PORT ANGELES — This summer brings a rare pair of weeklong, free programs, designed for local youth and celebrating Native American and Hispanic culture.
Twenty spaces are open in Peninsula College’s 2010 Latino/Chicano Summer Heritage Academy from June 21 through 25, while 20 more are open in the college’s 2010 Native American Summer Heritage Academy held the same week.
The academies are for high school juniors and seniors and for others with fewer than 45 college credits, said Deirdre Frank, their coordinator.
There is no cost to attend, but potential participants must complete application forms and submit recommendations.
The deadline originally was set for next Friday, but last Friday, it was extended to May 21.
The organizers are in high gear now, urging local Native American and Hispanic youth to look into what the academies offer.
Each academy “is unusual, and it’s an opportunity to focus on yourself and who you are,” said Maria Pena, dean of student development at Peninsula College.
The full week of activities will give each participant time to explore his or her personal and cultural identity, as well as each person’s place in the larger community, Peña added.
The academies provide “an immersion experience in culture, history, literature and traditions,” according to the college’s flier.
“Participants will also learn how to excel in their classes, how cultural identity promotes success and how to accomplish their goals.”
“La Causa: Chicano/Latino Cultural Heroes” and “Healthy Self and Positive Relationships” are among the courses within the Latino Heritage Academy, while the Native American academy includes “Empowerment and Life Skills Training,” “Oral and Written Cultural Traditions, “Finding a Voice to Tell Your Story,” and a field trip to the Makah Research & Cultural Center in Neah Bay.
Both academies will include tai chi training to help students develop physical and mental focus.
As the deadline approaches, Frank and Pena are encouraging young people to take a chance on applying.
For more details and for an application form, phone Deirdre Frank at 360-417-7992 or e-mail dfrank@pencol.edu or contact Peña at 360-417-6347 or mpena@pencol.edu.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Reporter Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at diane.urbani@ peninsuladailynews.com.
