Catawba College is pleased to announce the founding of the Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) Program. Starting in the spring of 2022, Catawba will welcome a cohort of 18 male African American and black juniors from the local Rowan County Public School System. Students will be enrolled in a course focused on leadership while receiving instruction in academic skills crucial for success at the college-level.
To be eligible to participate, male African American and Black Juniors must be attending a public high school within Rowan County, N.C. Visit catawba.edu/youngleaders to learn more about the program and how students can apply. The priority deadline to apply is November 15, 2021. The application process will remain available until January 4, 2022, on a space available basis. The course will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:15 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. starting on January 10, 2022 and running through April 26, 2022.
“Students in Change Makers: Building Leaders for the Future will encounter a 21st century perspective on leadership,” says Special Assistant to the President and Professor Earl Givens. “This course will take you on a journey to become a Change Maker. You will learn to lead yourself, inspire action to lead others, and become equipped with skills to overcome racial and social challenges as you step forward with a new perspective on leading your generation.”
High school juniors participating in the program will have two opportunities for mentorship. Michael Frederick, Director of Internships and Career Planning, will pair students with well-trained male mentors chosen from the sophomore class at Catawba College. The college student mentors will share lessons learned from participating in their own career-focused mentorship program led by Frederick and sponsored by the North Carolina Council of Independent Colleges. Through group meals and field trips designed to advance social capital, the mentors will serve as role models and offer advice on the realities of campus life.
Participants in the Emerging Young Leaders Program will receive mentorship, too, from alumni who are members of the Catawba Black Alumni Network (CBAN). CBAN strives to empower, connect, and celebrate Catawba’s black community. High school juniors will have the opportunity for networking and professional development with alumni from across the state of North Carolina.
Development Associate and Founding Member of CBAN LaSheka Walker says, “This group of alumni are excited about this new initiative. They will encourage and empower the young men to be the best version of themselves so that they are successful leaders and prepared for the next phase of life.”
Givens adds, “The course is free for students, counts for college credit, and shows students that college is attainable and doable.”
Catawba excels at serving students who have been historically-underserved by higher education—low-income, minority, and first-generation students. Catawba’s commitment to providing an education rich in personal attention has led to resounding success in preparing first-generation students to thrive academically and beyond in their professional lives. We are well-positioned to prepare this particular population for academic success wherever they may attend college.
Forrest Anderson, Associate Provost, will be administrative lead. Success will stem from the faculty and staff directing the project. Steffanie West, Interim Senior Director of Admissions, will coordinate with local high schools to recruit students. Givens will teach the students in GEN 1102 – Change Makers: Building Leaders for the Future. Frederick will guide student mentors. Walker will coordinate alumni mentoring. Dr. Sheila Brownlow, FYE Director, will assess and evaluate program outcomes.
About Catawba College
Founded in 1851, Catawba College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college conveniently located in Salisbury, N.C. Ranked as one of the best regional colleges in the South, The College offers more than 70 academic programs and three graduate programs offering students the ability to combine and cross majors. Close faculty mentorships and numerous experiential learning options create opportunities for Catawba College graduates to exceed their own expectations and find their vocation. Additional information is available at catawba.edu.
