Associate Principal of Shorewood High School, Amanda Jamerson, led this year’s GAGC’s African American Youth Initiative (AAYI) program, which took place at Concordia University. The purpose of the AAYI is to support young men and women of color toward higher levels of academic performance in a K-12 setting.
The summer institute is a four-day experience for students that is designed to develop relationships with local Milwaukee role models, learn effective academic and organizational strategies, cultivate positive social-emotional and interpersonal skills, and expose students to what life is like on a university campus. Beyond that, the students moved off campus to tour the Medical College of Wisconsin and participated in fun events, like poetry night.
“They asked questions about everything and soaked it all in,” says Amanda. “It was a great opportunity for students. We also have two students who have received dual-credit courses free of charge, through Concordia University.”
The week ended with a culminating activity designed to expose students to 100 BIPOC Professionals in the City of Milwaukee, in which all Shorewood building administrators were present. Ms. Jamerson’s goal was to be the most represented school district in attendance and Shorewood achieved that goal. Congratulations to Amanda for leading a great program and for the seven Shorewood High School students who attended.