EVANSVILLE, IND. (05/08/2024) The University of Evansville (UE) proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking SPRINGBOARD program, aimed at providing students with comprehensive support and resources to accelerate their academic and professional success. The program is a three-week summer initiative provided by the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CDEI). This program begins on July 8 and ends on July 25, and will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday-Thursday.

Designed to empower students to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape, the SPRINGBOARD program offers a platform that integrates academic learning, career development, and personal growth. With a focus on fostering innovation, creativity, and adaptability, this initiative equips students with the skills and mindset needed to excel in their chosen fields.

SPRINGBOARD’s layered approach encompasses various elements such as experiential learning opportunities, mentorship programs, and personalized career guidance. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on experiences and real-world applications, students gain valuable insights and practical skills that prepare them for future leadership roles.

“We are thrilled to introduce the SPRINGBOARD program as a transformative initiative to support our students’ journey towards success,” said Apryl Weatherford, Director of Youth Programs. “In today’s rapidly changing world, it is essential to provide our students with more than just academic knowledge. We offer a holistic approach to education, empowering students to realize their full potential and make a meaningful impact in society.”

The SPRINGBOARD program offers a dynamic support system allowing students to develop critical thinking skills while bridging theory with practice. They benefit from mentorship opportunities with industry professionals and alumni, gaining valuable guidance and networking connections. The program provides personalized career development resources, including coaching and workshops, to help students navigate their career paths effectively. Students are encouraged to participate in service projects, fostering social responsibility and leadership skills.

Students will also participate in myL.I.F.E., a comprehensive three-day, two-night youth conference designed for both SPRINGBOARD participants and local community youths. The conference will feature engaging breakout sessions focused on various themes including mySELF, myFUTURE, myCOMMUNITY, and myLEVEL UP SERIES.

Under mySELF, attendees will explore topics such as wellness, balance, active lifestyles, and both negative and positive mindsets. The myFUTURE sessions will cover college readiness, career development, and financial success.In myCOMMUNITY, participants will delve into the importance of family relationships, the value of community service, and strategies for keeping our community safe, including addressing issues like gang violence. Additionally, they will discuss concepts such as loving thy neighbor, valuing shared spaces, and embracing diversity.

Lastly, the myLEVEL UP SERIES will include sessions tailored specifically for different groups such as myGIRLS only, myFELLAS only, and myIDENTITY, which will focus on gender-neutral topics. Through these sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of themselves, their futures, their communities, and their identities.

UE is committed to empowering students for success in today’s rapidly changing world, shaping them into innovative thinkers and global citizens. For more information about the SPRINGBOARD program and how to get involved, please visit https://www.evansville.edu/springboard/.

The University of Southern Indiana’s Art and Design Department within the College of Liberal Arts will offer the first National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accredited Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art in the region beginning in Fall 2024.

This program will provide students who wish to remain within a 90-mile radius of Evansville an opportunity to pursue a professional-level art degree.

“We are excited about the BFA because it offers our students an opportunity for more in-depth study of the mediums they work with during their time at USI,” says Dr. Sara Christensen Blair, Chair of USI’s Art and Design Department. “The BFA curriculum will also prepare students for both graduate school and professional creative careers.”

The BFA in Art allows students to explore a depth of artistic endeavors and a breadth of art historical and theoretical approaches to the discipline. As a professional degree, students can investigate visual and aesthetic discourse in both their own artistic practice as well as in the context of history and contemporary culture.

Dedicated to preparing students for their futures as professional artists and designers, the BFA provides students with the resources to be successful in the fields of art and design. The curriculum is designed to cultivate students’ artistic vision, visual literacy, aesthetic inquiry, technical skills and demonstrated expertise in verbal and written communication.

BFA Concentrations to be offered are:

• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Interactive Media
• Photography
• Studio Art

To learn more about the BFA, visit the College of Liberal Arts webpage. For questions, contact Dr. Sara Christensen Blair