March 17, 2014 - A new multi-year program at the University of Memphis will expand knowledge of African and African-American history, arts and culture across educational settings through a generous gift to the University.

The African and African-American Institute is a two-part program that includes a Ghana Study Abroad Experience and the African and African-American Student Institute (AAASI). Exceptional U of M students and local high school teachers will travel to Ghana and then incorporate their experiences into a summer institute for students from local schools.

Six teachers from Shelby County public, private and charter schools and 16 U of M students will be selected for the two-week summer immersion program in Ghana. In addition to lectures and site visits, participants will take part in service learning activities at the Ho Airfield School in the Volta region of Ghana. The teachers and U of M students will develop a curriculum based on their experiences.

The AAASI offers high school students a two-week program on the U of M campus in July, conducted by participants from the Ghana study abroad trip. The Institute will feature in-class instruction, guest lectures, tours of historical sites in Memphis, and cultural and arts experiences. The students may earn dual enrollment credit for both high school and college.

“The African and African-American Institute is guided by the African proverb ‘Those who learn must teach,’” said Dr. Beverly Cross, co-director of the Institute and holder of the Lillian and Morrie Moss Chair in Urban Education. “Thus, University of Memphis students and faculty and several school teachers will travel to Ghana to study abroad and will then return to teach area high school students about the history, arts and literature connecting their lives to Africa. This program will enhance the connection of the University to the community and to area schools.”

U of M students interested in the program may apply online at https://memphis.studioabroad.com/?go=ghanahistory. 

For additional information, go to www.memphis.edu/aasi.php or contact the Study Abroad Office at [email protected].

Teacher application link:

https://memphis.studioabroad.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10887

Student application link:

https://memphis.studioabroad.com/?go=AASI