Spring Break
Students bring diversity to CSU
High schoolers research and discuss issues unique to the black community
Shari Blackman
Issue date: 6/25/08 Section: News
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Most of them had met a mere three days before and were now cheering each other's performances of original poetry, African song and dance and piano.
Goins, a student from Aurora Central High School, participated in CSU's Black Issues Forum, which brought 40 black high school juniors to stay in campus dormitories June 17 through Saturday to research and discuss issues unique to the black community.
Friday's "Open Mic Night" provided the select group of students a chance to cement connections and express cultural creativity before Saturday's presentations, which were the culmination of three days of research into the lives of CSU students.
"These types of programs are really good for kids," said Bobby Browning, assistant director for the Office of Admissions. He added that it was difficult to choose only 40 participants from 75 applicants this year, the most the program has ever seen.
"We had to raise the GPA to 3.5," Browning said of the admission requirements. "Students have to be college eligible."
Anna Arevalos, director of Undergraduate Recruitment, said this year's program was expanded by a day so students would have more time for research and informal interaction with current CSU students who were past BIF participants.
Students chose one of four topics to research, working in groups of 10 to prepare for a 30-minute presentation. Browning hires four college students to assist.
Nathan Brown, of Overland High School in Aurora is researching, "The Importance of a College Education for African Americans."
The university offers a $10,000 scholarship for program participants who choose to attend CSU, Brown said.
"Being here, seeing dorm rooms, definitely puts a boost on it," said Brown, who plans to study engineering, but is also considering Florida A&M for college.
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