Closing the Achievement Gap Consortium

Join us this summer from July 23rd to July 26th, 2024, at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI, for an unforgettable experience aimed at fostering academic excellence and personal growth among young African American men and women.

The AAYI is designed to equip students with the tools and support they need to excel academically and achieve their full potential. Our mission is clear: to uplift and empower African American youth towards higher levels of academic performance in a K-12 setting.

At the heart of our initiative is a commitment to guiding and supporting students on their path towards college readiness and completion. Through a blend of engaging workshops, inspiring speakers, and interactive activities, participants will gain invaluable insights, skills, and confidence to navigate the challenges of academia and beyond.

How to Join

Students interested in participating in the AAYI must be recommended by their school district. Districts will reach out to incoming 9th graders with additional information about the program and how to apply.

Returning students who have previously participated in the AAYI will receive an email invitation to register for this year's event in early March. Don't miss out on this opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and continue your journey towards academic success!

2024 Timeline

Week of March 11- Applications emailed to returning students

March 25- Returning students application deadline

April 1- Application open for new incoming 9th graders AAYI point person at each school will receive an email with the application Once the number of returning students are determined, schools will be notified of how many seats per school.

April 29- all new applications due

July 23-26- Summer AAYI Initiative on Carthage's campus

Goals

• Create a cohort of students that support one another in pursuit of college readiness in high performing high schools.
• Set up school teams so that the work will continue throughout the school year.
• Create connections with local role models in Southeast Wisconsin.
• Provide instruction in utilizing effective academic and organizational strategies. 
• Cultivate positive social-emotional and interpersonal skills in the participants.

Curricular Themes

• Coaching with school-based mentors
• Reinforce academic preparation for participants in order to successfully navigate highly-competitive high schools
• Cultural empowerment and enrichment
• Psychological strengthening for African American females
• Family strengthening and education - How to access and leverage services within the school environment and beyond.
• Activities include team-building, leadership, study-skills, career planning, college selection process, and field trips to various Milwaukee companies. 

AAYI Planning Team

• A team of educators from southeast Wisconsin have come together to form an initiative that serves the short and long range needs of African American females from the region.
• Successful African American females who have graduated from the participating high schools will act as directors and mentors for the participants.
• Administrators and counselors from participating schools will be part of the agenda.