Motivated high school students from the inner-city who have been admitted to one of two teaching magnet programs in the Dade County Public Schools. These courses provide opportunities for participating students to study and challenge the status quo, refine language and literacy skills, research local ethnic diversity, study about individuals with special needs, develop critical thinking skills, and respond to issues of racism, discrimination, sexism, handicaps, U.S. immigration policy, and cultural plurality. Instruction in the four courses actively engages students in learning and includes library and community research. Courses incorporate visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactual instructional options.
Groups also spend time on field trips within the community.
The program has a follow-up component for students during the summer prior to their senior year in high school. The faculty for SummerLink is composed entirely of undergraduate college of education students. This student faculty presents a strong and positive view of individuals committed to the teaching profession. SummerLink aims to impact education by illustrating that students can take charge of their own education. The program challenges traditional ideology about who can teach and who can learn.