CUBA FUND RAISING LETTER

African American Studies

“Where African Centered Scholarship and Community Activism Unite”

 

 

September 2, 2009

 

Dear Community Member:

 

The purpose of this letter is to describe and request support for Jeremy Bautista’s participation in the Study Abroad program conducted by the African American Studies department at Merritt College in Oakland, California.  As you are no-doubt aware, Merritt College has been a strong force in educating young adults for over 50 years.  As a means of enhancing the learning experience at our college and extending outreach to underserved students, we have organized an educational trip to Havana, Cuba, which will occur from January 9-18^th, 2009.

 

The goal of this project is to open up the opportunity to travel abroad to those who might not otherwise have such an opportunity.  This includes; economically disadvantaged students, students of color, and students who are single parents in the Peralta Community College District.  The primary objective is to globalize their understanding of the western world historically, culturally, geographically, and economically.  In this manner we believe that an active learning process occurs whereby students receive an experiential education that will enhance their classroom learning experience. Prior to the trip, students will receive numerous lectures on world history, global economics and geography.  While on the study abroad trip students will receive numerous lectures and field study projects from University faculty.  Upon return, students who attend this trip will be doing a series of presentations at high schools in the  areas they live in to encourage youth to continue their education, talk about what they have learned and experienced in, and importantly to advocate for higher learning and self-empowerment. 

 

We would appreciate you support of our efforts with a tax-deductible donation. ID #94-1590799.  Those businesses and organizations that support our efforts can be assured that their names will be included in all of the literature, news articles, and advertisement about this project. Please make your check payable to “Merritt College/Afram Study Abroad” with the name of the student on the memo line and mail it to:  Dr. Siri Brown, Study Abroad/12500 Campus Drive/Oakland, CA 94619.

 

Thank you for your consideration.  Your support will ensure the success of this program and the enhancement of the education of the students who are attending. If you need additional information please contact me at (510) 434-3935, 688-7484 or via email at sbrown@peralta.edu.

 

Sincerely,

 

Siri Brown, Ph.D.

Chair of Social Sciences

Prof. African American Studies