Frequently Asked Questions
Renaissance programs offer A LOT of things, and we’re sure you have some questions. Below are some questions that parents have asked regarding our mandatory summer component. If you don’t find the answer to your question, feel free to give us a call at (919) 416-1736
How much does it cost to attend the Upward Bound Summer session and Talent Search Summer Institute?Free.
Do students get a stipend participating?
Eligible Students who remain in good standing throughout the summer will receive at $60 stipend at the end of summer session (Upward Bound Only)
Can students work during the summer session?
As it is important for students to have full participation in the summer to benefit, students may not have a job that interferes with the student’s participation in any activities during the summer.
Can students be excused for family trips, vacations, etc.?
In order to be excused from summer activities, parents must complete a Request for Leave form before the summer session begins.
What kinds of things will students do during the summer with Upward Bound?
UB - Students will engage in academic courses that will prepare them for courses they will take in the future including Math, English, Laboratory Science, and Foreign Language. Additional classes have included ACT Prep, Healthy Relations, and Robotics/Technology.
Additionally, students participate in socially and culturally enriching activities. Such activities have included The American Dance Festival, Talent Shows, Socials, Quiz Bowl, the Pro-Am Basketball Tournament, and Durham Bulls Baseball games, among others.
TS – The Summer Institute represents a new and unique academic offering for Renaissance Scholars. These topics provide student program participants with academic enrichment, leadership development, financial literacy workshops, career development, and college planning.
Is the summer program residential?
The 2012-2013 summer sessions (Upward Bound & Talent Search) will not be residential. More details regarding hours of operation, transportation, and schedules will be made available prior to summer.
Are the courses challenging?
Yes! Courses will utilize curriculum from Advanced Placement (AP) courses (Upward Bound Only)
What do I do in case of a family emergency?
In the case of a family emergency when action must be taken concerning the student, parents should contact the Upward Bound Summer Coordinator. If you can not get in contact with the Summer Coordinator, parents should contact the office at (919) 416-1736.
What do I do in the case of inclement weather?
In the event of severe weather conditions (e.g. hurricane, tornadoes etc.) parents/guardians and students should adhere to the following procedures.
A.) If inclement weather occurs “prior to” an event/workshop:
- Check the local weather channel for forecasted weather patterns.
- Call (919) 416-1736 and listen to the voicemail no more than three (3) hours prior to the beginning of the event/workshop.
- If severe weather has occurred/is occurring, a voicemail message will indicate whether an event/workshop has been canceled.
B.) If inclement weather occurs “during” an event/workshop being in session:
- Remain calm.
- Trust that staff members are diligently working through the situation to establish the students’ safety first. Once this has been established, staff members will contact parents/guardians directly. If the parent is unavailable, one of the student’s emergency contacts will be notified.
- In any inclement weather questions arise, call (919) 416-1736.
While it is our intent to contact every parent/guardian in a reasonable amount of time, our primary goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of our participants.
Will my child be fed?
Yes. Students are provided meals when appropriate.
What is appropriate for my child to wear?
The following is prohibited: hot pants or daisy dukes, cut-off pants, clothes with holes, dirty clothes, tight-fitting clothes (staff will decide what is too tight), tube tops, halter tops, clothing depicting obscenities, muscle shirts, and tank tops. No do-rags, scarves, or other non-religious headdress shall be worn.
The following is allowed: walking shorts, skirts, Capri’s, slacks, blouses, t-shirts, tennis shoes, walking shoes, summer dresses, and flip flops.
Students should remember the following:
- Hats are to be removed upon entering the building: if hats are not removed they will be confiscated
- Sagging pants are not permitted
When can students use their cell phone?
Cell phones are not to be used during class time, breaks, or special activities/workshops. Cell phones will be confiscated if used during these times. If a cell phone is confiscated, it will not be returned until the end of the summer session. (Reference the Guidelines for Cell Phone Usage Form for more information.)
What happens if my child gets sick?
While students are occasionally sick during the summer program, we generally expect that students fully participate in each day's activities. Students who are consistently sick and miss classes are simply unable to benefit from the program. Consequently, students who miss class due to illness or injury over the course of the Summer Institute will be automatically referred to a Coordinator for consideration of their health needs.
