A summer program of the same name offers academic enrichment in math, physics, computers and communications. The goal is to take someone who may be just a hair behind the other students and have them catch up and, hopefully, even surpass the regularly admitted students. At his school, about 78 percent of the program's students graduate, Howell said. Most are recruited for the summer program and then work with program mentors and peers throughout college. Alumni, such as the Bembrys, help the program not just by mentoring the youths, but by helping corporate executives understand the value of recruiting a diverse workforce, Howell said.
Alumni also help the program by soliciting corporate money to supplement the state dollars.
It is a reality. It is a fact of life. Don't get dragged down by buying into stereotypes or blaming others for flaws in the system, he tells students. Focus on your craft. No one can take that away from you.