During the week of April 8-12, 2013, many metro-Atlanta students are scheduled to enjoy their spring break. This is usually a time that opens itself to going on vacation, catching up on some rest, and enjoying some social time.
However, a number of students are focusing on making use of this "down-time" to explore their post-high school options, or at least be better aware of the opportunities that are present if they are willing to take the time to invest in their academic, professional, and personal development. While this is typical of the students who are a part of the LEAD Foundation's Alpha Leadership Program in which they learn and apply such skills sets, the general public is now able to do so as well.
"At this point in time, we are opening up opportunities for students in grades 6-12 to be a part of our spring break college tour", notes the foundation's executive director, Michael Woodward, Sr. "Doing so allows us to reach out to those young people who may not have been able to participate in our year-round programs".
Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, Bennett College, North Carolina A & T State University, Hampton University, Norfolk State University, and Howard University are among the institutions of higher learning the students are scheduled to visit. Venues such as the the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial (in Washington, DC), are among the other parts of the itinerary.
However, it is not a simple field trip.
"Thanks to the performance of our former (foundation) students who attend these schools (and are doing well academically and otherwise), we are able to extend these opportunities to others. Students and parents have to realize that while we make time to have fun, it is a business trip; in addition to our attire and presence being as business-minded as possible, many of us have long-standing relationships with these institutions. Our focus is on continuing to provide greater access to resources", adds Woodward.
Information about the tour is available by visiting the foundation's website. For potential individual donors, it is suggested to visit the foundation's get involved section. Likewise, there are opportunities for businesses and other entities for sponsorship by contacting Andrew Snorton (at asnorton@theleadfoundation.org), as the cost of the tour is $500 (covering transportation, hotel accommodations, visits to venues, and other related itinerary items).
"We are asking not only for students and parents, but others in the community to join us in making the investment in providing access to resources for our community, especially in regards to higher education", remarks Woodward.
Given the importance of higher and continued education, the foundation's efforts are grounded in making sure emerging communities and populations of multiple walks of life are able to gain access to known and proven means of success. Given their community grounding through their leadership, male-mentoring, and scholarship programs, this is another way in which they adhere to their mantra of "developing tomorrow's leaders today".
Today (or at least April 8-12, 2013) just may be the day for somebody.
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