Atlanta Church Provides Summer Enrichment Program in Science, Technology and Math
by Adventist Today News Team
Many Adventist churches will offer a week of Vacation Bible School this summer, but one is providing three weeks of intensive enrichment in science, technology and mathematics (STEM). Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church in Atlanta is one of the largest historically African American congregations in the denomination and the largest Adventist church in the metropolitan area. ESMART Summer Academy is being offered this month through Berean Christian Junior Academy, the K-8 school sponsored by the church.
ESMART means "enrichment through science, math, athletics, and research training," program director Alina Mitchell told Adventist Today. She was previously a faculty member in the Ben Carson Science Academy at Morehouse School of Medicine where improved scores in math and science through enrichment programs were documented. "We want young people to develop a love for science and math," she stated.
A total of 18 children ages 10 through 13 in grades five through eight are attending from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. each day. The program will be expanded in the summer of 2014. "In the mornings they do science and math courses, studying marine science, biology, physics, chemistry and environmental science, Mitchell explained. Mentors help students with individualized math lessons based on a pre-test, as well as lead team building and character development activities. In the afternoons, students learn martial arts and play team sports.
Field trips are a regular part of the program. On one trip students took a Discover Scuba Diving course at a diving center. On another trip they participated in a service project at MedShare International, packing 4,000 pounds of medical supplies for an overseas emergency. They will tour the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and participate in a Public Health Day sponsored by a representative from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), among other events.
Families pay a total of $450 for the materials, lunch, field trips and a T-shirt. There is a ten percent discount for families with more than one child in the program, and parents get a $25 credit if they refer a child from another family who signs up. The church began advertizing the program early in the spring.
This is an 'awesome science/math enrichment program' The Lord is truly blessing our students spiritually and academically! Thank you for a writing such a beautiful article about empowering our children.
E.S.M.A.R.T. is an incredible experience I wish every youth could have!! Math & Science at its finest–our son enjoys the daily (fun) challenges!! We plan to attend next year! :o)
Outstanding!!! This is an amazing program for my daughter. She is engaged daily on subjects that challenge her mind to grow and gain more knowledge. E.S.M.A.R.T is not the usual "keep my child busy" type of camp.It is an addition to the school year. My daughter is excited to attend everyday and when I pick her up, she is filled with wonderful reports of the day's activities. The balance of learning with an addition of a morning devotion makes this an idea program. I also love the fact that the children participate in physical activities such as martial arts and other fitness activites. The chosen fieldtrips are appropriate for the theme of the learning program. Ms Mithell is an awesome and bright director who encourages the students. All of the program staff are great too. I feel confident that my child is in a safe and reliable environment. We know that we are fortunate to have found this program and we hope to experience it next summer.
Sounds like a great educational experience for three weeks in the summer. Just think what could happen if they did this for 39 weeks each year? And maybe did a few weeks of "school" in the summer to "keep my child busy"?
As a child I was very immersed in STEM at home and mostly bored in school. Unfortunately most elementary school teachers are not, and never have been, immersed in STEM. So I am amazed that this church/school was able to staff this program. Not many could pull this off.
This is such a wonderful program. I had the opportunity to observe some parts of the program. The students were engaged and seemed to be excited about participating in ESMART. I also had the grand opportunity to join the group on the scuba diving course excursion. It was totally awesome!
Great job Director Alina Mitchell and staff! May God continue to bless this program.
Excellent program. Needs to be offered at least 2 weeks per month during the summer. Our children need to stay in the disciplined "learning"mode. It's preparation for life.
This is an awesome program! I especially like the thought of intense concentration in Math and Science, my daughter tends not to like math as much so this is a great opportunity for her to hopefully learn different aspects and techniques of it, kudos Ms. Mitchell for encouraging me to put my daughter in this program, I believe she will be a well prepared student when she returns to school in the fall. Also kudos to the staff as well for sharing their time with the students this summer!
Great program! Very organized and the children really enjoy being there! Staff is wonderful!!
This is an outstanding summer program with a good balance of academics and sports. I registered my children and I couldn't be more pleased. The program gives them an opportunity to learn valuable math and science skills to use for the upcoming school year. They have been introduced to careers in public health which they had no knowledge of before. Thanks Ms. Mitchell for your hard work and dedication to the students.
I worked under Alina Mitchell at the Morehouse School of Medicine/Ben Carson Science Academy and I was pleased with her level of professionalism and organization. Her dedication to education and students give her the passion to make programs not only challenging, but fun. Outside of work, Alina maintains a solid reputation among her peers and church. Her personality and character draws people to her and makes it easy for others to trust her with their children and students. Thank you Ms. Mitchell for all that you do.
Great summer program! I love the balance of math, science as well as sports. (Three of my son's favorites.) He loves the program and looks forward to the math challenges and science experments. E.M.A.R.T. uses techniques that are both educational and fun which I believe enhances the learning experience for youth.
In all my years in the Adventist Education System, I have not seen a academic program so beneficial to our Christian youth. This program should be included in our curriculum for the better education of our children. This Summer program is not enough, we need this nationally and throughout the school year. Kudos to Ms. Mitchell for allowing the Lord to use her in this capacity. God Bless Her, she is the teacher of the future!
Bill M
A supportive Education & Church community, along with visionary and demanding educators and Parents create environments which will nurture and mold tomorrows Servant Leaders.
This is a GREAT Summer Enrichment Program!!! My son is quite excited when he returns home daily talking of the interactive activities, particularly in Science, Math, and Sports. The well thought out field trips just adds to this wonderful summer camp experience. I would hope ESMART Enrichment Summer Program is entented and becomes an annual program. I appreacate all staff, especially Ms. Mitchell for coordinating such an AWESOME program.
Be Blessed from a Pleased Parent!!!
This program was awesome!! My daughter was sceptical at first about school during the summer but after starting she was excited about going each morning. It was very organized and the staff did a great job of motivating the students to excel!