September 2003 to June 2004

Underrepresented Minority Students (African American, Native American, Latino and Pacific Islander)

The foundation for the EMPOWER program took the form of a class project for a Women/Ethnic Studies course. Following the passage of Initiative 200, a group of graduate and undergraduate student activist joined together in a grassroots effort to focus on building student initiated efforts that would extend educational opportunities to economically disadvantaged students and students of color. The program would accomplish this by assisting our students to develop and enhance their leadership skills while promoting critical dialogue around issues of racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism, and religious oppression.

Students meet at UW every other Saturday for four hours starting in late September till June. During the fall quarter, students are exposed to campus life as well as make bonds with other students. For the seniors, the volunteers help them write their personal statements and critique their applications. During winter quarter, the students are assigned readings that correlate with the weekly discussions. This is the part of the program where students can express their views on social issues in a safe environment. Lastly, students organize a community event, which is open to the UW community. In the past, students held a poetry slam that attracted a diversity group people.

David Roberts at davrober@u.washington.edu or (206) 226-5989, (206) 221-2831.

Deadline is May 30.
  EMPOWER Application

None at this moment.