Princeton Minority Youth Leadership Academy

From Blacknews.com - March 31, 2012

One of the only Ivy League summer leadership academies for minority students is set on improving SAT test and math scores during the At the Well Young Women's Leadership Academy at Princeton University. The academic achievement gap between minority teen students and their white counterparts prompted Jacqueline B. Glass, founder of the academy through her non-profit organization, At the Well Conferences, Inc., to create the two-week program.

According to Glass, "The U. S. Department of Education statistics state African Americans account for about 13% of the entire college enrollment. The low performance of African-American students in math and on SAT scores is alarming. Our program addresses these issues head-on."

The Academy held its first session in 2011 and included speakers from Johnson & Johnson, Goldman Sachs, and St. John's University to name a few. Instructors feature Princeton University faculty along with leaders from the business community. The program is geared towards minority girls in underserved communities entering the tenth, eleventh or twelfth grades of high school. It features overnight boarding and focuses on critical thinking, problem solving, self-confidence, personal growth, essay writing, math, and SAT test prep courses. The on-site environment offers the opportunity for students to experience a college setting. For many of the participants who attend, it is their first visit to an Ivy League campus.

Many of the attendees originate from backgrounds where finances are scare; therefore,scholarships are made available to students through generous donations and sponsorships. More than 90% of the students in 2011 required some form of financial aid.

Gabrielle DeAnna Robinson, a 2011 graduate praised the experience. She states, "The Academy was an amazing experience! I have learned so much about leadership and entrepreneurship. The classes taught me how to be a better writer and test taker." This year's event will be held on August 12-24, 2012 at the Carl Field Center. According to Princeton University, this unique building provides training, social and cultural programs, and educational opportunities that prepare students and others to succeed in a diverse and ever-changing world. The building's four pillars stand for Empowerment, Understanding, Social Justice, and Leadership. The At the Well Young Women's Leadership Academy has found the perfect setting for success.

"The Academy seeks to empower young women locally to become effective leaders globally. By promoting excellence in education, these young women will transform their communities," states Ms. Glass. At the Well Conferences, Inc. has been empowering teens through conferences and events since 2009. The Academy is now accepting applications for the 2012 class.