August 8, 2008 - To some people, an award is a momentous occasion, one that will mark a bright spot in their career and life and stay with them as a shining exemplification of their ability to achieve and determination to succeed. For Elaine Steinbacher, whose desk is already littered with awards she’s previously received, it’s just another day at the office.
Steinbacher, the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s migrant education coordinator of partnership collaborations, recently added two more awards to her collection: the 2008 National Migrant Education Teacher of the Year by the National Association of State Directors of Migrant Education, or NASDME, and the 2008 Inspiration Award presented by the Congressional Awards Program among the other award winners this year was First Lady Laura Bush.
“Most of what I do focuses on working with the migrant education high school seniors, helping them get accepted to college and awarded scholarships,” said Steinbacher.
One of the most important programs Steinbacher involves the students in is College Assistant Migrant Program (CAMP).
“We’ve been enrolling kids in that program since about 1993, and we officially send more migrant education students to college than any migrant program on the East Coast,” she said. “This year, we’ve had 275 students accepted and attending the program. The first year (in the program), we only had one student.”
CAMP functions as a way of getting students acclimated to their first year away at college, something many people struggle with, let alone those who don’t speak English as a primary language. According to Steinbacher, CAMP helps students to get accepted to college, provides them with first year support, and assists them in finding money for tuition, books and living expenses.
Ambrose Finnegan, CCIU Director of Student Support Services here at the IU, wholeheartedly recognizes the important role Steinbacher plays in the lives of many of the migrant students and their families.
“Elaine helps not only the kids, but the parents as well,” said Finnegan. “The entire family is new to the U.S. and our education system, and they have almost no experience with the American system of higher education.”
Through her work, Steinbacher arranges for the students to visit schools, assists them in gathering academic and financial information, and works with the families to understanding what it takes to apply. She’s even helped students to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship money over the years.
“Elaine's responsible for nearly all of the migrant education students who go on to post-secondary education in Chester County, and her work is absolutely unparalleled,” said Finnegan.
As for the Congressional Awards, Steinbacher sees them as just another step toward getting these kids enrolled in college.
“We first got involved with the Congressional Awards in 1998. To date, we’ve nominated over 1,000 students, and received over 620 medals,” said Steinbacher. “The awards help students get accepted to colleges, earn scholarships, and to recognize the important of contribution over consumption.”
According to a pamphlet, the Congressional Award was established in 1979, “to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people.”
“I have always believed that people become what you say they are,” said Steinbacher. “The Congressional Awards program excites me because it helps at-risk, low-income and minority students feel like winners.”
There are four voluntary goal setting areas required in order for the students to be considered for a Congressional award: community service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition and exploration.
“We (the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) have had more bronze, silver, and gold medals winners than any other state in the country; and, about 65% of the students who participate in the Congressional Awards go on to college,” said Steinbacher.
“When I see our students feel like winners, it too makes me feel like a winner. It has at times been difficult to execute, but the reward of a job well done is to have it done.”
Nicole Prum, Migrant Education program supervisor, makes note of the way Steinbacher is able to reach the kids, and convince them of their endless potential.
“For the past ten years, Elaine has single-handedly kept the momentum in the Congressional Award program going,” said Prum. “She always makes sure to meet the needs of students, and give them a sense of confidence.”
“Working with migrant families, we often have students come and go,” Prum continued. “So for Elaine to be able to get the kids to stick with the program is great. She instills them with such a strong sense of motivation and inspiration.
Steinbacher is flattered to receive such recognition for her work, but admits she’d never be able to accomplish the things she does without her co-workers: “I really couldn’t do any of the things I do alone. I love the people I work with and we all make a really great team. Everyone is so enthusiastic about her job, and it helps create a strong chemistry. They’re supportive, and they allow me to be flexible with the things I want to do.”
By Calvin Setar
