College of Saint Mary Hosts 16th Annual Latina Summer Academy
OMAHA, NEB. – College of Saint Mary hosted its 16th Annual Latina Summer Academy from June 11 - 16. The week-long opportunity invited Latina girls, entering their sophomore or junior year of high school, to campus for engaging activities centered around art, science, and the development of mind, body, and spirit. Camp participants were guided throughout the week by a highly-qualified CSM team of bilingual faculty and staff.
“We are excited to offer programs like this that empower young women, promote self-discovery, and tap into the power of experiential learning,” said College of Saint Mary President Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM. “CSM is committed to creating opportunities for women to excel in our inclusive community, and this is an excellent opportunity to spur personal growth while instilling a spirit of service in a group of talented high school students.”
The focus of this year’s event was on the science of food, incorporating classes, interactive learning opportunities, and community outreach programs. With morning classes focusing on a range of courses, such as microbiology, parasites, and entomology, campers engaged in hands-on, service-driven learning through trips to an organic farm and participating in a community service project with Girls Inc.
“By creating opportunities for students to make a difference in the lives of others, we enable them to see the impact they can have on their communities,” said President Stevens. “It’s yet another program that has been created to help nurture life-long learning and self-discovery through active engagement.”
In addition to promoting knowledge through action, the event was designed as an opportunity to embolden and inspire girls. The camp tapped into the experience of 15 Latina leaders from the Omaha area, who joined campers for mentoring opportunities and dinner. Special guest speakers enlightened participants about essential nutritional advancements, and how food can directly impact the health of families. Participants also attended self-defense seminars and had chances to discover the power of self-reflection and discovery through dancing, writing, and community service projects.
Additionally, the camp took advantage of both the intimate on-campus setting of CSM and broader resources throughout the community. Participants had the opportunity to experience the unique warmth of College of Saint Mary by staying in one of the on-campus residential halls throughout the week. They also experienced a variety of local venues, including those within the performing arts, by taking a trip to a production of “Beauty & the Beast” at the Omaha Community Playhouse.
College of Saint Mary’s week-long Latina Summer Academy, made possible through the support of Weitz Funds and First National Bank, culminated with a family-inclusive graduation event and picnic on Friday. For more information about College of Saint Mary’s 16th Annual Latina Summer Academy and other opportunities at College of Saint Mary, visit CSM.edu.
