By Rick Abercrombie
In a past visit to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo, Dr. Alonzo Johnson spoke to the Club about the mission and work of his Church’s Universal Life STEAM Academy (ULSA). Johnson serves as Director of ULSA.
On June 6, Dr. Johnson visited the Club again, over two years after his initial appearance, and rendered an update on the Academy.
As one of the vital ministries of Universal Outreach Church of God in Christ, ULSA offers an after school safe place for youth to learn and grow in its STEAM-directed curriculum. The Academy is available to students aged 5 to 13. ULSA serves as a wholesome alternative to gang recruitment that is a fact of life in our community.
Always fine-tuning its approach, the Academy is housed within the Church’s facilities.
ULSA is equipped technologically so that every student — simultaneously if necessary — has wi-fi access where it may or may not be available in the students’ home situation. Students, then, are studying and learning on an even playing field.
The faculty is able to monitor each student’s academic progress and can tailor individual instruction plans to assure the student is operating at grade level. Faculty members come from a variety of backgrounds that lend themselves well to particular areas of the STEAM approach.
Johnson noted that, just as was the case two years ago in his first session with the Club, the enrollment of 70-plus students remains very constant throughout the school year. There is very little attrition. Students, and by extension their parents, realize the Academy’s atmosphere is serious about preparation for qualifying for tomorrow’s employment realities.
Pictured are Dr. Johnson and Past Club President Larry Blosser, who was the speaker sponsor.
