Education & K-12

Auburn University Environmental Institute’s (AUEI) Black Belt Environmental Science and Arts Program (BBESAP) reaches out to underserved youth in the Black Belt region of Alabama (2005)
BBESAP reaches out to underserved youth in the Black Belt region of Alabama. It is an off-campus environmental education project designed to increase the appreciation, knowledge and conservation of natural resources by the region’s students and teachers.  The program targets students (grades 5-8) in the Black Belt region and provides special outdoor classroom field days, offering educational opportunities and career development exposure in a non-traditional setting. Since its inception, the program has operated in Wilcox County at the Black Freedmen’s Living Historical Farm for Children operated by Ms Ellen Byrd.

ACES* 4-H and Youth Development
As a result of ACES 4-H and Youth Development and Teens Getting Involved for the Future (TGIF) program, 9th through 12th graders in Choctaw and Monroe counties have made tremendous strides in preparing themselves educationally and socially for the future and avoiding teenage pregnancy.

Science In Motion (1994)

West Alabama Learning Coalition (1995)
The West Alabama Learning Coalition is designed to improve educational levels while promoting economic and community development. Developed by the AU College of Education's Truman Pierce Institute and endowed by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, the coalition brings proven educational methods through partnerships with public schools, institutions of higher learning and businesses. The coalition includes Auburn University, Tuskegee University, University of South Alabama, University of West Alabama, Bevill State Community College, Reid State Technical College and Concordia working with Black Belt county schools. Initiatives include, but are not limited to, internship programs, on-site college classes, expanded field-based experiences for pre-interns, teaching strategy diversification, research expansion activities linked to school-based problems and increased student performance. Contact: Dr. Cindy Reed, Director, Truman Pierce Institute (334) 844-4488.

Summer Camp Scholarships (1996)

ACES* BEEing Better Dads (1997)
This program conducted in Choctaw and Wilcox counties is funded by the Children's Trust Fund. The goal of this program is to pair non-custodial fathers with extension program assistants and utilize research based parenting curricula to assist them with becoming better fathers. There have been more than 26 fathers to participate in this program. Additionally, the benefits to the children's lives as well as the fathers' personal development has been enormous. Contact: Ms. Elaine Shields, Alabama Cooperative Extension System at AU, (334) 844-4444.

Sowing Seeds of Hope (1999)
Sowing Seeds of Hope is a peoples partnership between Perry County and the Alabama Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF). This partnership was born out of the 25th Chapter of Matthew which contains a powerful teaching about the judgement of God. Overall, this partnership is aimed at improving the quality of living in Perry County by improving the educational system. Through improving the educational system job training will be consistent with local job needs. According to Dr. Wayne Flynt, Distinguished University Professor at Auburn University, "members of Sowing Seeds of Hope are committed to working with the people of Perry County, not at them or for them or toward them. Dr. Wayne Flynt, Distinguished Auburn University Professor and Dr. Robert Montjoy, Assistant Vice President for Auburn University Outreach, serve on the advisory board of Sowing Seeds of Hope. Contact: Dr. Royrickers Cook, Assistant Vice President for University Outreach (334) 844-5700.

Surplus Property Program (2001)
Created in June of 2001, and coordinated by Auburn University's Office of the Vice President for University Outreach, the Truman Pierce Institute and the Office of Surplus Property, this program was created and designed to provide assistance to K-12 school systems throughout the state of Alabama by allowing the schools to retain surplus property. Examples of equipment made available to school systems include, but is not limited to, chairs, cabinets, tables, computer systems, printers, monitors, typewriters and fax machines. Since June of 2001, approximately 550 items have been donated to Alabama public school systems.

Throughout the duration of this program, the following counties have received equipment: Barbour, Blount, Calhoun, Chamber, Conecuh, Dallas, Dekalb, Elmore, Hale, Houston, Hayneville, Jefferson, Lee, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, Sumter and Tallapoosa. Based on feedback from school systems that have participated in this program, donated equipment has provided much needed assistance . For example, numerous teachers have asserted that the equipment (e.g., computers, printers and typewriters) has enabled many of them to type their own test and improve preparation, teaching and planning. Also, thousands of books have been donated to various school systems through this program. Contact(s): Dr. Cindy Reed, Director, Truman Pierce Institute (334) 844-4488.Dr. Royrickers Cook, Assistant Vice President for University Outreach (334) 844-5700.

Leadership Institute for K-8 Teachers in Discrete Math (2002)
This program was designed for 8th grade math teachers in discrete mathematics. The program was conducted over eight days during the Summer of 2002 in Mosses, Lowndes County, and also involved teachers from Dallas county. The impact and feedback from this program has been very positive therefore warranting the development of follow-up sessions in surrounding counties. Teachers from numerous counties are registered to attend Summer 2003 and future sessions. Contact: Dr. Chris Rodger, Professor Discrete Statistical Science (334) 844-3746.

Dr. Mae Jemison Science Education Lecture (2002)
Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut to travel into outer space, delivered a lecture to area and West Alabama (e.g., Wilcox, Perry, Lowndes and Macon) K-12 students on the importance of science education as it relates to technology, exploration and societal responsibility. In addition to focusing on the importance of science education, Dr. Jemison stressed to the students the need for them to become who they intend to be. Approximately, 400 of Alabama's K-12 students attended this lecture. Contact: Dr. Royrickers Cook, Assistant Vice President for University Outreach (334) 844-5700.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (2003)
Based in New York City, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is an award winning dance company that has performed for over 19,000,000 viewers worldwide, and is considered by many to be one of America's most acclaimed international cultural ambassadors. Auburn University partnered with the Opelika Arts Association, and brought Alvin Ailey II to Auburn University's campus. Ailey II performed for area and West Alabama (e.g., Lowdnes, Perry, and Macon counties) K-12 students. Student performances were interactive and allowed students to ask questions, participate in routines and fully understand the importance of dance, as it relates to body movement and overall physical fitness. Approximately, 1300 of Alabama's K-12 students attended this lecture. Contact: Dr. Royrickers Cook, Assistant Vice President for University Outreach (334) 844-5700.

*Alabama Cooperative Extension System