A restructured summer camp began Tuesday at Black Hills State University for the GEAR UP program for Native American students.
The public scandal seemed far away today as about a 100 Native American students came together for the GEAR UP Summer camp. In her fourth camp, Rosebud High School senior Latoya Douville could see some differences from the past.
"The old GEAR UP, we used to be able to pick classes that we were going to take in the fall, and this year we're picking classes to do our math test," she said.
More than that changed when the program relocated to Black Hills State University, with new directors, many new teachers, more requirements for group leaders and tougher standards.
"It's more academically rigorous," says Murray Lee, statewide summer program coordinator. "It prepares them for college, through math, science, language arts, college pre-course, technology course. So I really feel positive and very strong about how we're setting them up to take that next step after high school. And even as they go through high school."
Despite its past problems, Oglgla Lakota College instructor Whitnee Thorp says she didn't hesitate to join the GEAR UP program as part of the teaching staff, with a focus on literacy.
"I thought this would be a time for the students to really step up and showcase what they know, and also showcase that they're much more than any of the stereotypes and or possibly backlash that happened in the past."
GEAR UP staff say the summer camp will be more structured, more rigorous and more accountable, but there's also another essential ingredient here, too.
"They're going to have fun," Lee said. "We're having fun. We're so glad they're here."
At a place where fun and learning come together.
GEAR UP staffers say the higher level of accountability will include the way they monitor and report achievements to gauge how effective GEAR UP truly is in helping students.
The public scandal seemed far away today as about a 100 Native American students came together for the GEAR UP Summer camp. In her fourth camp, Rosebud High School senior Latoya Douville could see some differences from the past.
"The old GEAR UP, we used to be able to pick classes that we were going to take in the fall, and this year we're picking classes to do our math test," she said.
More than that changed when the program relocated to Black Hills State University, with new directors, many new teachers, more requirements for group leaders and tougher standards.
"It's more academically rigorous," says Murray Lee, statewide summer program coordinator. "It prepares them for college, through math, science, language arts, college pre-course, technology course. So I really feel positive and very strong about how we're setting them up to take that next step after high school. And even as they go through high school."
Despite its past problems, Oglgla Lakota College instructor Whitnee Thorp says she didn't hesitate to join the GEAR UP program as part of the teaching staff, with a focus on literacy.
"I thought this would be a time for the students to really step up and showcase what they know, and also showcase that they're much more than any of the stereotypes and or possibly backlash that happened in the past."
GEAR UP staff say the summer camp will be more structured, more rigorous and more accountable, but there's also another essential ingredient here, too.
"They're going to have fun," Lee said. "We're having fun. We're so glad they're here."
At a place where fun and learning come together.
GEAR UP staffers say the higher level of accountability will include the way they monitor and report achievements to gauge how effective GEAR UP truly is in helping students.