Path To Excellence Program

21st Century Pathways to Excellence Program

The 21st Century Pathways to Excellence Program (PEP) is currently offered at Dyett High School. PEP is a pro-active youth training and development initiative geared towards youth, ages 14-19. The focus of PEP is to provide effective, innovative, holistic and safe after school programming for youth, in an effort to reduce negative behavior and increase the educational, leadership, life, and employment skills of each youth. PEP provides its participants with a solid comprehensive foundation for positive development, and creates an integrated system of educational, vocational, interpersonal, and cultural and leadership opportunities.

21st Century Pathways to Excellence Program at A Glance

Academic Component

The academic component includes both individual and group sessions focusing on reading, math, language arts, and college preparation. Peer tutors are used to enhance students' learning opportunities.

Non-Academic Component

· Female Mentoring Group - Personal Development

This component is designed to empower, motivate, and uplift teenage girls. The course outline addresses self-improvement, leadership, personal goals, family life, and other issues.

· Male Mentoring Group - Personal Development

The male mentoring group teaches young men how to assert themselves, responsibly and effectively, in order to initiate positive and productive changes within themselves, their families, and their communities.

· Digital Media Arts

Throughout the school year, students engage in both digital photography and filmmaking as a means of self expression. This component covers media literacy, equipment operation, lighting, story development, technique, and editing.

· Employment Skills Training

Through employment skills training, students learn about interviewing techniques, how to properly fill out job applications, effective resumes, appropriate professional attitude and dress, and the importance of self-improvement. Students who successfully complete this component will be eligible for summer employment placements.

· Entrepreneurship and Financial Management

In this component, students develop responsible attitudes and habits regarding finances. Students learn to create a business plan, while also learning about saving and budgeting, wealth building, and consumer credit status.

· African Music and Dance

In collaboration with MUNTU Dance Theatre of Chicago, students learn the history of African music and dance. Students build confidence, creative expression, stamina, and control while exploring various forms, styles, and techniques of traditional African Dance.

· Stepping

Stepping 101 teaches the art of Chicago-style stepping. Students learn basic and intermediate steps and turns, as well as how to lead and follow a partner.

· Jazz Band

In collaboration with the existing Dyett High School band program, a new jazz band

has been introduced through the program to engage students in additional musical

genres.