Cornel West Academy of Excellence

The Cornel West Academy of Excellence (CWAE) is a leadership program that addresses many of the needs of minority male elementary and middle school students in Wake/Johnston/Durham Counties. CWAE consists of program components that are used to address crucial issues affecting young minority male students. Unfortunately young African American boys are disproportionately suspended, more often they deal with violence and gang activities, they are statistically being raised in single parent households more than any other demographic, and they are lacking role-models. Literacy, Mathematics, Mentoring, and Critical Thinking are the core components used to address some of these issues. The academy provides its services to 35 African American male elementary and middle school students in Wake/Johnston/Durham Counties.

The academy uses a holistic approach while working with the young men participating in the group. Since there is no single solution to the issues affecting young African American males, the academy uses innovative programs and curriculums to challenge the young men to see the world as a place of equality and opportunity. The educational and social opportunities available to them must be sought after with determination and perseverance. The academy believes that in order to reach the students, they must be challenged and exposed to different things. The young men must be taught the true importance of education and how it will determine their future livelihood and success.

The overall goal of the academy is to provide supplemental educational programs, mentoring, and civic engagement programs to the young men participating in the academy. To improve the students' comprehension and writing skills, the Hip Hop Educational Literacy Program (H.E.L.P.) is used. H.E.L.P. is a literacy program that uses Hip-Hop music lyrics to capture and hold the attentions of students. The program meets all the standards of the National Education Association. To improve critical thinking, self-esteem, and cognitive skills, the academy will form the Sankofa Chess Club and participate in a LEGO Robotics Program. The club will serve as the foundation for the students to learn and compete at the game of chess. The organization uses the game to teach the young men that they must be accountable and responsible for their decisions and actions. Studies have shown that chess increases student achievement and thinking skills. The club will work towards participating in local and statewide chess tournaments. The LEGO Robotics Program will introduce the young men logical thinking. The program will teach the young men to follow step by step instructions and it will improve their logical thinking skills. The Dare To Be King (DTBK) mentoring program is used to help the young men deal with violence and other emotional issues affecting them. The mentoring program serves as anti-gang, anti-gun, and anti-violence prevention tools. Through community collaborations, the group will be exposed to several different aspects of education, employment, community service, philanthropy, and physical fitness activities.