Mirtha Jones, Coordinator of Hispanic Outreach at Chattanooga State, has been selected as a recipient of the 2005 Harold Love Outstanding Community Involvement Award.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission awards $1,000 to five students and five faculty/staff members annually.
According to the THEC Website, "The individuals selected to receive recognition represent the many dimensions of community service – volunteer work, public service, charitable service and leadership roles in community organizations. They serve as ambassadors for community service among the many diverse higher educational communities in Tennessee."
Ms. Jones was selected for her work in establishing the Plaza Comunitaria, which opened on Sept. 27 in the New Economy Institute located at 1105 East 10th Street and Central Ave.
The Plaza Comunitaria enables Chattanooga State to expand its outreach in the Hispanic Community. The program is “abroad education” for Mexican young adults or other Hispanics. Participants attend classes free of charge.
The program reaches participants at their educational level, so they can enhance their career and educational potential. Available is basic instruction in reading and writing in Spanish. More advanced students will learn math, social sciences, natural sciences, computer literacy and English.
The goal is for participants to ultimately complete courses necessary for an elementary and secondary education certificate that will be valid in their country of origin. In addition, they will be eligible for a GED diploma.
There is an additional component of the program that focuses on health education and social issues.
According to Ms. Jones, “The Plaza will enable us to expand our outreach program to the Hispanic community in the Chattanooga area. Through education, they will have more options and will be able to take advantage of the opportunity of living in this country and the ‘American Dream.’ They will also be greater contributors to the community.”