Through a collaborative effort with Middle Earth in Somerville, seven RVCC students from African American Literature mentored seven African American youth from this community organization in 2000-2001. To ensure the continuation of the mentoring program, the students are creating a Web site demonstrating how a campus/community partnership can nurture future leaders. The College mentors acted as role models by offering Middle Earth youth friendship and guidance and sharing academic/cultural experiences, thus enriching the younger students lives and creating aspirations for future participation in higher education and its goals. Some of the joint activities involved attending campus classroom lectures, swimming at the RVCC pool, attending shows at the RVCC Planetarium and a community theater, as well as socializing through visits at Middle Earth and email.

Contact: English Department at 526-1200 ext: 8816