Jacob Woods, a recent Hinsdale South High School graduate, has been named this year’s UCP Women’s Board Scholar. While in high school, Jacob sustained a very impressive grade point average of 3.75. In the fall, he will be a freshman at Purdue University- Calumet, where he plans to major in Construction Management. Determination, positive attitude and self-advocacy are but only a few of the positive attributes that have brought Jacob to where he is today.

Jacob has a diagnosis of mild Cerebral Palsy, but that has never limited him. Since first grade, Jacob has benefited from the support of assistive technology. He now uses Kurzweil 3000, a program that supports the teaching and learning of reading skills. Using this program, Jacob can access previously scanned written material with the aid of visual and auditory feedback. Through assistive technology, he is able to complete his assignments with a great deal of independence and success. Jacob shares his knowledge of assistive technology at inservices where he speaks to educators and students on its use and value.

Not only has he achieved academic excellence, but he also participated in cross-country and track. Jacob’s strong leadership skills earned him a Sportsmanship Award and the title of captain of his cross-country team. Additionally, Jacob was a member of Operation Snowball, a drug and alcohol awareness program. Through Operation Snowball and other leadership programs, Jacob has been a mentor to numerous Junior High School students. As he was described by his coach, Jacob is a humble individual who exemplifies sacrifice and commitment both to his school and to his community.

We are proud to present Jacob Woods as the third recipient of the UCP Women’s Board Scholarship for Assistive Technology. Jacob joins our Assistive Technology Scholarship winners of 2004 and 2005, Lizbeth Lopez and Sam Williams.