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Page 2 Clark Atlanta University Panther April 1, 1991 Kellogg Gives CAU Grant By TONYA LATIMER News Editor W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan recently awarded Clark Atlanta University's pre-college science enrichment programs with a $40,000 grant. CAU's president, Thomas J. Cole, Jr. said, "We welcome the interest and the commitment the Kellogg Foundation has shown in our science education initiatives. This award will benefit a number of young students who aspire careers in science education". This program is one of many pre-college programs already in existence at CAU. The funds will be used to specifically assist in developing plans to strengthen Clark Atlanta's science education teacher preparation programs and increase or improve outreach efforts science education in the community. The grant is a result of the Foundation's funds set aside for historically Black colleges and universities to "improve pre service science education programs". In addition to assisting Black colleges, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation provides seed money to organizations and institutions that have identified problems and have designed constructive action programs aimed at solutions. It also supports programs in the broad areas of agriculture, education, health, leadership and youth. Students Learn At PR Day By ANGELA D. GRAVELY Contributing Writer Atlanta public relations professionals instructed mass media arts students at in the mentality and skills needed to be competitive and marketable in public relations during the 2nd Annual Public Relations Day sponsored by the Public Relations Student Society of America- Clark Atlanta University chapter. Dr. Harold Jackson, president of Jackson Heath & Associates, stated, Students need to have two things, confidence and competence." As a 20 year professional, Dr. Jackson believes when students know what they are doing and know what they can do, they will be focused in their career aspirations as public relations professionals. He also stated, "students need to find a mentor, write everything,... and build yourselves a portfolio. " Dr. Jackson addressed the cultural changes and the public relations arena. " Ethnic sensitivity will be mindful of this decade." He continued: " Become global, learn a language, and become knowledgeable. Prepare yourself for the rude awakening." When asked, "What are the opportunities in public relations?" he replied: " There are none. Learn how to take that PR and internalize it— market yourself and make yourself sound different. Learn to write, communicate, and sell yourself." Kent Matlock, president of Matlock & Associates, stated, "It really begins with you. You have the opportunity to reach out and touch." He addressed the issue of linking professionals and students "It's not a task to put on your professors, it's an individual task." He stressed the importance of using our professors as tools. "You have right here at CAU, some of the most respected and dedicated ptofessional people that understand your personal plight." He stated three key points in preparing for a career in public .elations: First, experience and exposure -- having an opportunity to write, plan, schedule, and conduct meetings. Secondly, knowledge and understanding — know the industry and what is important. And thirdly, outreach — "It's built around everything else." Make those office visits and become a " shadow intern", he continued. "You have the tools and the talent." "Start now to think like a professional," said Ms. Brenda Siler, director of Public Relations, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). "Develop yourself in the school system. It offers you exactly what you need to be successful." She stressed writing, management planning and organizational skills, and resourcefulness as key elements. "You should make sure the school is preparing you for your career," Siler suggested. Take basic journalism courses and business writing courses to compliment courses in your major. She also stated, search for outside workshops, seminars, and read publications. "Read, read, read — Read everything you can". Promoter and producer, Maurice Starr, 36, addressed students on the issue of success and racism, during the afternoon session of Public Relations Day. "There's still tons of racism in the industry," he commented. Starr mentioned that even black entertainers begin to prefer white mangers in the business. "The establishment still just can't deal with the fact that here for the first time is a black man at the head of a black organization, successfully managing the biggest white group in the world," said Mike Smith, the overall tour manager for all Starr acts except the New Kids on the Block. Starr noted that 90% of The New Kids On The Block's road managers and 100% of his administration were Black. He also stated, that people in the industry refer to him as crazy, as he laughed. "I'm out to prove a black man can write, produce, and train a white group." "Finally, the most important thing you need to make a hit band, Starr said, "is promotion, good songs, more promotion, talent and promotion." Connexion Finds Jobs for Students, Alumni BY TONYA LATIMER News Editor Clark Atlanta University students can now be recruited through database and will no longer have to wait for career day to fmd an employer or graduate school. Peterson's Connexion, a new recruitment network designed to match individuals with both academic and employment opportunities is a free project available to enrolled students an alumni of CAU. It allows organizations-private, public and academic- -to locate individuals with particular skills and credentials for employment, research, consulting, teaching, internships or graduate study. Nearly 200 corporations foundations and graduate schools across the country have already signed up to access Connexion. College students register for summer jobs, internships and/or full-time work after graduation by filling out a short form and creating a personalize profile of their background, skills and interests. College graduates in all fields, at all levels, register on another form. Employers provide job specs by mails or telephone and Connexion searches its data bank for candidates who fit. Afterwards, they forward their particulars to employers, who follow up on those of interest. The major difference from previous systems is that Connexion markets its database to graduate and professional schools as well as to employers. The schools then contact prospective students for advanced students with information about their program offerings. According to Joyce Lain Kennedy, a career expert, by expanding individuals options into both the workplace and academia, both at the beginning of the work cycle and in mid career, Connexion may become a primary force in encouraging the production of scholars, researchers, scientists and other highly trained personnel. Although students and graduates of colleges that subscribe register free, other job-seekers pay $40. The service is also free to returning military service members and former Peace Corps volunteers. Fees for schools are based on their size and their "search expectations" and range from 2,500 to 4,000 a year. Employers pay 1,995 a year for five to 10 searches. Grace McSorley, a career planning expert, stated, "In th';se bad times, it helps students expand career horizons, brings them to the attention of employers who don't interview on campus. It's especially helpful to students willing to relocate for a job". Students can contact Dr. Larry Irving at 880-8062 or Yvonne Frecero at 1-800-338-3282 Ext. 230 for more information. Clark Atlanta University will present several literary experts, including acclaimed novelist and essayist, Toni Cade Bambara, during its 22nd Annual Writer's Workshop April 16-18. This year’s workshop will include a host of presentations exploring "The Healing Word: The Social Responsibility And Curative Power Of Literature." A special presentation of children’s literature will also be highlighted. All sessions are free and open to the public. For schedule of activities, call 880-8169. Please send me Information on the Coast Guprd Officer Candidate School Name , Address City State Zip Telephone ( ) • Graduation Date College Major Please mail coupon to: U.S. Coast Guard Information Center, 14180 Dallas Parkway 6th Floor —Suite 626, Dallas, TX 75240 Or call: 1-800-424-8883 Ext. 1084