TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama Center for Ethics & Social Responsibility has joined with Tuscaloosa’s Westlawn Middle and Central High Schools to launch Tuscaloosa Academic Enrichment on Monday, June 11.

A group of 20 incoming Central High School freshmen will receive literacy and language instruction along with afternoon enrichment activities consisting of hands-on recreational exercises that involve participants in everyday uses of science, physics, engineering and math, while also emphasizing the importance of history and civic engagement.

The program will be held June 11-29, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. with activities at both schools.

Using research-based approaches and models of effective practice, Tuscaloosa Academic Enrichment strives to ensure that academically at-risk incoming Tuscaloosa high school freshmen have access to high quality academic and cultural learning opportunities during the summer months.

This program, under the direct supervision of the UA Center for Ethics & Social Responsibility, is an opportunity for the University and the Tuscaloosa City School System to form a collaborative partnership and provide a learning experience that prepares young people for challenging school work and productive citizenship.

Meals and transportation will be provided by Tuscaloosa City Schools and academic instruction will provided by University staff and graduate students through a service-learning summer course taught by Dr. Lisa Scherff. Some afternoon activities include a tour of the Mercedes Plant, a visit to the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum, a college interest day, and art lessons provided by UA art students. Two college mentors will serve as leaders to the program under the direct supervision of CE&SR.

Tuscaloosa Academic Enrichment is a collaborative effort between the University of Alabama, the Tuscaloosa City School System, the Mayor of Tuscaloosa, the Arts Council of Tuscaloosa and other area businesses and community partners.

For more information on Tuscaloosa Academic Enrichment and the work of the Center for Ethics & Social Responsibility, contact cesr@ua.edu or call 205/348-6490.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.