Wednesday, August 11, 2004

WILMINGTON, N.C.—The University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Office of Admissions is partnering with the City of Wilmington’s Derick G. S. Davis Center to facilitate the program “School Away from School: Learning Life’s Lessons,” a mentoring program for African-American females between 10 and 18 years old. The program is seeking mentors, as well as students.

School Away from School (SAS) is designed to educate young women about life issues that may get inadequate attention in public schools, such as the role of positive self-esteem, the value of education for long-term economic survival and the importance of goal setting. SAS evolved from a program called “Bringing Recreation and Education Together” developed by Althea McMillian, director of the Derick G. S. Davis Center of the City of Wilmington’s Department of Recreation.

Some activities will take place at the center, however mentors and students will have interactions outside the center, attending cultural and educational events throughout the city.

An expected outcome of SAS is that the students will prepare for a life of productive work with the highest possible professional credentials, a strong work ethic and a commitment to improving their communities.

Those interested in participating in SAS as a student or mentor should contact Linda J. MacRae, associate director of admissions for UNCW, at 910/962-7435 or macrael@uncw.edu; or Althea McMillian, director of the Derick G. S. Davis Center, at 910/341-7867 or althea.mcmillian@ci.wilmington.nc.us.