No Benefits, No Problem…
VOLUNTEER 7 to 10 HOURS A WEEK AND WE WILL PAY YOUR TUITION AND FEES…
Earn your college degree by mentoring inner-city youth within the Metro West Community in Orlando, Florida. As a veteran, you have the skills to serve as a role model and have a passion for positive community development.
Soldiers to Scholars (STS) is a community-based program where student Veterans who have either exhausted or want to save their VA Educational Benefits while pursuing their degree. Known as the “Walking School Bus,” STS Mentors safely escort elementary children to and from the Metro West Apartment Community to Eagle’s Nest Elementary School. Additionally, mentors provide after-school programs focused on creating pathways for the elementary children to achieve their educational goals.
Soldiers to Scholars (STS); was established in 1995, the idea of Dr. Alzo J. Reddick (U.S. Army ’61-64), former Assistant Vice President for University Relations and Director of Defense Transition Services. His concept was to create a unique program designed to recruit honorably discharged veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces to work with inner-city youth.
About
Mission
The mission of Soldiers to Scholars (STS) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is to create an enriching and inclusive environment for student veterans and elementary students to achieve and succeed academically. The purpose is to provide elementary aged students with role models and mentors so they can achieve their dreams while preparing student veterans for their new career.
Meet the Founder Dr. Alzo J. Reddick
Dr. Reddick is a highly successful professional with 40 years of increasing levels of educational, management, and political experience. With more than 35 years as an administrator, professor, and teacher in private and public education. He has been invited to share his expertise and knowledge by providing lectures on Civil War and African American History, specializing in the role of the black cowboys in the west. Dr. Reddick has also worked in all levels from primary to higher education in segregated and non-segregated schools/institutions
Professional Experience
Dr. Reddick was director of an innovative program to recruit veterans who have served in the United States military to further their education to become educators. He designed this program to provide veterans a second career, help alleviate the shortage of qualified teachers, increase the number of males in the education system, provide positive role models/mentors for at-risk youths. A 12-year professional and administrator from one of the oldest private colleges in the state of Florida. Dr. Reddick recruited students for one of the fastest-growing community colleges in Florida. He was also instrumental in initiating and developing a 2+2 Articulation Agreement between Valencia Community College (now Valencia College) and multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Dr. Reddick was the first African American male to teach at Winter Park High School, located in Winter Park, Florida.
Meet the Team
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Toni Leonard
Admin Coordinator407-900-2745, Option 2
| Phone | Mon – Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Phone | 407-900-2745 |
| Fax | 407-203-8874 |
| SoldiersToScholars@ucf.edu | |
| Location | 1049 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811, Room : Clubhouse |