Clemson University, USC-Beaufort and Coastal.

Beginning in fall 2002, Osher began awarding grants of $100,000 to university and college campuses on the understanding that, once a lifelong learning institute was launched, the foundation would consider the renewal of the grant for two more years with a view to providing an endowment gift of no less than $1 million should the institute demonstrate potential for long-term success.

SCSU child center gets accreditation

The S.C. State University Child Development Learning Center is one of the first early childhood programs to earn accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a national organization of early childhood professionals.

"We're proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards," said Dr. Sheila M. Littlejohn, director of the center. "NAEYC accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible."

The SCSU CDLC's mission is to serve a diverse population of preschool-age children by providing them with high quality, developmentally appropriate educational experiences while giving college students opportunities to observe and work directly with preschool children, resulting in positive, productive citizens in a global society.

To earn NAEYC accreditation, the center went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the 10 new NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related accreditation criteria. The program received NAEYC accreditation after an on-site visit by NAEYC assessors.

Education program accepting referrals

The "Putting Families First" Gateway for Excellence Program is accepting referrals from all agencies and individuals for Parenting Education (five weeks) and Anger Management (10 weeks) classes held each Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Murray United Methodist Church education building, 1216 Old Orangeburg Road.

For registration or for more information, call 821-1030 or 670-5713.

FMU spring classes set to start Jan. 8

Students will begin spring semester classes at Francis Marion University on Jan. 8.

Registration for new and continuing students will be held Jan. 7. Housing opens for new and continuing students on Jan. 6.

A list of open classes is available at www.fmarion.edu or through the Admissions Office in Stokes Administration Building Room 113.

The semester runs through April 21, followed by final exams and commencement May 3.

Students interested in taking classes during the spring semester should contact the FMU Admissions Office at 661-1231. The university will close for the holidays at 5 p.m. today and will reopen Jan. 2.

FMU offers classes in more than 40 undergraduate disciplines, while graduate classes are offered in business, education and psychology. Courses are of-fered throughout the day and evening.

Trident Literacy sets computer schedule

The Trident Literacy Association, a leading provider of basic computer training and computer instruction for students of all ages, announces enrollment is now open for the Jan. 7 computer classes.

The course includes Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The fee for each course is $25.

Courses are four to six weeks long.

Contact Alfred Wells at Trident Literacy Association, 5416-B Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29406, or at 747-2223.

PACT classes slated at seven locations

PACT (Parents and Children Together) is a family education program for parents to enjoy with their children ages 10-40 months.

At each class, parents and children have playtime together. Parents then meet to discuss topics such as sleep, discipline, and the joys and challenges of parenthood while the children play together. A professional family educator and early childhood teachers support each class.

Classes begin meeting 9:30-11:30 a.m. weekly Jan. 7 for 10 weeks at seven locations. Fees are based on family income, with scholarships available. For a brochure, call 769-5799, e-mail pact2@bellsouth.net or visit www.parentsandchildrentogether.org.

CSO League offering student scholarships

Music students in the tri-county area may audition for $2,000 college scholarships, matching grants for private study and scholarships for summer music programs through the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League .

The application deadline for all league scholarships is Feb. 15, and auditions are scheduled for early March.

For more information and applications, visit www.csolinc.org/csolscholarship.php.

Trident Literacy sets computer schedule

The Trident Literacy Association, a provider of basic computer training and computer instruction for students of all ages, is holding enrollment for the Jan. 7 computer classes.

The course includes Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The fee for each course is $25. Courses are four to six weeks long.

For more information, contact Alfred Wells at the Trident Literacy Association, 5416-B Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29406, or 747-2223.

Music scholarship auditions planned

The Charleston Music Club and the S.C. Federation of Music Clubs will hold auditions for summer music camp scholarships Jan. 12 at Charleston Southern University's Horton School of Music.

Scholarships are available for Furman University string and band camps for students in grades 6-12. There also is a scholarship for a student age 13-18 to attend a summer keyboard clinic.

Students ages 14-18 may audition for an award for private vocal study with a qualified vocal instructor.

The Charleston Music Club awards a scholarship for a student age 14-18 for summer study at the Brevard Music Center. The winner of that award can compete for further awards on the state level.

For more information, contact www.charlestonmusicclub.com or jnkmarion1@aol.com.