ACC Hosts Youth Institute

Girls in grades 6-12 focus on education, self-esteem and character

Austin, TX – July 2, 2008 – The Austin Community College Summer Youth Leadership Institute, in collaboration with the African American Women & Girls Coalition, will be held July 14-18 at the Eastview Campus. Fifty-six girls in grades 6-12 are expected to attend.

The institute focuses on excellence in education, strengthening self-esteem and character, and creating leadership opportunities to impact change. Activities include team-building exercises and seminars such as “Seven Habits of Highly Successful Students,” “Building Blocks to College Readiness,” and “Color Me Beautiful – Putting My Best Self Forward.”

“This is an excellent opportunity for our young women,” said Dr. Sharon Frederick, director of ACC’s Student Learning Services and co-founder of the institute. “This dynamic, empowering event will inspire girls to take leadership roles in their lives and in the community.”

ACC is also partnering with Girl Scouts of Central Texas for this institute.  The Girl Scouts will focus on how to use leadership skills to create a better community.

“Our goal is to inspire the girls to voice their opinions, think critically about the issues happening within their communities and be inspired to be leaders that will positively impact their communities,” said Dora Valdez, community relations/multicultural specialist for the Girl Scouts of Central Texas.

The girls will pick a “take action” project by targeting a particular issue in their community that should be improved. They will discuss what needs change, how they will accomplish that goal, and what realistic steps they should take to make it happen.

They will have the opportunity to present their projects to the attendees at the Women’s Health, Motivation and Empowerment Conference, a free event open to the community. It is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, at Eastview.

“Having the women’s conference immediately after the institute is a great opportunity for our young women to invite important women in their lives, like their mother, to see what they’ve learned at the conference,” said Loretta Edelen, ACC’s community outreach director, co-founder of the Girls Institute and one of the coordinators of the Women’s Conference.

Women and girls of all ages are invited to attend the Women’s Conference. The conference includes guest speakers, and free breakfast and lunch. Childcare is available. Visit the following website for details: www.austincc.edu/change/resources.php.

# # #

Back to Top

One Response to "ACC Hosts Youth Institute"