UA Students Lead Projects in the Black Belt

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A group of University of Alabama honors students will spend May 16-26 in Marion carrying out a variety of projects in the Black Belt. The projects, all conceived of and developed by the students, will range from a fly-in that will bring some 50 pilots to Marion’s Vaiden Field to producing a high school dance video to recording ghost stories as a means to encourage tourism.

The 24 students are participating in the University Fellows Experience, a highly selective program at UA that encourages students “to pursue knowledge and action with a passion — in the classroom, on the campus, in the community, and in the world.” The students, all of whom are enrolled in UA’s Honors College, spent the academic year researching issues affecting the Black Belt and developing programs to help address some of those issues.

The students visited the Marion area, met with community leaders and partnered with area schools and organizations, including the Sowing Seeds of Hope nonprofit ministry, to bring their projects to fruition.

Projects include:

Vaiden Field Fly-In and Family Festival, May 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Some 50 pilots are scheduled to fly in to Vaiden Field near Marion for this community event that will showcase improvements to the airport.

Tourism Development, May 18-26, various locations
Like ghost stories? UA students are partnering with Southwest Alabama Tourism to develop short vignettes of ghost stories in historic homes throughout the Black Belt. They will interview homeowners and others and produce podcasts, DVDs and CDs to bring the stories to tourists and others.

Making the Video: Dance Workshop, May 18-22, 3:30-5 p.m., Francis Marion High School
UA students will lead high school students in choreographing and producing a dance video. Students say this project has generated great enthusiasm at the school with many more high school students than expected planning to stay after school to take part.

Owning Your Financial Future, May 18-21, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 5:30-7 p.m. daily, Sowing Seeds of Hope Job Training Center
The goals of this program include increasing the perceived value of computer literacy in light of Gov. Bob Riley’s Broadband Initiative and increasing financial literacy. Seminar topics include credit scores, managing a bank account, mortgages and foreclosure.

Wellness Workshop, May 18-21, 8:30-10:30 a.m. and 12:30-2:30 p.m. daily, Albert Turner Sr. Elementary School; May 19, 7-8 p.m., Sowing Seeds of Hope
This program is aimed at educating elementary school children about caring for their bodies to improve health awareness and self-esteem through classroom demonstrations. The UA students will also provide nutrition and exercise tips to adult women through the Sowing Seeds of Hope program one evening.

ACT Prep Class, May 18-22, 1-3 p.m., Francis Marion High School
UA students will help high school juniors prepare for college by leading an ACT preparation class. The class will culminate in a field trip to the UA campus on May 25.

The Strength of the Individual: Photography Exhibition, May 18-26, various locations
Students will conduct in-depth interviews and photo sessions with local residents and leaders in Marion. Photo exhibits are planned for Marion, Tuscaloosa and Birmingham in August.

Community Health Survey, May 22-25
Students will conduct a community health survey and shadow local doctors.

Fine Arts in Education
Students will lead drama, music and performance activities with elementary school children to increase awareness and appreciation of the arts.

Housing Rehabilitation Project, May 18-26, various locations
All students will spend time during the week helping to repair and refurbish houses in the Marion area.

Students will live in residence halls at Judson College throughout the project.

For more information, contact Wellon Bridgers, coordinator of the University Fellows Experience, at 205/348-5522 or wlbridgers@ua.edu.