Arete Leadership Program
(Grades 6-12) Young men are the scholars in our Arete Leadership Program. The term Arête refers to “being the best you can be” or “reaching your highest concern of our communities and nation as a whole. This program develops self-confidence, leadership skills, life skills and career awareness, to best equip the students in making a difference in their schools, their communities, and their future. Activities and workshops are designed to help students think outside their norm, foster innovative ideas, and develop strong interpersonal skills, so that they can be effective in building connections to school, family, and the community. Student scholars meet twice per month where they also are also exposed to speakers in varying careers and leaders across the community. The scholars meet several times per month, for regular sessions and as needed for college writing and prep courses.
Frederick Douglass Reading Initiative:
(Grades 1-5) Reading is fundamental. Studies indicate that when students get off to a poor start in reading, they rarely catch up. In 2009, Platinum Minds launched a literacy program using a standardized Reading System along with other specially tailored programming, where Platinum Minds scholars work with small groups of elementary age boys in 90 minute sessions each Saturday morning for 10-12 weeks. The pilot program started at the Neighborhood House in Morristown, NJ. Platinum Minds student scholars help act as mentors, and work one-on-one with the younger boys in this program.
Educational Scholarship Initiative:
Our scholarship program provides deserving students an opportunity to attend top-tier, private secondary and parochial schools through a competitive selection process. Those who are awarded the scholarship are placed in exceptional education institutions throughout New Jersey.
Mentoring Initiative:
Our students are matched with a caring and supportive adult mentors and role models. Our volunteers provide guidance, understanding, and tutoring, while helping the student master difficult subjects. Mentors assist our student scholars with balancing extra-curricular activities, school work, and college preparation.
Summer Initiative:
Every summer, we work to place our students in interesting programs in which they can explore new activities, experience the out-of-doors, and have fun! Specialty summer camp programs in such disciplines as science and mathematics have been offered to students wishing to learn in these fields. Many of these camps incorporate academics, leadership development, health, and life skills. Participants receive instruction in a variety of sports, not traditionally offered in urban settings. They learn about the rules of the game, etiquette, sportsmanship, positive attitudes, fair play, self-esteem, taking responsibility for choices, and management of emotions. These life skills are integrated throughout the program, and instructors routinely demonstrate how they apply to real-world situations. For many, this is a rare opportunity to be carefree, without the looming threat of danger. They learn to communicate and get along with people from all over the world.
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