MENTOR
Programs
History
PROGRAM
In 2022 the Ivy House partnered with Mott Community College (MCC) which was most instrumental in the success of our first Teen Girls and Moms Conference. Mott Community College contributed funding and personnel resources to support the preparation and implementation of the conference activities. Additionally, MCC gifted a 2-year scholarship to a conference participant making a huge impact in her life while allowing The Ivy House an opportunity to introduce this program to the community.
This initiative “Let’s Do B.R.U.N.C.H.” (Becoming, Resilient, Unique, Nurturing, Committed, Healthy) - is the expanded format and approach in direct response to this feedback shared. The feedback provided by conference participants was overwhelmingly positive - with 98% of those completing the post-conference survey reporting that they believed the day’s activities were engaging and informative. At the same time, responses to the “what changes/ revisions/ additions would you recommend for our next conference?”, from those completing the survey provided multiple recommendations on how the program could be enhanced to provide a richer, more comprehensive personal growth learning experience.
Furthermore, “Let’s Do B.R.U.N.C.H.” participants were invited to serve on the planning committee, with selection being intentional to include and reflect various teenage groups, thus ensuring that the “voices” of those we seek to serve will be in the room, with a true seat at the planning table.
Overview
PROGRAM
Let’s Do B.R.U.N.C.H. is an empowerment workshop series serving teen girls and their mothers in the Flint and Genesee County area. Participants will receive instruction in life skills, leadership, technology, entrepreneurship, academic tutoring, literacy workshops, college preparation sessions and career development advisories. Eligible applicants are teen girls who are enrolled in middle school or high school between the ages of twelve and seventeen.
By changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons and helping them to empower themselves, “Let’s Do B.R.U.N.C.H.” builds self-esteem and self-worth of young girls. It is our primary goal to enrich the lives of girls through mentorship, arts education, cultural exploration and public service. These young ladies are offered access to enrichment programs and opportunities that places special emphasis on personal development through the arts and cooperative learning.
We feel that by capturing their attention now, in their formative years, this Teen Girl Empowerment program supports exploring STEM and non-traditional career/employment opportunities to increase generational wealth, while reinforcing the message that young girls do not need to objectify themselves or relinquish their autonomy.
Most workshops take place at The Ivy House located at
1908 Robert T. Longway Boulevard, Flint, Michigan 48503.
Series
WORKSHOP
BECOMING: “Who Am I- Exploring My Gifts, Talents, & Goals”
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Understanding and recognizing your abilities and skills
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Matching your gifts and talents to a career
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Look at how you can determine your gifts, identify natural and acquired talents, and determine how they could impact your future
RESILIENT: “I am an Overcomer”
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What does it mean to be an overcomer?
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·Why is resilience important?
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Resilience begins with failure!
UNIQUE: “Likes Don’t Matter – Let Me Be Me!”
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Is being called “unique” a compliment or an insult?
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How to boost your confidence
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How to develop your self-esteem
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NURTURING: “Finer Womanhood – Exemplifying Social Grace & Class”
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Understanding the use and purpose of good social graces
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Proper table etiquette and telephone etiquette
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How to build healthy relationships through good social graces
COMMITTED: “Think Like a Boss”
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Developing a growth mindset!
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Understanding basic life finances
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Leadership skills for students
HEALTHY: “My Personal Pathway to Life-Long Wellness”
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Developing healthy habits
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Keys to building a healthy eating pattern
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What is physical health and how to develop it
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Learning what is and how good emotional, mental, and physical health will help me become the best me.
Other topics to be covered:
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Self Esteem, Self-Confidence, Self-Worthy
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·Life Skills: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Time Management, Financial Literacy
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Conquer Negative Thinking
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Dealing with ANXIETY & WORRY
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Cooking & Nutrition
It’s not about being perfect. It’s not about where you get yourself in the end. There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice."
— Michelle Obama, "Becoming"
Empower
Growth
PROGRAM
History
AKA-Teens was established by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Beta Omega Chapter in 1982. The name was changed to Akettes in 1988. The Akettes Youth Group is our longest standing program. Members are recruited from high schools throughout the Genesee County area. The purpose of Akettes is to promote academic excellence, build social skills, increase cultural awareness, and strengthen character.
The members are required to attend group meetings, participate in community service, and engage in sisterly relations and enrichment activities. The young ladies participate in local community programs and volunteer with various community organizations. These experiences teach the members the importance of giving back and supporting their community.
PROGRAM
Overview
We currently have fourteen members who live in, and attend school, throughout Genesee County, including, Grand Blanc High School, Genesee Early College, Carman-Ainsworth High School, and E.A. Johnson High School. This is an exceptional group of young ladies who are diligently striving for academic excellence, increasing their understanding of sisterhood, and developing a strong sense of community. It is the diligent work of the chapter members and community support that has allowed us to maintain such an outstanding program.
2023 – 2024 Officers
Elle Leonard | President
Taylor Jones | Secretary
Sidnee Leonard | Treasurer
Leilah Russell | Vice President & Parliamentarian
Cassidy Towns-Boone | Assistant Secretary
Jada Patterson | Chaplain
