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DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
April 30, 2008

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY - Program Structure and Organization

PREAMBLE
The Leadership Academy is sponsored by the DeKalb County Chapter of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., with the Support of local businesses, public agencies and educational institutions. The Leadership Academy is designed to address the crisis in which black male youths find themselves today. It is generally accepted that in most American cities, black males at every level from kindergarten through the twelfth grade are turning off to education in epidemic numbers. Research studies indicate that black males are shown to have dramatically lower grade point averages, attendance patterns, and graduation rates than black females and members of other racial groups.

Like in many communities, black males in DeKalb County and metropolitan Atlanta face problems of poverty, crime, single parenthood, drugs, violence and hopelessness. Violent aggression is an especially hazardous and potentially lethal problem confronting black male youth. The Leadership Academy focuses on providing a series of structured educational activities that allow black males to learn and experience new survival techniques, new environments and new growth opportunities. The Leadership Academy will nurture achievement, provide support, and enhance self-esteem. Finally, the Leadership Academy will teach lifelong living and learning skills.

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HISTORY
In 1991, the DeKalb County Chapter of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. was formed and the Leadership Academy was initiated shortly thereafter as its flagship community service. Many members of the DeKalb Chapter were already individually involved with mentoring programs through the local school systems. The Chapter Board of Directors empowered the President-elect to proceed in establishing a leadership program through the DeKalb Public School system. Michael German and Dr. Andrew H. Griffin, Jr. of the DeKalb County Chapter developed the concept of the Academy. Working with the Chapter’s Education Committee and the DeKalb School System, these men began the program in three schools: Snapfinger, Wadsworth and Knollwood Elementary Schools. Presently, there are seven schools being served, the original three, plus, Leslie Steele, Chapel Hill, Tilson and Terry Mill Elementary Schools.

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The Mission of the Leadership Academy of the DeKalb County Chapter of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is defined as follows:

KNOWLEDGE:
To supplement parental guidance and serve as a parallel learning and achievement program in cooperation with the DeKalb County Public Schools and the greater metropolitan community.

VALUES:
To enable youth to incorporate the seven principles of Kwanzaa into their daily lives, assisting youth to develop appreciation for communication skills, self-discipline, goal setting, and teamwork!

OPPORTUNITY:
To expose youth to experiences where their vision and energy may lead away from violence or criminal activity toward positive, productive endeavors.

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LEADERSHIP ACADEMY OVERVIEW

Phase I is the primary component of the mentoring program. This is to provide knowledge, skills and unique experiences to selected young boys from grades four to seven enabling them to successfully complete school, and become life long leaders in their community.

Phase II is an effective after school program that provide computer skills and character education for middle and high school students. It has increased parental involvement, student achievement, and student attendance. Providing access is the first step in reducing the digital divide. The PC Academy goes further by developing individual s’ technology skills, nurturing character development through mentoring, and improving academic and employable skills through effective use of technology.

Phase III – The Open Campus program seeks to assist students who have encountered difficulties completing their high school diplomas. The program helps young adults to improve their self-esteem and job readiness. The Open Campus program has a more vocational and less of academic focus.

Phase IV – The DeKalb R.E.A.D.S. is an effective program that allows men to read to elementary school children. It has increased adult involvement, student achievement, and student awareness to the importance of reading. The DeKalb R.E.A.D.S. allows students to interact with the men in a relaxed setting. Students have an opportunity to get to experience men who they might not otherwise speak with outside the classroom.

Phase V – is designed to provide leadership skills to young ladies in the eighth and ninth grades of selected middle and high schools. This program will cultivate the young ladies into a productive and meaningful citizen of the community.

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WILLIAM C. BROWN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Click here to learn more and download a application.

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY POLICiES
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LEADERSHIP ACADEMY NEW STUDENT APPLICATION
Click here to learn more and download a application.

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