Columbus, OH – The Hilltop Learning Center, a cornerstone of the Hilltop Early Childhood Partnership initiated by Mayor Andrew Ginther in 2017, has announced Brione Prince as its new director. Opened in the summer of 2023, the center is more than just a pre-K facility; it’s a holistic hub offering healthcare, food security resources, and counseling services to the community. With the arrival of Prince in November, the Hilltop Learning Center is poised to deepen its impact and expand its reach within the community. Prince, a graduate of Central State University with a strong background in education and mental health, brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to this pivotal role. This interview delves into Prince’s vision for the center, the challenges he anticipates, and his strategies for solidifying the Hilltop Learning Center as a vital and welcoming space for the entire community.
A Vision for Holistic Community Education at Hilltop Learning Center
Drawing from his extensive background in education and mental health, Brione Prince articulates a forward-thinking approach to early childhood education. “My education has provided me with diverse perspectives on education,” Prince explains. “We are educating today’s children using yesterday’s methods. As technology advances and our world evolves rapidly, we must adapt our teaching methods to keep pace.” This philosophy underscores his commitment to integrating modern tools and techniques to ensure students, parents, and the community are equipped for success in an ever-changing world.
Prince envisions the Hilltop Learning Center as more than just an educational institution; he sees it becoming a community anchor. “My vision is for the Hilltop Learning Center to be a staple in this community—an educational hub for families, not just children,” he states. He emphasizes the center’s role as a judgment-free zone where families can comfortably access a range of essential services. This vision positions the Hilltop Learning Center as a comprehensive resource, addressing not only educational needs but also the broader well-being of families in the Hilltop area.
Strengthening Community Ties through Engagement and Accessibility
Community engagement is a core tenet of Prince’s leadership. He plans to actively immerse himself and the Hilltop Learning Center within the fabric of the Hilltop community. “I intend to be present at Hilltop community meetings, recreation centers, and all Hilltop-related programs,” Prince asserts. He believes in the importance of being directly involved, listening to the voices of community members, and understanding their needs firsthand. His goal is to make the Hilltop Learning Center a universally welcoming and integral part of the Hilltop community.
This commitment extends to making the center a conduit for resources and support, particularly for low-income families. Prince elaborates on the center’s potential to connect families with vital programs they may not be aware of. “We aim to be a safe haven and a gateway to programs that the community might not know about,” he says, citing examples such as father-to-father programs, mother-to-son programs for single mothers, and family therapy and communication workshops. The Hilltop Learning Center aims to be a central hub for community upliftment, driven by the dedication of its staff and partners.
Innovation and Collaboration: Cornerstones of Hilltop Learning Center’s Future
While Prince is enthusiastic about introducing innovative programs at the Hilltop Learning Center, he emphasizes a community-driven approach. “There are numerous initiatives and programs I want to implement,” he says, “but as this is a community-based program, I will seek input from partnerships, community leaders, parents, and all stakeholders to ensure these programs are needed, desired, and accessible to everyone.” This collaborative approach ensures that new programs are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the Hilltop community, enhancing their relevance and impact.
Collaboration extends beyond program development to creating an inclusive and supportive environment within the center itself. Prince prioritizes transparent communication as the key to fostering strong relationships among staff, parents, and community partners. “I plan to cultivate collaborative relationships through open and transparent communication,” he explains. “I believe in being receptive to all ideas and approaches to achieve our shared objectives.” He invokes the proverb “It takes a village” to underscore his belief in collective effort, valuing input from all sources—teachers, parents, community members, and even passersby—to benefit the community and the children they serve.
Measuring Success and Addressing Future Challenges
Prince will measure his success at the Hilltop Learning Center through tangible outcomes, primarily focusing on the growth and development of children and their families. “The first measure of my success will be the progress of our children and their families,” he states. He reiterates that the center’s mission is rooted in community education, extending beyond children to encompass entire families.
Another key metric will be the successful implementation of adult education programs. “The second measure is the development and implementation of programs that enhance adult education, such as ESL classes and job readiness workshops,” Prince notes. He views the center’s role as educating the broader community and will gauge success by the positive impact on the community’s overall flourishing.
For the preschool program specifically, the center will track developmental progress and kindergarten readiness. “We assess our preschoolers’ development regularly and adjust lesson plans to meet individual and classroom needs,” Prince explains. Ultimately, the children’s success in kindergarten and beyond will serve as a critical indicator of the Hilltop Learning Center’s impact and the significance of its early education programs.
Looking ahead, Prince anticipates potential challenges, primarily related to capacity and staffing. “Potential challenges may include insufficient classroom space to accommodate the demand for our educational offerings,” he acknowledges. He expects high interest in the center’s programs and partnerships once the community becomes fully aware of its resources.
Attracting top-tier educators is another priority. “We are actively seeking the best early childhood educators in the city, state, and country,” Prince states. He aims to highlight the Hilltop Learning Center as a premier facility established by the city of Columbus, encouraging passionate educators to bring their talents to this vital community resource.
The Hilltop Learning Center under Brione Prince’s direction is poised to become an even more impactful community asset, fostering educational growth and providing comprehensive support to Hilltop families. His vision for a holistic, community-engaged, and innovative center promises a bright future for early education in the Hilltop area.
