KEMET Academy: A University Outreach Model for Addressing the Wholeness of Learning in a Rural Context

This work introduces a model of university outreach in rural communities which promotes increasing post-secondary options for rural dwelling African American youth. KEMET (Knowledge and Excellence in Mathematics, Equilibrium, and Technology) Academy is a comprehensive academic enrichment program targeting African American students enrolled in under-resourced schools and communities across Alabama's rural Black Belt region. The group comprised 48 intermediate level students in four counties. Drawing upon professors representing two land grant institutions, KEMET faculty engaged KEMET Scholars in activities designed to enhance skills in reading comprehension and application, mathematics, science, computing, decision-making, as well as health and wellness during a two-week summer program and tri-monthly "Saturday Academies" annually, for over a five year period. Facilitators of the program found it effective in meeting its overall objectives of enhancing the academic and cultural enrichment experiences of rural youth.