Elizabethtown College hosted the inaugural Social and Civic Leadership Academy from July 24 to 29. The program was provided at no cost and was designed to provide high school students with historically marginalized identities the opportunity to participate in workshops and activities focused on strengthening their advocacy, social justice, and leadership skills.
The initiative for this camp stemmed from Etown Legal Studies major Jalen Belgrave ’23 and his interest in diversity, equity, and belonging, which he developed while leading as Founder and President of Elizabethtown College’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), as well as being involved in other leadership positions on campus.
Under the guidance of Director of Special Programs & Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships Jean-Paul Benowitz and as part of his Humanity in Action (HIA) fellowship, Belgrave developed the Social & Civic Leadership Academy to help break down barriers for students with diverse, underrepresented backgrounds.
“Heading into the fellowship, I aspired to diversify my college, however, there need to be support systems on campus,” Belgrave said. “Elizabethtown is located between two diverse areas of Lancaster and Harrisburg, which can provide an opportunity to unlock resources to positively impact high school students from different backgrounds.”
Throughout the week, camp attendees were engaged in lessons with expert faculty members, who spoke on areas of leadership such as law, economic policy, social justice, and peacemaking. Speakers included Benowitz, Dean of the School of Public Service and Professor of Political Science April Kelly, Associate Professor of Communications and Director of Pre-Law Matthew Telleen, Associate Professor of Economics Sanjay Paul, Associate Professor of Economics Dimitriy Krichevskiy, Associate Professor of Education and Director of the Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking Shannon Haley-Mize, Instruction and Outreach Librarian Josh Cohen, Assistant Director of Housing and Residence Life for Diversity, Equity and Belonging Kayshen Morel, Deputy TIX Coordinator Gabbie Reed, and former Director of Intercultural Affairs Ellis Bonds.
Wednesday was a highlight for the academy with a session focused on encouraging mentorship between campers and the College’s Ubuntu Mentors, who are current students of color enrolled at Etown. The mentors worked with camp attendees to demystify the college experience. They immersed themselves in productive dialogue and encouraged a flow of genuine conversations regarding the stigma of college and how to succeed as student leaders. There were additional activities throughout the week designed to replicate the collegiate experience, including campus tours and recreation.
Camp attendees were also able to learn about Etown’s Momentum program, which was presented by current students, alumni, and Etown employees who spoke about their transformative and valuable experience in the program.
This session helped demonstrate what students from the Academy could expect if they attend the College, as all the high school students in the Academy meet the criteria for admission into the Momentum program, which works with first-generation college students throughout their first year and sophomore year in attaining their academic and professional goals.
Though a majority of the week focused on building leadership skills and knowledge, the Academy also sought to help alleviate the intimidating atmosphere that often surrounds college campuses.
At the conclusion of the Academy, attendees presented their capstone projects, which analyzed social issues in their hometowns or other cities and proposed solutions to those issues using research methods, analytical thinking, and information gained throughout the week.
Belgrave hopes that this initiative can continue in the years to come and eventually expand its reach to other areas of Pennsylvania.
“I want this Academy to become a serious pipeline for students to learn and grow as leaders,” Belgrave said. “My vision for the Academy, in the long run, is not to only provide education to underrepresented students but to advance the economic, educational, social and political status in developing the next generation of campus and community leaders.”
Photos from the week can be viewed on the Elizabethtown College Flickr page.
