AAASCEC -- Programs
The programs and services offered through the Community Extension Center are designed to enhance the educational opportunities of students and improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the neighborhoods near and around the Center and Columbus's urban communities.Youth Programs
OSU Math & Science Program
During the academic year, the Community Extension Center in partnership with the OSU Medical Center provides students in grades 4-12 opportunities to have fun while they experience the world and wonders of math and science. The purpose of the Math and Science program is twofold: 1) to help students develop competency in math and science and 2) to increase the applicant pool of students of color in math and science related careers.Summer Enrichment Program
The Summer Enrichment program is designed to provide high school freshmen and sophomore students with an appreciation for and understanding of African American cultural and historical study as well as an opportunity to develop familiarity and proficiency in the use of computer technology to access information and create knowledge. This one-week enrichment program begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends daily at 5:00 p.m.The 2009 Summer Enrichment Program will be held June 15-19. The theme is Following the Freedom Trail: African Americans in Family and Community. Academic classes will be taught by instructors from the Department of African American and African Studies at The Ohio State University. The curriculum will include local and out-of-town field trips to sites such as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information on the Summer Enrichment Program.
Summer Residential Program
The Summer Residential Program is designed to provide high school students with an appreciation for and an understanding of African American culture and history. Additionally, students become familiar with computers and develop a proficiency in an array of state of the art technologies. The residential aspect affords students the added opportunity to experience life on a college campus.The 2009 Summer Residential Program will convene June 22-July 2. The theme of this two-week program is "The Lowcountry: Black Culture, Literacy and History in Charleston, South Carolina." During this program, students will engage in a focused study of the Gullah culture in Charleston, South Carolina. Students will receive classroom instruction about Charleston, South Carolina; take a three-day field trip to this southern city and examine its various cultural and historical elements and discuss the literacy contributions of African Americans. For more information on the Summer Residential Programm.
Special Events
African Affairs Symposium
This one-day colloquium features a topic that is especially germane to the growing African community in the city of Columbus. The symposium is designed to bring together elements of the African and African American community in order to exchange ideas and form lasting educational and policy oriented partnerships. The 2007 symposium commemorated the thirtieth anniversary of the murder of Stephen Biko-the noted South African civil rights activist, by examining his life and work. The 2008 symposium will examine Africa in the Age of Globalization.Black Veteran's Day Salute
Every Veteran's Day, the Community Extension Center hosts a symposium that honors and examines the contributions of a Black military unit in which members of the Columbus community proudly served. Recognized units have included the Tuskegee Airmen, African American Veterans of the Vietnam War and the Vietnam War Era and Korean War and Korean War Era. In November 2009, the Community Extension Center will salute African American Women in the Military: Hardships, Triumphs, and Legacy.History of Black Columbus Conference
The purpose of the conference is to capture the historical trends and developments of yesterday, while providing food for thought regarding what might be done to create change for the better. This event is held every spring, and is sponsored by the Community Extension Center in collaboration with community members.Each year the conference recognizes several elders within Columbus's African American community who have led efforts for social change. During the 2006 conference pioneers were recognized for their distinguished work in the field of education.
The 2008 conference focused on The Health of the Black Family: Mind Body and Spirit and addressed some of the most vital issues affecting the health of the Black family. The 2009 conference examined the Black Freedom Struggle in Columbus: From the Jim Crow Era to the Black Power Movement.
Lecture Series
A series of presentations from scholars and authors about topics that impact the community. Lectures are held during Autumn, Winter and Spring Quarters.Continuing Education
OSU Credit Courses
Quarterly for-credit, graduate and undergraduate courses are offered at the Community Extension Center in collaboration with various departments at OSU, including African American and African Studies, and the departments of English and Math. These courses provide an alternative for traditional and non-traditional students who may find it difficult to access campus due to work schedules, parking or locale. For more information on OSU Credit Courses.The Ray Miller Institute for Change and Leadership
The Ray Miller Institute for Change & Leadership is a 10-week course designed to cultivate the knowledge and skills necessary for effective leadership. Each session of the Institute is taught using a multi-disciplinary approach to leadership focusing on the areas of business, government and nonprofit. Leadership sessions are facilitated by Senator Ray Miller (Ohio 15th District, Columbus).In 2008 the Columbus City Council recognized and honored the Ray Miller Institute for Change and Leadership for its outstanding service in the area of workforce development in the city of Columbus.
