THE OFFICE OF INCLUSION AND MULTICULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY
THE SULLIVAN-DECKARD
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM
ANNUAL REPORT
2019
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
The Scholars Creed.........................................................................................................................4
Director's Address...........................................................................................................................5
Our Story...........................................................................................................................................6
Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program............................................................7
AboutOur Students........................................................................................................................8
What We Provide.............................................................................................................................9
Program Requirements..................................................................................................................10
Center Features...............................................................................................................................11
Scholar to Dollar Breakdown.......................................................................................................12
Program Highlights.........................................................................................................................13
Notable Achievements...................................................................................................................14
Partnerships and Acknowledgements.......................................................................................15
AUGUST 2019ANNUAL REPORT
THE SCHOLAR'S CREED
Society will draw a circle that shuts me out,
But my superior thoughts will draw me in.
I was born to win, if I do not spend too much time trying to fail.
I will ignore the tags and names given to me by society,
Since only I know what I have the ability to become.
Failure is just as easy to combat as success is to obtain.
Education is painful and not gained by playing games.
Yet it is my privilege to destroy myself,
If that is what I choose to do.
I have the right to fail,
But I do not have the right to take other people with me.
God made me the captain of only one life-my own.
It is my right to care nothing about myself,
But I must be willing to accept the
Consequences for that failure.
And, I must never think that those who have chosen to work,
While I played, rested, and slept,
Will share their bounties with me.
My success and my education can be companions
That no misfortune can depress,
No crime can destroy, and no enemy can alienate.
Without education, man is a slave,
A savage wandering from here to there,
Believing whatever he is told.
Time and change come to us all.
I can either be hesitant or courageous.
I can swiftly stand up and shout:
This is my time and place.
I will accept the challenge!
Adapted from Marva Collins’ Way
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DIRECTOR'S
ADDRESS
My name is Jarrett Pratt, and my life's mission is to support students
in discovering their full potential in academia and in life. As a licensed
intervention specialist and alum of the Inspired Leaders Program at
Cleveland State University, I have a special interest in supporting
those impacted by foster care and to assist them in improving their
lives and communities by promoting education, self-efficacy, and
encouraging social responsibility.
Over the past five years, I have had the privilege of working with The Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship
Opportunity Program. Initially, my responsibilities were to provide support in implementing the vision &
mission of the program. Over time that role grew into developing strategies for enrollment and retention of
Scholars, design and delivery of learning support programs, coordinating special events, strengthening
community partnerships, and securing public and private funding. My primary focus has remained on
developing positive academic outcomes, maintaining effective collaborations, and building mutually
beneficial partnerships for Scholars, Cleveland State University, and communities. I am deeply
appreciative of the opportunity to serve, and I am also committed to the mission of the Pratt Center
and all of its Fostering Success and Leadership programming.
In service,
Jarrett G. Pratt, M. Ed
Director of Student Success,
The Pratt Center
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Fos te r Care – (n ou n) Fede ra l Definitio n
24- ho ur substi tu te care f or c hildren p la ce d away fr om their pa re nt s or gu ar di ans and f or whom t he S ta te
age nc y has pla ce me nt and ca re responsi bi li ty.
Many individuals in foster care experience an abrupt end in services
from the care system upon turning 18 years of age, as they are then
considered fully independent adults. Children in care range in age
from 0 to 21, and on average, will remain in state care for nearly two
years. In many cases, sibling groups are separated, and children move
from placement to placement and experience no sense of permanency
while in the care system.
According to the U.S Department of Education, more than 400,000 children and youth are in foster care
at any given time, and each year about 20,000 of these students emancipate or age out of the foster care
system. Nationwide, less than half of the youth in foster care finish high school with a diploma, and of
those who do, less than 3% graduate from a 4-year college with a degree. Changing this narrative was
and is the primary goal for the Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program and all of the
Fostering Success and Leadership Programs offered by the Pratt Center.
PROGRAM HISTORY
OUR STORY
In collaboration with Frank and Barbara Sullivan, former Cleveland State University President, Dr.
Ronald M. Berkman, sought to design a national model to improve post-secondary outcomes for
highly motivated youth impacted by foster care. At the behest of the late Dr. Charleyse S. Pratt, the
collaboration expanded to become The Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program. This
intended 5-year cohort model was created through the generous support of a $2.3 million gift from
Frank & Barbara Sullivan and Jenniffer & Daryl Deckard in 2014. Scholars could then pursue a
program of study together characterized by shared experiences, interactions, collective efforts, and
a mutual commitment to educational goals.
