Johnson & Wales University Teams Up With Sophia Academy for "Project S.H.E."

Program provides access, resources and lifelong skills to inner-city students

PROVIDENCE, R.I., February 11, 2009 - Sophia Academy, Providence's only non-profit, non-denominational private middle school for girls from low-income families, has formed a new program with Johnson & Wales University (JWU) called Project S.H.E. The program, an acronym for "Sports, Health, Education," involves JWU's Hospitality College, Feinstein Community Service Center, and Athletics Department, and enables Sophia Academy students to spend one day each week at JWU's Harborside Campus engaging in physical fitness and academic activities in its state-of-the art classrooms and facilities.

Launched in September 2008, Project S.H.E. provides Sophia Academy with much-needed physical education resources. In addition, the project provides direct and meaningful contact with collegiate athletes and mentors, engaging in a curriculum designed to develop the athletic, academic and professional skills of all participants. Weekly classes are designed and supervised by Sophia Academy staff in conjunction with an inter-disciplinary JWU faculty team, under the direction of Professor Kathy Drohan, and Community Service-Learning Coordinator Jennifer Rowan.

Sixty Sophia girls and 100 JWU students are involved in Project S.H.E., which goes beyond exposing inner-city adolescents to active, healthy lifestyles and individual choices in exercise, nutrition and mental health. It aims to promote critical thinking and self-confidence, and encourage intellectual and physical exploration. The program is designed to develop in all participants, including JWU students, the technical and communication skills and abilities needed to excel academically, professionally and as a person. 

"Project S.H.E. is an example of JWU's commitment not only to academic excellence and student leadership, but also to developing highly impactful programs for the Providence community," said Kathy Drohan, assistant professor at Johnson & Wales' Hospitality College. "This initiative with Sophia gives young girls an inside look at the athletic skills and lifestyles of our highly motivated student athletes. Ultimately, we hope it will teach them the skills to stay active and pursue a life of healthy habits."

"We are thrilled to join Johnson & Wales in this innovative program," said Gigi DiBello, head of school at Sophia Academy. "Sophia has enjoyed a highly productive, mutually rewarding relationship with Johnson & Wales for several years, and Project S.H.E. demonstrates our commitment to extending and deepening that collaboration. We look forward to working with them to make it a success for all involved."

Project S.H.E. Mission

The mission for the program was conceived by JWU student Nicole Pineo, 23, a junior who is majoring in sports, entertainment, and event management (SEE) in The Hospitality College. It is "to create a holistic learning community in the Greater Providence area for girls from low income families; and, in an atmosphere of nonviolence, to focus on the academic, spiritual, cultural, and social growth of the girls and their families. In conjunction with the Johnson & Wales University Hospitality College and Community Service-Learning Volunteers, we plan to better serve the youth attending Sophia Academy by opening our Harborside Recreational Facilities and Classrooms to them so they may further learn and experience the benefits of overall physical educational and nutritional health, while furthering our Hospitality Students' education by exposing them to the sports and events planning aspects of their Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management degree.

About Sophia Academy

Sophia Academy is a non-profit, non-denominational private middle school for girls from low-income families in Providence. Founded in 2001 as an educational alternative for girls who are most at risk of repeating the cycle of poverty, Sophia Academy provides a gender-specific, holistic educational experience that is focused on the academic, spiritual, cultural, and social growth of the girls and their families. By combining a rigorous academic program with social and emotional instruction and family support services, Sophia Academy enables girls to learn and achieve at their highest level. Since its inception, Sophia Academy has graduated more than 60 girls, five of whom are currently in their first year of college. For more information, visit www.sophia-academy.org.

About Johnson & Wales University

Johnson & Wales University, founded in 1914, is a nonprofit, private institution. A recognized leader in career education, we offer accredited degrees in business, hospitality, culinary arts, technology and education. With a diverse student body of more than 16,000 graduate and undergraduate students, representing all 50 states and 89 countries, JWU prepares students for personal and professional success by integrating rigorous academics and professional skills, community leadership opportunities and our unique career education model. The university is committed to urban revitalization and thoughtful historic renovation. Through active civic participation and by offering unique learning opportunities, JWU improves the quality of life in its campus communities in Providence, R.I., North Miami, Fla., Denver, Colo., and Charlotte, N.C. For more information, visit www.jwu.edu.

Media Contact:

Johnson & Wales University
Office of Communications and Media Relations
Miriam Weinstein (401) 598-1157

Sophia Academy
Meg Governo (401) 785-4424