Teen Scene

2011-2012 Teen Scene After School Program Kicks Off

After a great summer of fitness, food, fun and travel, the Teen Scene is now ready to kick off its 2011-2012 After School Program, Tuesday, September 6, 2011. Due to budget cuts, the After School Program will look a little different from previous years. For example, the hours are Monday-Thursday, 3:00-5:45 p.m.

The program is seeking students who are more "desire-driven," which means we expect students to put forth an effort to do their best academically to reap the fun rewards of the program. These are students who will be used in a leadership capacity to address youth issues in the community as advocates. In light of the rash of recent teen violence in the Macon community, the porgram will develop leaders to address the concerns specific to the youth in Macon. The first semester will focus on homework assistance, reading and math.

The enrolled students of the program will kick off the After School Program by attending the Governor's Office for Children and Families' "Beyond the Hall: Back to School Youth Summit," Saturday, September 10, 2011. This invitation only event is a day of "edutainment" with 1000 teenagers from around the state, nationally known speakers, a D.J., food, dancing and door prizes like: a cell phone with one year of service, laptop and printer, and a digital camera & SD card. Each teenager will also receive a back-bag with gifts and a T-shirt.

A highlight of the program this year will include a partnership with Georgia College and State University's Nursing and Drama Departments, who will produce "Teen Theater." The nursing students and teens will select issues like sex, drugs and alcohol, peer pressure, etc. to incorporate in a skit. The drama students will work with the teens to develop the script and acting. Dr. Sallie Coke, Assistant Professor of Nursing, and Dr. Karen Berman, Associate Professor, Chair and Artistic Director of Theatre Programs will lead this project.

We will continue our cultural activities by attending the Montgomery, Alabama Civil Rights sites and Tuskegee Institute in October, Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity," Atlanta Mall and dinner in December. Students will also participate in various community service projects.

For more information, please contact the Teen Scene at (478) 751-3398. Office hours for the Teen Scene are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.