Shortly after its creation, the Sullivans realized the necessity of these shared experiences and
committed an additional $1 million gift to create a home for Sullivan-Deckard programming in The
Pratt Center, a unique multipurpose space where students from a variety of cultural backgrounds
can learn to successfully navigate university life. On February 16, 2017, Dr. Charleyse S. Pratt,
Cleveland State University’s Assistant Vice President for Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement and
Director of the Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program, addressed her Scholars for the
last time at the ceremony for The Pratt Center, which was named in her honor.
The successful implementation of the Sullivan-Deckard program led to the creation of the
Helen-Packer Scholarship Opportunity by a gift from Dr. Howard and Carol Berusch. Another
investment for support to persons impacted by care is the Mathilde Jane Gutow Endowment Fund,
established by Thomas and Marsha G. Hopkins. A gift from Joseph and Ann Stockwell has annually
supported sophomore and senior summer programming to ensure success for our Scholars and all
students serviced by the Pratt Center. These gifts ensure that all program participants have the
resources to overcome primary risk factors of this population such as: cognitive dissonance,
economic instability, food scarcity, and homelessness.
These gifts and programs are partnered with community-based wraparound services to provide
academic coaching, economic security, physical and emotional support, and year-round housing.
Going forward, a grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education will provide opportunities for
The Pratt Center to expand programming further to include short term certificate and work
development credentials for any persons impacted by foster care. In July of 2019, The Sullivan-
Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program was included in the State of Ohio's budget to support
additional scholarships.
The Sullivan-Deckard Scholars Opportunity
Program welcomed its 5th cohort of students in the
Summer of 2019.
From left to right: Frank Sullivan, Barbara Sullivan, Dr. Charleyse Pratt,
President Ronald Berkman, Jeniffer Deckard, Daryl Deckard
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SULLIVAN-DECKARD SCHOLARSHIP
OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM
"Without education, man is a slave."
GOALS
Navigate scholars towards successful completion
of a bachelor's degree, with scholars entering a
cohort model of shared experience and study,
interactions, collective efforts, and mutual
commitment to educational goals.
Promotedegree completion by improving program
initiatives and integrating program services.
Reach a wider network of youth, as well as
stakeholders within the university and the greater
community.
Maintain a valuable and lasting relationship with
participants during matriculation and beyond.
Financial aid for tuition, books, and instructional resources.
Year-round housing with an approved meal plan.
Academic coaching and institutional support services.
On-campus employment with career advising and mentoring.
Campus and community engagement with over 40 volunteers
pledged to provide additional student support.
Peer assistance, mentoring, and support.
A structured Transition Plan for university life and academic
success.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
THE SEVEN PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Our Summer Programming
and Transition Workshops
start in June rather than
Fall semester to help
scholars transition from
care, become acclimated to
university life, and
establish a GPA with
Freshman Foundation
curriculum
and General Education
courses.
This head start provides a
pathway to success for
Scholars during their
first-year college
experience.
W H A T S E T S U S AP A R T ?
"Time and chance come to us all."
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Prospective students must be:
DEMOGRAPHICS
Foster care youth who are high
school seniors, at least 17 years of
age, and have been in foster care for
three years or more.
Positioned for high school
graduation and college admission by
fall semester.
Will age out foster care by the date
of high school graduation and are
under 20 years of age.
Legal residents of Ohio and
eligiblefor in-state tuition rates.
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Students must formally apply, fulfill all admission
requirements, and be accepted into Cleveland State
University.
Participation in the Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship
Opportunity Program is voluntary.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
The Pratt Center delivers
high quality 1:1 student and
peer support for freshman
Scholars due to its inclusive
environment and family-like
atmosphere.
ABOUT OUR
STUDENTS
Fig. 2. Scholars Major, 2015-2019. Graph from The Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement.
*CLASS: College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Scholars in the program reflect a wide
range of interests and are encouraged to
explore the options that would typically
not be available to this population.
Fig. 1. Scholars Major, 2015-2019. Graph from The Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement.
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WHAT WE
PROVIDE
Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program
As of Fall 2019, there have been thirty-nine scholarship
participants with three graduates and twenty-one
Scholars persisting towards an undergraduate degree.
