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Wendy Harrison

FRANKLIN

Spring is in the air, at least according to Punxsutawney Phil, who predicted an early spring when he could not find his shadow on Groundhog Day.

Although his forecast may be disputed based on the recent chilly weather, most can agree that spring is a season people await in anticipation. To celebrate the season and raise money, the Paul D. Camp Community College Upward Bound program will sponsor its second annual Spring Fling Craft Show on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the college’s Regional Workforce Development Center, 100 N. College Drive, Franklin.

Headed up by local crafter Shirley Billups, the event features free admission to patrons, and money raised from registration, raffles and donations will benefit Upward Bound student activities.

“At PDCCC, we like to treat our students more holistically by not just providing the education they need to excel, but to also expose them to cultural experiences, and life and leadership skills as well,” said the college’s Upward Bound Director Travis Parker. “Students also receive assistance with tutoring, resources, support, college processes and the PDCCC Dual Enrollment program.”

Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO program that is focused on assisting low income and/or first generation high school students in grades 9 through 12 with successfully completing postsecondary education.

The program was implemented at PDCCC in 2009 and continues to grow. The number of students completing postsecondary degrees has increased by 41.5 percent in the last year, bringing the total to 75.

“Currently, we have six high school seniors who are working toward an associate’s degree in general studies and/or a certificate in general education through the dual enrollment program, which continues to be an option with which our scholars have been challenging themselves,” said Parker. “The hard work that they are doing for their education makes it possible for the UB program to prosper at PDCCC.”

The PDCCC Upward Bound program serves 60-plus students in grades 9-12 at three area high schools. For more information on the program, call UB Administrative Assistant Barbara Strylowski, 569-6764, or log onto www.pdc.edu.

Vendors interested in a booth space for the craft show may contact Shirley Billups, 620-5499. Set up times are from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27, from 8 to 10 a.m.

 

WENDY HARRISON is the public relations specialist for Paul D. Camp Community College. She can be reached at wharrison@pdc.edu.