Western Academy at The Neblett, an academic enrichment program for African American and biracial males, is opening its enrollment for the 2022-23 program, and for the first time they are accept freshmen in the program.
Western Academy aims to “open their students’ horizons” to different opportunities whether it be through educational activities or through trips to other organizations in town and beyond.
The program has slowly been adding grades to the top of their acceptance and have worked to find ways to make the curriculum exciting and inviting for both the older and younger scholars. The program now accepts students in grades 3-9.
Executive Director Olga McKissic said they strive to teach the scholars — as the students are called in the program — numerous lessons about self-esteem, brotherhood, proper behavior and that they are able to be whatever they want.
They try to learn the scholars’ dreams and goals in life and provide them with the proper tools to accomplish both.
“We have two of our scholars that said that they want to be scuba divers, so we are working to connect with the Tennessee Aquatic Project out of Nashville to see if this is truly something that they want to do,” McKissic said.
Through the program, McKissic said the Western Academy strives to introduce the scholars to something they may not be normally be exposed to without the program.
Additionally, she and the mentors teach the scholars how to “stand and deliver,” whether that be public speaking or just their confidence altogether.
“One parent is wanting to bring her son back to Western Academy this year because he came in very shy, but he has found brotherhood, and now he has confidence in himself. So that they put a smile on my face,” McKissic said.
McKissic said getting the chance helping the children open up to the possibility of being anything they want is a true joy.
“It’s in my blood to help these kids. If they want to be the President of the United States, we will do what we can to help them get there because there are so many resources that are available for us,” she said.
Parents who would like to learn more can attend an interest meeting on Sept. 8 at the H.L. Neblett Community Center from 6-7 p.m.
The registration deadline is Sept. 23. McKissic said to register sooner rather than later as spots do fill fast.
