African American Rites of Passage Academy

Program Information

The African American Rites of Passage Summer Academy at Lane Community College is an intense two-and-a-half-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.

This year, our pedagogy will center on the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa). Our approach will be based in Black Excellence and Project Based Learning. Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge. We will conclude with a rather intense Capstone sequence (3 days) to rehearse and perform a comprehensive project program with their peers.

Since 1996, the academy has successfully served over 750 African American and Multicultural students of African descent. The academy provides academic and cultural enrichment experience and opportunities for students enrolled in grades 9th through 12th. The academy functions as a catalyst and support system for students aspiring to achieve personal and professional success.

Project Deliverable Assignment List

• #1 Application Essay - Your rough/first draft is due with the application to participate.
  Topic Prompt: What is the importance of Kwanzaa and how do you incorporate the 7 principles in your life?
  Essay Model: 5 Paragraphs, 2 Pages, 12pt. font, double spaced. Include an introductory paragraph, 3 body paragraphs, and summary paragraph. Students are encouraged to cite sources in MLA format.
• #2 Contributions - Students are expected to contribute to the culture and climate of “Black Excellence.” Students are expected to fully engage in the learning activities.
• #3 Capstone Performances - Students are required to complete an individual capstone project as well as 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, performing arts or another demonstrable presentation that captures and expresses the depth and breadth of the students’ experience in the program.

Policies

1. Late Add Policy - Contact the program director to inquire as to the availability of late placement; we sometimes allow larger numbers of enrollment, as budget permits.
2. Drop Deadline and Administrative Drops - At the end of week 1, the director will remove students from the roster who have not attended the first section of the program. No new students will be added after the course begins, although tardy students will be able to attend if their applications were received on time.
3. Absences and Late Assignment Policy - Text, Call, or Email the program director if your student will not be attending that day by 10:00 am. Multiple absences will require the student to do some make-up work in order to fulfill the work requirements. Recurring absences will trigger a phone call and discussion with parents to determine the student’s depth of dedication to the program.
4. Transportation Policy - Students are provided a youth bus pass for the month of July, and the passes are non-replaceable. We do catalog the pass number, but if the student loses their pass we have very limited access to replacements. The responsibility is on the student, which is one of the lessons this program offers.
5. Meals on Campus - Snacks/Breakfast and lunch will be provided at no additional cost for students.
6. Free Time - Students are not allowed to roam the campus, both colleges we will be at this year have multiple active construction zones. If you finish lunch early, arrive early, or linger after class we ask that you refrain from wandering. Please remain with the group during lunch break and always stay with a peer who has a cell phone. It is important to build community among the peers in the program, and the flexible time during our course days give them that opportunity.
7. Dress Code - Please dress appropriately for school, we do not like having to ‘police’ the apparel of our students, but we must attempt to maintain decorum. Students who chose to wear skirts should wear shorts underneath, we engage in Tai Chi and other physical activities. We will employ the “Jumping Jacks” test. Appropriate behavior and dress is important. At times, we will have parents, teachers, administrators, guest speakers, parents, cameras, community leaders, and journalists in our midst.
8. Code of Conduct - Lane Community College is a community learning institution committed to fostering a campus environment conducive to academic inquiry, a productive campus life, and thoughtful study and discourse. The student conduct program, within the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, is committed to an educational and developmental process that balances the interests of individual students with the interests of the College community
9. Accommodations Statement - If you need support or assistance because of a disability, you may be eligible for academic accommodations through Disability Services.  For more information, contact Disability Services at (541) 463-5150 (voice) or (541) 463-3079 (TTY), or stop by Building 1, Room 218.