1999 - 2000 Hawthorne Program
The Lilly Endowment funded Hawthorne Program was designed to help prepare African American and Hispanic students (grades 6-8) for college or other educational opportunities beyond high school. The Program's Mission follows:
To empower African American and Hispanic youth to tap their learning potential, increase their understanding of educational possibilities, and help them to envision themselves as future leaders.
The Summer Academic Enhancement Program was a two week residential experience held on the campus of Manchester College. It was designed to enhance the students' skills in math, science, writing, reading and drama. At the close of the two weeks, parents were invited on campus to spend the night and to attend the student-led closing program. The summer session included a weekend visit to another college or university.
Two academic institutes were held during the school year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Manchester College students hosted program participants for a weekend stay on campus. The institutes provided the middle school students a firsthand understanding of life on a college campus and enhanced their skills in a specific subject area.
Monthly educational seminars were esigned to give support and information to parents and guardians about the program. Discussions included how to prepare for and finance a college education. The meetings were held in Fort Wayne and South Bend.
Tutorial sessions were provided during the school year and were offered weekdays by partner organizations. Sessions were designed to assist students with homework and to improve study skills.
Social, cultural and educational activities were planned by the Outreach Coordinators and varied in focus to provide diverse social, cultural and educational experiences. These activities included bowling, a library tour, lectures, local college tours, community service and visits to museums. | 
