Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and Student,
 
I AM Academy is an organization that enhances the African American students’ educational journey by providing representation, a safe environment to learn and grow, and college and career exploration opportunities. This program is all about empowering students to achieve their full potential by centering their identity, cultivating relationships, supporting educational success, providing college experiences, and facilitating job readiness.
 
This year, our theme is "Ubuntu: I AM because We Are". We will be reading "Dear Martin" which examines racism and police brutality during this time and having discussions centered around the topics and themes from these topics. We will then take what we have learned and explore strategies and activities that promote positive mental health and healing of our spirits, minds, and bodies. Students will have the opportunity to learn photography, cooking, and explore the world around them.  

Throughout our time together, we will have Black community leaders sharing their own stories and experience and college mentors who will be checking in on academics, behavior, and attendance; helping and guiding students to reach goals that they have set. Our hope is that our youth will gain knowledge about their history and who they are, strategies for how to deal with anxiety and stress, and be empowered to be successful and love their authentic selves.

This group will be made up of 60 African American students within the West Michigan area. Our first meeting will be at the North-side Boys and Girl's Club on Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. We communicate through email and so we will provide more information not only at the first meeting but also through email.

We are excited to be a part of the educational journey for many of our African American students.  If you have any questions about this opportunity please contact us through email, social media, and/or the number listed below.
 

Sincerely,


Henry and Lindsay Cherry
Co-Founders of I AM Academy
info@iamacademymi.org
616.635.7574