African American Rites of Passage Summer Academy
2016 Program Dates: Tuesday July 5 - Friday July 29.
The African American Rites of Passage summer academy is designed to address the cultural, career, academic and social needs of high school and middle school African American and multicultural students of African descent in Lane County. The academy is crafted in an academic and cultural framework for the purpose of connecting these students with the history, literature, traditions and folklore of the experience of African people in western civilization.
Program Overview
The African American Rites of Passage Summer Academy at Lane Community College is an intense three-week program designed to address the cultural, career, academic and social needs of high school and middle school African American and Multicultural students of African descent in Lane County. This academy is crafted in an academic and cultural framework for the purpose of connecting African American and Multicultural students of African descent with the history, literature, traditions and folklore of the experience of African people in western civilization.
The 2016 academy marks the 20th year of operation for this program. Since 1996, the academy has successfully served over 500 African American and Multicultural students of African descent. The academy provides academic and cultural enrichment experiences and opportunities for students enrolled in grades 6 through 12. The academy functions as a catalyst and support system for students aspiring to achieve personal and professional success.
Core Courses
The academy's primary mission is to assist each student in the development of the academic, cultural, and social skills critical for success. The academic coursework has been designed to support the achievement of this mission. Core coursework has been divided into four specific areas:
- Leadership Empowerment and Life Skills Training is a course designed to assist students in the development of critical life and career management skills needed for success.
- African American History is a course designed to introduce students to the great African American women and men whose contributions have served to enhance and enrich our civilization.
- African American Literature, Culture and Folklore is a course designed to expose students to the depth and richness of the poetry and prose of African American writers, artists, and musicians.
- Tai Chi Instruction is designed to assist students in the development of physical and mental discipline and focus for personal and academic achievement.
Capstone Project
Students are required to complete an individual capstone project and participate in, and contribute to, a collective cohort capstone project. The individual capstone projects are designed to help students to personalize their learning experiences in Rites of Passage. The collective capstone projects are designed to build teamwork skills and a sense of community. Capstone projects may include writing, music, film or another demonstrable presentation that captures and expresses the depth and breadth of the students' experience in the program.
Workshops and Field Trips
Students will also experience learning through a series of workshops and field trips designed to enhance their classroom instruction. Scheduled workshops and field trips include:
- College and Career Choice (Workshop)
- Male/Female Gender Issues (Workshop)
Student Selection Criteria
Students are selected for admission to the summer academy based upon the following criteria:
- Students must be enrolled in a high school or middle school in Lane County.
- Students must submit a completed application and health form.
- Students & parents must participate in an interview with the program direstor.
- Students must submit an essay not to exceed two (2) typewritten pages (use Arial or Times Roman, 12 pt font, double spaced) outlining three personal development goals she/he wants to achieve through attendance in the academy.
- Pay the $50.00 admission fee once the student has been notified of acceptance/admission to the academy. The admission fee must be received no later than July 1, 2016. The admission fee may be waived due to financial hardship. Proof of financial hardship is required.
- Due to the limited number of available slots admission priority will be given to first-time students on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the program director.
Academy Dates and Location 2016:
Classes will be held Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. All classes and workshops are held on the main campus of Lane Community
College, 4000 East 30th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97405-0640. Each student will be provided a Lane Transit District Bus Pass for transportation to the college. Each student will also receive a meal ticket for lunch in the college cafeteria.
Program Completion and Awards
High School students and students entering high school, who complete the program satisfactorily, will be awarded academic credit at Lane County area high schools. Successful students will have a transcript of their completed academic work forwarded to the school's registrar for assignment to their individual transcript. Please note that each school assigns credits based upon their own formula.
For more information, Contact:
Greg Evans, M.Ed.
African American Student Program Coordinator
Phone: (541) 463-5307
Email: evansg@lanecc.edu
Tracy Weimer, B.S.
Administrative Specialist
Phone: (541) 463-5340
Email: weimert@lanecc.edu
Mailing Address:
4000 East 30th Avenue Building 1, Room 201-D
Eugene, OR 97405