Helen Packer Scholarship Opportunity Program
This mirrors the Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship
Opportunity Program and stands as a four-year
scholarship for one awardee.
The Pratt Center
In congruence with the Scholarship Programs, The
Pratt Center provides expansive support in the form of
Destination Graduation, Student Navigators, and
access to mental health and wellness services.
Mathilde Jane Gutow Endowment Fund
In 2018 Thomas and Marsha Hopkins created the
Mathilde Jane Gutow Endowment Fund to support all
persons impacted by care enrolled at Cleveland State
through stipends for books, meal plans, and gap tuition
assistance.
SCHOLARSHIP OFFERINGS
TheScholarship offerings for the programs at The Pratt Center were created
initially through gifts of the Sullivans and Deckards and continued support
from others has increased the opportunities available to persons impacted by
the foster care system.
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Fig. 3. Scholar cohorts, 2015-2019.
Graph from The Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement.
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Participate in all scheduled Program activities, events, and
programs which include: regular meetings with the Program
Coordinator, daily study-table sessions, program-related
seminars, workshop presentations, and leadership
development activities as directed by the Program Director.
Maintain an overall 2.5 Grade Point Average or higher and
maintain satisfactory academic progress. Scholars must
adhere to standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
as defined by Cleveland State University.
Maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, but not
to exceed 15 credit hours per semester while enrolled at CSU.
Meet with an Academic Advisor.
Live in CSU student residence halls throughout the period of
enrollment at CSU.
Accept work study through financial aid, on campus, for a
minimum of 10-12 hours per week each semester.
Refrain from obtaining employment off campus.
NOT own a vehicle or have a vehicle on campus during their
freshman year.
NOT participate in pledging for a sorority or fraternity during
their freshman year.
Attend all classes according to the requirements of the
instructor(s). If at any time during the semester the
Scholar's academic performance results in academic
probation (below 2.0 GPA), Scholars must agree to an
academic intervention plan.
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS MUST:
Career Goals:
Open up my own international
group home/community
resource center.
Hobbies/favorite pastimes:
Reading, writing, spoken word,
dancing
(contemporary/liturgical),
being outdoors.
CSU favorites:
Downtown Cleveland is a great
place to meet
people/network/etc.
So many different
communities to be involved in.
SD scholarship meaning:
Means a lot to me, without it
I'd be trying to figure out my
tuition which would be hard
being that I have no other
support outside of the program
for my academics.
I appreciate the people around
me, and the skills and network
that I have gained offered by
the program.
To program supporters:
Keep supporting. Your support
is not in vain. If you feel there
is more than one way you can
help feel free to involve
yourself with the students
more.
Shajuana Gaston
Graduation Date: December 2020
Major: Social Work
Minor: Non-profit administration
PROGRAM
REQUIREMENTS
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CENTER FEATURES
NAVIGATORS
1:1 FRESHMAN STUDENT SUPPORT WITH MEAL & BOOK SCHOLARSHIP
WORKSHOP FACILITATION PRATT CENTER BUZZ NEWSLETTER
PEER MENTORSHIP SEMINAR & WORKSHOP DESIGN
TUTORING
INTEGRATED SERVICES
COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE
STAFF WITH STRONG SKILL SET
FREE TO STUDENTS
ACADEMIC EVENTS
LUNCH AND LEARNS
SECRETS OF THE SCHOLARS GAME DESIGN
TWO-WEEK TRANSITION SUMMER WORKSHOP
DESTINATION GRADUATION STUDENT SUMMIT
FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOPS
SNACK AND CHAT LEARNING PROGRAMS
LEARNING EXCURSIONS
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
SERVICE LEARNING LEARNING INVENTORIES
VOLUNTEERING FIRESIDE CHATS
Brianna Baynes
Graduation date: December 2018
Major: Health Science
Brianna is currently working as
a Health Insurance agent
licensed in four states,
including Ohio. She was
recently accepted to Cleveland
State’s Accelerated Nursing
Program to begin January 2020.
After successfully completing
the program, Brianna will work
as a trauma nurse. She plans on
moving to Texas after
graduation and starting a
family.
To incoming scholars:
Don’t stress over things you
can’t control. Keep pushing
through obstacles and never
give up. You have all the tools
you need to succeed. USE
THEM. Ask for help whenever
you need it.
