Partners and Supporters
University of California, Santa Barbara
HUPS multifaceted partnership with the University of California, Santa Barbara continues to grow!
Our partnership includes the support of the Dean of the Gevirtz School of Education, Jeff Milem and two dedicated site liaisons;Lilly Garcia and Devon Azzam. Most recently Chyrss Yost has joined our team as we embark upon the design and construction of a Family Resource Center on the Gillespie side of campus.
This team works directly with Harding’s administrative team to enhance our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support with several university programs that are targeted to meet the needs of all students. Some examples inclue:
- Community Based Literacies (CBL) through the McEnroe Reading Clinic is led by Dr. Diana Arya. This program provides different levels of support for all 3rd-6th graders. Part of the CBL programming includes VR after school and in school support.
- GAMEs project with Dr. Rachel Lambert is Growing Access to Mathematical Engagement (GAME) project with 3rd and 4th grade students. The GAMEs project has been providing an in-class enrichment/intervention program in mathematics for students at Harding.
- Student Counseling through the Educational Psychology Department’s leadership of Dr. Ortiz.
This year, we will be working with Devon Azzam in realizing a vision of our PK - 2 Harding’s Outdoor Program of Education and STEAM (Project HOPE+S) through the award of a grant from First 5 of California. This is a proof of concept program that will eventually roll into other SBUSD schools.
Harding students and faculty take an annual field trip to UCSB for a day filled with educational activities that supports our college going culture.
5th grade students also engage with chemists at UCSB as part of the SciTrek programs.
There are always UCSB’s Teacher Candidates at Harding completing their final requirement for their teaching credential.
FIRST 5 of CALIFORNIA
Harding’s Administrative team has written and been awarded a long term grant to bring an aligned Outdoor Education and STEAM program to Harding. We began in 2019-2020 with a planning grant forging the partnership with Dr. Sean O’Brien who has helped shape the vision of learning through voice, choice and ownership through hand’s on exploration and student driven action! This grant is a proof of concept grant that will eventually roll into other elementary schools in SBUSD
In building out these programs, we focus on students from ages 0 - 8. We will network with Preschool Programs on the westside to share best practices, align curriculum and share our spaces as the grow and flourish.
Wilderness Youth Project
"Nature connection makes life better for kids. Time in nature makes kids happier, healthier, and smarter. Wilderness Youth Project connects kids to nature in small groups guided by inspired, skilled, and committed mentors and volunteers." WYP is a program for all Harding 4th graders and also has an after school club for 3rd-6th graders. Learn more about WYP here!