GADSDEN STATE TO HOST CAMP FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
GADSDEN, AL – Area students in grades 9 – 11 can participate in enrichment activities offered during a one-day youth camp hosted on Gadsden State Community College’s Valley Street Campus, the area’s only Historically Black College and University campus.
Empowerment Camp 2021 will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 8 in the Learning Resource Center at 600 Valley Street in Gadsden.
“Empowerment Camp 2021 will focus on activities that promote personal growth and financial literacy,” said Kimberly Campbell-Dixon, camp coordinator. “We want students to complete the camp feeling empowered with the knowledge and tools they can use to be successful in high school, college and life.”
Day one of the camp will provide participants the opportunity to interact with speakers and presenters, such as advisors from Gadsden State and representatives from the Family Success Center. Campers will be provided free printed resources on college financing, internet etiquette, studying smart, smart organization, staying motivated, self-esteem, reading textbooks and preparing for college. A Tin Can Robot Car Challenge is scheduled for the afternoon session. This hands-on activity is designed to be fun and engaging while sparking creativity among participants. Campers will enter their robot cars into a speed challenge. Additionally, this activity will introduce mechanical and robotic science to Empowerment Camp enrollees while emphasizing the high-wage high-demand engineering technology careers.
Upon completion of the camp, every participant will be presented with a personalized Success Tool Kit, pad folio and template ready to build their college resume as they progress through high school.
“This tool kit is designed to assist campers with tracking accomplishments critical to their college application process and subsequent employment,” Campbell-Dixon said.
The tool kit tracks academic records, awards, community service activities, hobbies, workshops, organizations and networking contacts.
In addition to the Success Tool Kit, campers will receive a book package of titles that emphasizes the 2021 Empowerment Camp focus of “Financial Literacy.” Titles included will cover advice on staying calm, establishing goals and money management. All titles are teen/young adult focused. All resources were selected to enhance money management skills, soft skills and leadership skills.
“The desired outcome is to help camp enrollees develop habits that can transition into adulthood while promoting personal and career success,” Campbell-Dixon said
With funds received from the U.S. Department of Education, this event is coordinated and conducted by the Title III Program located on the Valley Street Campus. The camp is free to participants; however, space is limited. Registration is required. Social distancing guidelines will be observed.
For more information about Empowerment Camp 2021, contact Campbell-Dixon at 256-549-8681 or by email at kcampbelldixon@gadsdenstate.edu or HBCU@gadsdenstate.edu