School of Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2007
UST hosted successful Cultural, Academic Athletic Program (CAAP) and Chosen to Achieve (CTA)
MINNEAPOLIS – From July 30-August 10 the University of St. Thomas hosted the Cultural, Athletic and Academic Program (CAAP) and Chosen to Achieve (CTA) program. Since 2004, CAAP has united city and suburban youth made possible by an East Metro Integration District (EMID) partnership with St. Thomas. This summer the dynamic, multi-cultural CAAP offered three two-week camps providing students with: encouraging adult role-models; exposure to a college campus; relationships with various students across districts; and engaging academic, athletic and social activities. CTA is an exciting, educational mentoring program for St. Paul Public School African American students. Since 2003, the African American community has connected with students to help them succeed in school and life and learn about their heritage.
At the concluding Aug. 10 award ceremony the two separate programs highlighted the events from the past two weeks and recognized those who made the programs successful. Each CAAP group leader nominated two outstanding students for complete participation in the class and on the field, good-spirit and motivation.
CTA participants demonstrated activities from their artistic, writing and African American Studies classes. Each student wove their own Kente cloth; textiles from Africa. They also learned how art was used to convey messages between slaves. For example a bear claw signals to follow bear tracks when escaping slavery. An essay was read explaining what the African American students learned about their culture, African Holocaust and struggle from slavery. The ceremony ended with a Ghanan welcoming dance called the Funga.
This final ceremony displayed the cheering and energized youth’s enthusiasm for CAAP and CTA. These valuable programs have helped youth discover diverse backgrounds, increase self-esteem and develop leadership and problem solving skills.
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