News

The Summer Academy to Inspire Learning (SAIL) at Portland State University (PSU) successfully concluded its 2011 inaugural program held August 15 - 19, 2011. This week-long summer camp was free to students and led by volunteer faculty from Portland State Department of Economics, Rossitza B. Wooster, Sarah Tinkler and James Woods as well as Joshua Winicki, one of the program organizers and Economics Ph.D. from the University of Oregon.

During the spring term, we recruited 8th grade middle school students who were invited to complete the SAIL camp during the summer prior to entering 9th grade. The SAIL camp curriculum combines academic sessions with outdoor activities aimed at providing students with a feel for the college experience and familiarizing them with the University system with the goal of increasing the number of low-income students enrolling and succeeding in college.  The program also includes sessions that explain the college admissions process as well as guidelines on how to compete for and secure financial aid and scholarships. 

The week ended with a visit from President Wim Wiewel who reiterated to campers the importance of a college experience and the beauty of diversity in learning at PSU. An award ceremony was held for students who completed the camp where they received certificates and gift cards. All were invited to attend next year's SAIL @ PSU as "sophomores" when they will have the opportunity to continue the learning process by experiencing other academic disciplines.

You can read more about the SAIL @ PSU program and its history at: http://www.pdx.edu/econ/sailpsu