"Strength from Adversity": A Reading, Discussion, and Mentorship Program

FAIN: AB-253450-17

Albany State University (Albany, GA 31705-2796)
Timothy Sweet-Holp (Project Director: June 2016 to August 2019)

A two-year program of book discussions, field trips to museums, concerts, and historical sites as well as related creative activities on the theme of strength from adversity for twenty-five General Education Development students paired with twenty-five Albany State University undergraduate adult learners.

The idea of “strength from adversity” is a central theme in the Humanities and it is expressed within great works of literature, art, music, history and philosophy. The underlying theme of our project, reflected in the selected readings and activities, is one of understanding and overcoming adversity. Our project impacts students actively working on earning their General Educational Development (GED) and others that are currently enrolled in college, who have been sidetracked by adversity, such as poverty. By pairing the students, and then introducing them to literature, performing arts, fine arts, and history, our program enhances their capacity to better understand their experiences and how those experiences are often shared by others. In addition, authors that have overcome adversity will share their stories and lead book discussions.