Dr. Jeanette Davidson addresses KIPP visitors.

Members of Dr. Gaetane Jean-Marie's class "African American Education in the United States" welcomed students from the Knowledge is Power Program to the campus of OU on October 19th for a tour and an interactive class.

Dr. Jean-Marie was contacted by Principal Tracy McDaniel, who expressed an interest in bringing his students to the campus. He wanted to give his students an opportunity to experience the college classroom and have exposure to the college environment.

Twenty-five 6th and 7th grade students were welcomed to campus by Marcus Bivines, OU track star and first year law student, who gave a motivational talk. The students then toured the campus before attending the AFAM class. OU students were appointed to two groups, focusing on specific issues relating to the education of African Americans. One group presented a historical analysis of Affirmative Action and the other group gave a presentation on Historically Black College and Universities, known as HBCU's.

"Students were encouraged to ask questions regarding the subject matter of each presentation," said Dr. Jean-Marie. "Many of the KIPP students asked thought-provoking questions to the presenters and gave my students an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience to future college students. It was a great learning opportunity for all involved."

Dr. Jeanette Davidson, director of African and African American Studies, says outreach is an important part of program. "I feel very strongly about having this kind of interaction with organizations in the community,especially those that sow seeds with kids," said Davidson. "To see the faces of these students as they realize they can succeed in college is a wonderful experience."

Dr. Jean-Marie is looking forward to extending the activity to future classes. She also is planning on her students visiting the KIPP Academy in the future.

Knowledge is Power Program is a national non-profit organization with an open-enrollment school in the Oklahoma City area. It is a high-performing college-preparatory public school where students develop the knowledge, skills and character to succeed in high schools and colleges. The schools are placed in educationally under-served communities and have helped students receive more than $18 million dollars in scholarship money for college over the past nine years. For more information on the program, visit their Web site.