Student Navigators are professionally trained students who promote a "Navigation to
Graduation" strategy of academic success, retention anddegree completion for diverse
students. A unique and vital element of The Pratt Center, Student Navigators work
closely with Scholars and CSU staff throughout campus to promote excellent
scholarship and standards, and to provide thorough assistance to ensure graduation
for Scholar cohorts.
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Robert Lozier
Graduation date: May 2021
Major: Sports Management
Career Goals:
Become an athletic director at
either the high school or collegiate
level, or work for a professional
football team.
Hobbies/favorite pastimes:
Playing sports, working out,
playing guitar.
CSU favorites:
The city of Cleveland, Cleveland
sports, the size of the campus.
SD scholarship meaning:
Pretty much everything. It
changed my life so I put in to the
scholarship what it gives to me.
To program supporters:
They don’t realize how much they
are affecting my life, especially
Fill This House and the gifts they
supply for our dorms. We are all
very grateful for their
contributions.
To incoming scholars:
Don’t lose sight of your goals. Don’t
get discouraged when the road is
rough. We’re here for a reason: to
graduate, so always keep that in
mind.
Recent accomplishments:
Multiple deans list appearances,
2019 Scholar of the Year (first ever
recipient). Advocated for a bill that
eventually passed that provided
state funding to the program.
SCHOLAR TO DOLLAR
BREAKDOWN
Our programming is a needs-based, last dollar in scholarship that
covers the essential elements of attending college and beyond.
The Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program exceeds
the ordinary and extends to many more aspects of learning and
financial support to help encourage and engage Scholars in their
path to success.
Summer Transition Program
CSU faculty instructors
Navigator training and workshops for Scholars
Book readings and group learning sessions
24/7 summer support system for incoming Scholars
Learning Excursions
The National Underground Railroad Museum
Amish Country
Cedar Point
Summer Courses
Early success and increased GPA for Freshman Scholars
Theatre: Principles of Acting
Introduction to Black Studies
ASC: Introduction to Student Life
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Fig. 4. Per Student Cost Breakdown. Graph from The Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement.
National average statistics from Value Penguin Average Cost of College in America: 2019 Report
PROGRAM
HIGHLIGHTS
2015-2016
Operation Warm-Up: A collaboration with the National Council of
Jewish Women sorting clothes for homeless
Creation of Sullivan-Deckard/Helen Packer Opportunity
Scholarship Program
Scholars assisted in cleaning both Providence House & The
Gathering Place; helped at risk youth
Scholars from Cohort One traveled to Washington, D.C. to
advocate for implementation of House Bill 50 which raises funds to
help foster youth transition out of care
Purple Project: Annual conference for foster care youth to network
and gain resources
Yearly Learning Excursion to Amish Country
Two-week Summer Transition Workshop
2016-2017
Operation Warm-Up: A collaboration with National Council of Jewish
Women sorting clothes for homeless
Joseph & Ann Stockwell annual gift to support Sophomore Summer
Transition Workshop
Pratt Center dedication launch with $1 million gift from Barbara &
Frank Sullivan
Pratt Center recognized by state senator
Mosaic House changed its name to The Pratt Center
Scholar, Brianna Baynes, hosted a NEOMED convention
Learning Excursion to National Underground Railroad Museum in
Cincinnati, Ohio
Purple Project: Annual conference for foster care youth to network
and gain resources
Yearly Learning Excursion to Amish Country
Two-week Summer Transition Workshop
2017-2018
Operation Warm-Up: A collaboration with National Council of Jewish
Women sorting clothes for homeless
Joseph & Ann Stockwell annual gift to support Sophomore and Senior
Summer Transition Workshop
Learning Excursion to Newport Aquarium and National Underground
Railroad Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio
Social Learning Lunch & Learn “Champions for Change” focused on
increasing social advocacy for the Cleveland, Ohio area and donating
goods to decrease poverty
Thomas & Marsha G. Hopkins establish the Matilde Jane Gutow
Endowment Fund
Purple Project: Annual conference for foster care youth to network
and gain resources
Yearly Learning Excursion to Amish Country
Two-week Summer Transition Workshop
MaryAnn Dowdell
Graduation date: May 2019
Major: English
MaryAnn is currently applying to
international fellowships. In
addition, she is in the process of
publishing a local fiction magazine
that focuses on inspiring black
female writers. MaryAnn is also
the Cleveland State ambassador of
the Cleveland Public Library's
Diversity Institute, where she
assists in developing CPL’s
diversity model. Lastly, she is
continuing her role as a Student
Navigator in the Office of Inclusion
and Multicultural Engagement.
