Twenty-five Madison County middle-school students are spending this week on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University as participants in the annual Call Me Mister Student Success Academy, which provides college-readiness information and experiences to a diverse group of middle-school males.
The academy, June 12-17, also strives to pique the interest of young men in considering careers in education. According to national statistics, of the 3 million teachers working in public schools, only 4 percent are men and only 2 percent of those are men of color.
“It is important that all students have the opportunity to work with role models who look like them and come from similar backgrounds,” said Dr. Norman Powell, associate professor of educational leadership at EKU. “And for that reason, the target for this academy is young men of color.”
The Call Me Mister program, sponsored at Eastern by the College of Education and the Division of Student Success, was founded 14 years ago on the campus of Clemson University by Dr. Roy Jones.
Throughout their week at EKU, students will participate in activities and presentations by various faculty and professionals covering a range of topics. They include: an African drum circle symposium conducted by Sundiata Kata, renowned music director at San Diego Center for Children; an environmental health science course; presentations on counseling and mental health; self-expressive visual art; a day of team-building and leadership through the EKU ropes course and various other physical activities; a presentation on American Sign Language interpretation; and various aspects of life on college campuses. The students will also visit a local horse stable, with a focus on trail-riding and caring for the animals. Lastly, they will spend a day at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville.
For more information, contact Powell at norman.powell@eku.eduor 859-200-0865 or 859-622-6195.