LITTLE ROCK, AR -- Just Communities of Arkansas welcomes student delegates from across Arkansas to take part in Ourtown for Teens, an annual summer leadership institute for students entering grades 10-12. The one-week residential camp will take place August 1-7 at Ferncliff Conference Center west of Little Rock.

Delegates are selected to insure a diverse group of students for the one-week residential camp, where they explore issues of stereotypes and prejudice and learn how to break down barriers that often divide us and cause misunderstanding.

Teens who attend Ourtown return to their school and communities with the knowledge and skills to create more inclusive environments within their sphere of influence.

Activities include games, skits, student and guest presentations. The topics of racial, ethnic and cultural identity, stereotypes and discrimination, gender roles and sexuality, and inter-religious respect are all part of this intensive week.

Students who have attended in the past say that their week at Ourtown was a life-changing experience. JCA Youth Programs Director Elizabeth Akama-Makia explains, "Ourtown provides a place for the feelings and opinions that need to be expressed, the things that need to be said... When you hear these things being discussed openly, you know that change is happening, here and now."

Tuition for the program is $300. Financial aid is available on a limited basis and students must submit an application and $30 registration fee in order to be considered.

Students must have the emotional maturity to confront stereotypes and to discuss and process difficult issues. Those interested in applying should contact Elizabeth Akama-Makia at (501) 372-5129 or via email at eakamamakia@justcommunities.org.

Just Communities of Arkansas (JCA) is a human relations organization which brings people together to achieve inclusion, equity ...