| St. Johns Program Reaches Out to Annapolis Youth |
|
MICUA Matters
In the past year, St. John's College students have engaged in community service in a variety of ways, from tutoring local children to working on Habitat for Humanity projects. In fall 2007 a group of students co-founded a new program: Epigenesis, a year-round leadership development program for Annapolis youth "who have experienced serious difficulties in life," says one of Epigenesis' student founders, St. John's junior Jamaal Barnes. Four students created Epigenesis, and by spring 2008 the group received seed money: a $10,000 grant from The Davis Projects for Peace program. Epigenesis founders selected teens to participate after making contacts with high school, social service, and community organizations in Annapolis. The founders designed the curriculum and held leadership workshops to prepare the teens for a week-long community service trip this past summer to a rural village in the Dominican Republic. These teens are continuing their leadership training with Epigenesis this fall, and by spring 2009 they will be mentors in their own communities and help train the next group of Epigenesis teens.
The Epigenesis program arose from a growing concern among students over social problems in Annapolis, including drug-related violence, a high drop-out rate for students of color, and a lack of opportunity for area youth, says Jamaal. "Epigenesis was inspired by a love for the Annapolis community," he says. "Instead of being worried and concerned and sitting in our lofty positions on campus, our education inspires us to act. If something's wrong, we should try to fix it in whatever way we can."
|