To incoming scholars:
Appreciate the time you have at
CSU.
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NOTABLE
ACHIEVEMENTS
May 8th 2019: MaryAnn Dowdell, member of Cohort One and now an
alumnae of The Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Program, delivered the
student address to honorFrank and Barbara Sullivan, Jenniffer and
Daryl Deckard, and recipients of The President's Medal at Cleveland
State University's 2019 Radiance Gala. This annual Gala honors the
university's prestigious donors and partners.
Three Scholars from Cohort One graduated from Sullivan-Deckard
Program.
Sullivan-Deckard Program has been incorporated as Line Item expense
in the Ohio state budget.
Collaboration with local high schools to create resource map for K-12
students to expand The Pratt Center presence and assist community
preparation for future college scholars.
Expanded and improved responsibilities of Student Navigator positions
to utilize graduate level knowledge and increase Center outcomes,
programming, partnerships, and retention for Scholars in the program.
Reinstatementof Destination Gradation Student Summit with a
renewed focus on youth aging out of foster care.
Scholars collaborated with MedWish to help support medical care and
send supplies to developing nations.
Presented Sullivan-Deckard Program info at Black Male Summit at
Univ. of Akron.
Makayla Lang
Graduation date: December 2018
Major: Psychology
Makayla is working full-time at
Wingspan Care Group that
manages three mental health
agencies. These agencies
received a five million dollar
grant to improve the lives of
transitional aged youth which
includes a large population of
foster youth. She is planning on
enrolling into grad school for
social work.
To incoming scholars:
Stay focused, get your heads in
the game and breathe deeply
because you can make it if you set
your hearts to it.
2018-2019
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PARTNERSHIPS &
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
President Harlan Sands, J.D., M.B.A.
President Emeritus Ronald Berkman Ph.D.
Frank & Barbara Sullivan
Daryl & Jenniffer Deckard
Dr. Howard & Carol Berusch
Thomas & Marsha Hopkins
Joseph & Ann Stockwell
CSU Administrators, Faculty & Staff
Office of Inclusion & Multicultural Engagement
The Pratt Center
Student Navigators
Sullivan-Deckard Scholars
Fill This House
Department of Children and Family Services
National Council of JewishWomen
Community of Hope
Conference Services
CSU Catering
CSU Duplicating
AllenFleming
Graduation Date:May 2022
Major: Exercise Science
Minor: Non-profit administration
Career Goals:
To become a personal trainer
at a gym and then
Grad School for a physical
therapy doctorate program to
ultimately become a personal
trainer at a large hospital.
Hobbies/favorite pastimes:
Soccer, video games.
CSU favorites:
The professors are very
attentive and helpful.
SD scholarship meaning:
The community of the Pratt
Center is a big help. It's like
another resource. The program
introduced me to a lot of
resources, which is helpful.
To program supporters: You’re
contribution is huge. Without
your contribution, the program
wouldn’t be able to run the
way it runs.
To incoming scholars:
Take advantage of all of the
resources because it’s all very
helpful.
Recent accomplishments:
Deans list in first collegiate
semester. Went to Columbus to
meet with the senate house to
advocate for funding for the
program.
Through the generosity of the Sullivans and the
Deckards, and in collaboration with our community
partners, The Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity
Program is creating an avenue of access that will allow
highly motivated students impacted by foster care to
thrive within the university community.
Cleveland State University was one of nine colleges and
universities nationwide honored by The University
Business Magazine with the 2016 Models of Excellence
Award. Sponsored by CASHNet, the Models of Excellence
program highlights innovative approaches to
encouraging and nurturing student success on campus.
All statistical information regarding the status of foster care alumni in relation to higher academia can be found at Cuyahoga Community College. (2018). College Success Program. Cuyahoga
Community College.http://www.tri-c.edu/college-success-program/index.htmlLegal Center for Foster Care and Education. (2018). Fostering success in education: National factsheet on the
educational outcomes of children in foster care.http://foster-ed.org/fostering-success-in-education-national-factsheet-on-the-educational-outcomes-of-children-in-foster-care/
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https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/foster-care/index.html
SULLIVAN-DECKARD SCHOLARS
&
STUDENT NAVIGATORS
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