Young Scholars celebrate end of 2005 Summer Academy

More than 200 students from around the state that have spent the last two weeks on campus participating in Ohio State's Young Scholars Program (YSP) will mark the end of the Samuel DuBois Cook 2005 Summer Academy with an International Farewell and Academic Awards Ceremony at 8 p.m. on Friday (7/22) at the Blackwell, 2110 Tuttle Park Place.

The annual diversity celebration will give the Scholars an opportunity to explore their heritage as well as learn customs of other cultures. YSP students and staff will wear clothing that represents their heritage and areas all over the world. Activities in this immersion experience include diverse guest speakers, exploration of languages, a fashion show, and cultural dance.

The evening concludes with an awards ceremony which acknowledges top Scholars from the 2005 Academy. Scholars participating in language arts, criminal psychology, forensic science, engineering, and political science will receive awards for their work.

Ohio State's Office of Minority Affairs established the Young Scholars Program (YSP) in 1988 as a statewide model to increase the number of low-income students, including African-American, Latino/Hispanic, American Indian, and Appalachian students in their pursuit of a college degree. Through partnerships with Ohio State and the nine largest urban school districts and communities in Ohio, YSP nurtures the enormous potential of its students through academic, personal, and career development initiatives.

WHAT: YSP Summer Academy International Farewell & Awards Ceremony

WHEN: Friday (7/22) – best opportunity for media coverage is 8 to 9 p.m.

WHERE: Blackwell Inn, 2110 Tuttle Park Place

WHY: The Summer Academy is part of the Young Scholars Program, Ohio State's initiative to increase the number of urban, low-income students who attend college