Students are asked to schedule any appointments (medical, dental, etc.) before the Summer Institute, after the Summer Institute, or on Saturday.
What to do if you are ill/injured:
Report to a summer staff person; the staff person will determine follow-up services; if ill and contagious, the student must be picked up by a parent/guardian.
Medications, Allergies, and Chronic Conditions:
If a student suffers from any known allergies (food, dust, etc.), please list them on the appropriate medical form. It is very important the staff is made aware of any allergies or chronic conditions that a student may suffer from; therefore, please ensure that you speak with a Coordinator if your child has a chronic illness (such as asthma) that may impact their participation in summer activities.
What is the length of Summer Programs?
- Upward Bound Summer Session will be from June 17, 2013 – July 26, 2013
- Talent Search Summer Institute will be from June 24, 2013 – July 19, 2013
General answers for frequently asked student questions can best be address on the student portal. To see those questions, please click here.
What services does Renaissance provide?
We offer academic enrichment, academic advisement, career development, personal counseling, test preparation, and postsecondary preparation for participants in our Talent Search and Upward Bound Programs.
Who is eligible to participate in Renaissance programs?
Renaissance has been funded to serve eligible high school students in Edgecombe and Durham counties.
What is the application process?
To apply for Upward Bound, students must fill out an interest application, provide two (2) teacher/counselor recommendations, complete an essay and sit for an interview. Parents must fill out the parent application, provide income verification, and interview.
For Talent Search, students must fill out an interest application, and provide a teacher/counselor recommendation. Parents must complete the parent application and income verification. Does Renaissance charge participants for services?
Services provided are free of charge to all participants.
How can I recommend a student for services?
Application and recommendation forms may be obtained from our website or by contacting the office.
Does Renaissance provide services to kids with special needs?
As an organization, Renaissance does not have the capacity to serve kids who have special needs.
How are the programs of The Renaissance Education Group, Inc. funded?
Our Talent Search and Upward Bound programs are funded by grants fron The United States Department of Education.
How does Renaissance choose vendors?
Vendors shall be selected for their credibility and capability to serve the needs of the agency and its members in the most economical efficient manner possible. Factors considered include, past performance, cooperation, compliance with the equal opportunity act. Where applicable, vendors should be selected who honor tax exemption. The agency shall select firms or organizations operated or owned by minorities and/or women to the extent that this is feasible.
What is a W-9?
The Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, serves two purposes. First, it is used by third parties to collect identifying information to help file information returns with the IRS. The information on the Form W-9 and the payment made are reported on a Form 1099. The second purpose is to help the payee avoid backup withholding. The payer must collect withholding taxes on certain reportable payments for the IRS.
How do I become a partner with The Renaissance Education Group, Inc.?
Contact the Renaissance office to inquire about partnering with us to provide services to the community and our participants.
Can Renaissance staff come to my organization and do presentations about your programs and services?
Renaissance staff will be more than happy to make presentations to organizations and community groups.
How can I volunteer with The Renaissance Education Group, Inc.?
There is an application process to volunteer through our programs. Interested individuals should contact the Renaissance office for details.
What are Continuing Education Units? (CEUs)
A permanent record of educational accomplishments through the participation in an accredited program designed for professionals with certificates or licenses to practice various professions. A Continuing Education Unit is a nationally recognized method of quantifying the time spent in the classroom during non-credit learning. Ten hours of instruction equal one (1) CEU.
What is the purpose of CEUs?
The primary purpose of the CEU is to provide a permanent record of the educational accomplishments of an individual who has completed significant non-credit educational and career enhancement experiences.
What is an Authorized Provider?
The Renaissance Education Group, Inc. has completed a rigorous application process including a review by an IACET site visitor, and successfully demonstrated adherence to standards addressing the design, development, administration, and evaluation of its training programs. As a result, Renaissance has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102.
Who keeps the permanent record of CEUs?
Upon successful completion of training, The Renaissance Education Group, Inc. will provide a CEU certificate, which indicates the total number of CEUs earned. ACE Transcript Services (an optional service) will maintain the permanent records. ACE provides an official transcript to participants who successfully complete a training on behalf of The Renaissance Education Group, Inc. For more information about ACE Transcript Services, please visit https://www2.acenet.edu/credit/?fuseaction=transcripts.main.
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