The College Crusade Summer Experience 2008 Teaches High School Students How to Be Leaders

Local youth develop leadership and teamwork skills in a program held on the Bristol campus of Roger Williams University

Providence, R.I., July 28, 2008 – The College Crusade of Rhode Island today announced the start of Crusade Summer Experience 2008, a program that helps high school students prepare for the challenges of college by developing their leadership and teamwork abilities. Over 100 high school students from Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket who are members of The College Crusade are expected to attend the program, held in weeklong sessions from July 28 through August 15 at Roger Williams University’s Bristol campus.

The College Crusade Summer Experience provides students with the opportunity to learn and practice many skills that support their academic development, such as working with others in small and large groups, building and leading teams, speaking confidently in public, and resolving conflicts. Students participate in a mix of customized leadership development activities along with group projects, discussion, and personal journaling.

“Every year the Crusade Summer Experience gives our students a focused week of leadership development in a real college environment,” said Maria Carvalho, high school manager for The College Crusade. “We are excited to hold our program at Roger Williams University this summer. Each day is filled with engaging and thought-provoking activities that teach high school Crusaders how to define and solve problems together and get ready for the step to college. As we guide them in discussing what they’ve learned, they discover their own potential as leaders and understand how to apply their skills to benefit themselves and others.”

Special events during the week include a university scavenger hunt, where teams of students will compete to acquire the most information about the Roger Williams campus, and a public-speaking workshop called “What Affects Us Today,” where students will give presentations on youth-related topics from the 2008 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook. Participants will also spend a day at Camp Davis in Charlestown, exploring a ropes course and watersports.

About The College Crusade of Rhode Island
The College Crusade of Rhode Island is the state’s most comprehensive college-readiness and scholarship program for middle school and high school students in low-income urban school districts. It serves approximately 3,800 students per year and rewards the efforts and achievements of financially eligible students with up to four years of college scholarships. From grade 6 through grade 12, Crusaders experience the steady, nurturing presence of caring adults and participate in activities that focus on academic enrichment, social and personal development, career awareness and exploration, and readiness for college. Since 2001, The College Crusade has awarded over $18 million in college scholarships to more than 2,500 graduates from Rhode Island high schools. For more information, please visit www.thecollegecrusade.org.

The College Crusade is a nonprofit organization funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s GEAR UP program, by the State of Rhode Island, and by private corporations, foundations, and individuals.