After a difficult year of online schooling, DCS returned to Delaware State University for 3 weeks! We were incredibly excited to have Cohort 7 and 8 in-person for the first time, and we worked hard to ensure that the experience was one to remember. Students were being challenged more than ever this year, with each of our three groups being on campus for 6 days. In between the grind of rigorous college-level classes, we made the most of our time together with many fun activities planned for our students.
Humanities
Cohort 7 and 8 were introduced to Harkness discussions for the first time during their time in Humanities. Cohort 7 studied Nella Larsen’s “Passing” and they learned about the importance of discussing issues of identity as they pertain to literature, history, current events and our own lives. More specifically, our scholars discussed the consequences that racialized structures and inequities have on our society. Cohort 8 read “The Lesson'' by Toni Cade Bambara where they looked at diction and symbolism in a passage and studied the distribution of wealth in the United States. Through this intense work, our scholars began to recognize the level of rigor in college-level classes, and that with effort and support, they can succeed in them.
MATH
In order to prepare for the SATs, both Cohorts participated in a Test Prep math course that challenged students to not only prepare for the Math section of the test, but to also reach out to our math teachers when further understanding was needed. While the content of the course was demanding, students left the summer session with a greater understanding of the math concepts explored, as well as with a better grasp on the value of asking for help in a college environment. We commend our scholars for stepping up to the plate and accepting the challenge that our Humanities and Test Prep teachers have presented to them. A huge thanks to both Hilary Mead (Humanities) and Mike Williams (Math) for developing these curriculums for our students!
COLLEGE COUNSELING
For our Cohort 7 scholars, we held in-person college counseling sessions. These sessions were important as rising-seniors became acquainted with the college process and started forming their list of schools that they are interested in applying to. Our cohort 7 scholars also began writing their common application essays and are on track to find success during this arduous process. We thank all of our college counselors for their selfless work to make sure our scholars are informed as they begin their college careers!
FUN IN THE SUN
When you work hard, you play hard at DCS! Students got a taste for the residential life at DSU and were able to enjoy their afternoons with a slew of board games, Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch and Field Day! They also celebrated their time with a Movie Night and some Rita’s to go along with it!
We would like to thank all of our parents, donors, partners, and staff members for supporting the program after a trying year for all. And, of course, we thank our scholars for making the program what it is today.