UA Students Lead Projects in the Black Belt

Editor’s Note: A media availability is scheduled for 9 a.m.-noon May 16 where interested reporters can see examples of the projects underway and talk with participants. For more information, contact Chris Bryant in media relations, cbryant@ur.ua.edu 205/348-8323, 205/310-4814; Shane Dorrill (broadcast reporters),205/348-8319, sdorrill@ur.ua.edu; Brianna Adams, 972/358-9551, bladams1@crimson.ua.edu, University Fellows Experience participant

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A group of 30 University of Alabama honors students is spending May 7-25 in Marion carrying out multiple community-service projects in the Black Belt.

The projects, all conceived of and developed by the students in partnership with community members, range from renovating a batting cage at Douglas Moore Memorial Park, to working with area high-school students on ACT-preparation techniques to encouraging economic development by building web profiles of the county’s industrial sites.

The students are participating in the University Fellows Experience, a highly selective program at UA that encourages students “to pursue knowledge and action 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 Marion, met with community leaders and partnered with area schools and organizations to bring their projects to fruition.

Projects include:

ACT Now — As an ongoing project to be implemented each May, the UA students seek to build area high-school students’ exposure to ACT basics and collegiate possibilities. The University Fellows will teach test-taking techniques through lessons, activities and personalized tutoring.

The Exergaming Initiative — By working with area teachers, the University Fellows will incorporate interactive exercise games into elementary classroom curricula. Lighthearted communal dance sessions present rigorous physical activity in a fun, exciting way and can enhance the learning environments.

LAMP Leadership Conference – Another ongoing project, LAMP, or Leaders After Marion’s Potential, seeks to encourage students to become leaders in the Marion community, and it further exposes them to leadership skills.

Student Arts – This is an effort to enhance art appreciation by sharing a visual arts curriculum with first and fourth graders at Albert Turner Sr. Elementary School and by offering a dance workshop and creative writing sessions at Francis Marion High School. The arts project will culminate in an arts festival hosted on Francis Marion High School’s campus which will showcase the students’ work.

STEAM Ahead with Science – The University Fellows hope to build on interest in science by providing hands-on activities and experiments to two age groups – 7^th through 9^th graders and 10^th through 12^th graders.

Technology Literacy Workshop – In an effort to improve technology literacy, the University Fellows will host technology workshops at the Marion library and at Francis Marion High School and will specifically emphasize technology as it relates to resume building.

Nutrition Nut Hut —This is an attempt to engage the community in health and wellness activities by interacting with citizens through various church suppers and by coordinating with other University Fellows projects to provide elementary and high-school students with nutritious snacks.

EDPA Project — The Economic Development Profile of Alabama project aims to encourage economic development in Perry County by establishing an economic profile of available industrial sites in Perry County for potential placement on websites of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, the Perry County Chamber of Commerce and the Perry County Center for Economic Development.

Barton’s Beach Tourism and Target Marketing – This proposal is designed to increase awareness of Perry Lakes Park via promotional packages and includes efforts to enhance park conditions.

Oral History Project – An effort designed to promote awareness of Marion’s history by developing a short documentary, submitting articles to area newspapers and providing additional content and suggestions for Marion’s website as ways of promoting the city.

PR Project – Designed to raise awareness about the University Fellows Experience in Marion, the PR Project will primarily focusing on social media efforts but also via more traditional means. One of the project’s goals is to draw further positive attention to Marion. In addition, a publicity campaign for the Widest Yard Sale along Highway 80 will be launched during May.

ACE Athletic Development – The Athletic Community Environment will, among other things, renovate the batting cages at Douglas Moore Memorial Park.

Cemetery Database – The UA students hope to improve the physical appearance of an area cemetery and also create a website linking to a database containing an informational guide to the cemetery which could be beneficial for those seeking to learn about their ancestors.

The UA students will live in residence halls at Judson College throughout the project.