CATALYST has offered
a 6-week academy during the summers for several years. Historically, the
programs were at several Volusia schools and they included field trips. Some
things have changes in 2020: the sessions are virtual over the Internet, and
there are no field trips. But, learning, leadership, literacy and personal
growth must go on. It is more important now than ever.
Background.
Education research supports that student-centered
learning must be engaging, socially-culturally relevant and dynamic for youth to learn and retain
information. Developmental research show that extending the learning
opportunities into the summer result in far better performance and
retention. Since there is less emphasis
on the social and emotional development of children by schools and parents
there is a need for youth programs to include self-development, employment
readiness and leadership skills.
Solution. The
Summer Academy is student-centered summer program designed for 50 children in 5th
through 9th grades. Schedule is daily for 6-weeks (weekdays from
8a.m. to 2:30 p.m.). The Academy is
designed to improve literacy (the current literacy in Volusia County is 60%),
writing, speaking skills and self- development. The program is fast paced, fun
and engaging. It was initially designed
for underserved, under-achieving, student populations: African-Americans,
Latinos and the poor; however, it benefits all youth. The program uses culturally, historically and
socially relevant books. The students
create illustrations, songs, dances, prose, write speeches and dramatizations
based on lessons; and they lead discussions relevant to their readings and
experiences. All the books read are
provided to the students to take home, so students will each receive 6 books by
the end of the Academy. There is no charge for the academy.
The self- development and leadership component of the
academy comprises of daily seminars, demonstrations and activities provided by
speakers from various trades and industries (colleges/construction/technology/entrepreneurs/energy/hospitality/manufacturing).
Students will hear from community leaders, motivational speakers and
professionals. The program is designed to enhance self-esteem, confidence,
communication skills, conflict resolution skills, self-control, community
engagement, critical thinking and career choice (just to mention a few
things). In addition, there are daily
STEM instruction/activities, conversational Spanish, wellness and health and
fitness activities. This is fast-paced, dynamic and experiential learning
program. This is the only Summer Leadership Academy of this type in Volusia
County.
Fortunately, this program is in the fourth year. This year
the Academy will be completely virtual.
Target
Audience: Age 10-14 (Grades 5 to 9)
Dates: Monday June 15,
2020 through Friday July 24, 2020 (excluding July 3rd)
Note: Even if the 6-week program has started, check to see if there
is still space available. Each week is a new book and a new program.
Times: Monday - Friday
9:00am to 2:30pm.
Price: FREE to students. (Thanks for sponsors and many volunteers!)
Geographic
Area: Volusia County, Florida (virtual program in Summer 2020.)
MISSION:
Literacy &
Leadership (L&L) Mission: To enhance literacy skills and experiential
learning of youths and to develop leadership skills with an appreciation for
community.
TOPICS/ACTIVITIES:
Fitness Challenges,
Self-Development, Creative Writing, Creative Projects, Rap/Animation/Videos,
Digital Literacy, Self-Directed Math, Coding, STEM, Social Impact, Debates,
Conversational Spanish, Virtual Tours
Awesssssome Speakers and
Demonstrations.
The EPIC Pod cast of The
CATALYST Channel.
Get the edge on others who are not doing anything for the
summer.
Leaders are readers, and
Scholars make Dollar$!
Dream BIG! Work Hard! No Excuses!
#CATALYSTMentoring #CATALYSTLeadershipAcademy #Mentoring4Greatness
#LeadersAreReaders #DreamBIG #LeadBIG
