This partnership responded to the academic and social needs of South African students from rural and disadvantaged communities seeking admission to higher education.  It also developed and implemented an academic program to improve the University of Durban-Westville’s (UDW) ability to serve students of science, mathematics, technology, and engineering.

Partners conducted workshops in which tutors and tutor coordinators participated in problem solving, teamwork, active learning, and leadership development activities. After attending the training, the tutors led three student workshops — reaching a total of 4,500 economically disadvantaged students.

To increase the quality of science education at UDW, the partners designed and implemented courses that integrate the applications of engineering theories, concepts, and practice into the science curriculum. They also introduced at UDW a multidisciplinary course for future science teachers that featured competencies in communication skills, math and science fundamentals, team skills, critical thinking, and problem solving.

As part of the program’s life skills development initiative, partners trained eight Upward Bound counselors in HIV/AIDS prevention and contributed to the development of a university-wide policy on HIV/AIDS prevention and advocacy.