Purpose:
The purpose of the E.S.S.E.N.C.E. Program is to create an opportunity for young women of color to
intentionally participate in activities and relationships that work to improve on who participants are.
This involves discussions, workshops, field trips, and service projects that relate to building a
positive self-esteem, cultural identification, leadership abilities, and strengthening academic goals.
Structure of the Program:
Beginning June 8th, for three (3) weeks over the summer, ladies of E.S.S.E.N.C.E. will participate in
a fairly intense series of workshops, discussions, projects, and field trips. This portion of the
program is available at the University of Louisville’s Belknap Campus. At the end of summer
program, on June 26th, participants will be officially inducted into the program that will continue
throughout participants’ 8th grade year. You will partner with the college-aged ladies of
E.S.S.E.N.C.E. at the University of Louisville to continue the series of workshops, discussions, and
activities that strengthens participants’ core. At the end of the year, young women in the program
will participate in the evolution ceremony, which signifies their preparedness to move to the next
phase of their life.
Understanding that change is difficult, the program provides the option for participants to continue
in the program through their freshman year of high school. Participants would continue to work with
UofL ladies of E.S.S.E.N.C.E. to support and guide them through the transition. The program will
offer opportunities to demonstrate the skills gained during participants’ first year in the program
through leadership roles, workshop facilitations, and self-constructed and implemented service
projects. At the end of the second year, participants will officially graduate from the program.
Benefits:
One of the greatest benefits of being a part of the program is the knowledge of self-awareness, how
individual actions impact others, and how to create change in the community. This self-awareness
will not only delve into topics like body image, relationships, and issues of safety, but also lessons
on Black history and culture as well as the contributions of Blacks in building America.
Participants will also gain experience. Through role-play, field trips, interviews and panel
discussions, shadow opportunities, and guided responsibilities; participants will have an opportunity
to be exposed to other successful Black females, demonstrate a new skill set, and visit new
educational settings.
The University of Louisville’s
E.S.S.E.N.C.E. Program
The mission of the E.S.S.E.N.C.E. Program is to promote the growth and development of 8 th and 9th grade
Black women through participation in educational workshops and activities that foster growth of
interpersonal skills, group identity, leadership and academic skills, and service learning. Ongoing
participation in the program will connect participants to a big sister at the University of Louisville who
will reinforce these skills and foster additional opportunities for community engagement.
Qualifications:




Rising 8th grade African American female student
Must complete and submit application, personal statement, and statement of support/nomination
from a non-family member
Must have willingness to develop leadership, academic, and cultural skills and awareness
There is NO minimum GPA requirement or registration fee
Requirements:





Attend weekly scheduled sessions during school year
Participate in three-week summer camp
Plan and implement one program/project as a part of the program
Facilitate one discussion session with peers
Maintain contact with assigned big sister
Additional Information:
Please submit a typed 2-3 page typed personal statement that introduces participants, highlights
participants personal strengths, and expresses what makes you interested in participating in the program,
what you would like to learn about yourself, what you would like to accomplish by working with others,
and how you would like to improve your environment/community through participating in the program.
What types of activities and group outings would you like to participate in as a lady of E.S.S.E.N.C.E.?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
What are some of the characteristics you would like to have in a big sister? What would be your
primary expectation of her?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
All applications should be submitted no later than Friday, May 29, 2015 to your school counselor to be delivered to
Ms. Alexis Keen or Dr. Tomarra Adams at the Department of Pan-African Studies, 4th Floor Strickler Hall,
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292 at faxed to 502-852-5954.
For more information, contact
Dr. Tomarra Adams at 502-852-3077, tomarra.adams@louisville.edu or
Ms. Alexis Keen at ankeen02 @cardmail.louisville.edu
ESSENCE “Little Sister” Program Application
(please print or type)
Name: __________________________________________________________________________________
(Last)
(First)
(Middle)
Local Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
(Street or PO Box)
(City)
(State)
(Zip)
Home Phone: _________________________
Cell phone (if applicable): ____________________________
E-mail: ______________________________________
Age: _____
DOB: _____/_____/_____
T-Shirt Size: S M L XL XXL XXXL
Have you thought about attending college? Yes_____ No ______ If so, what college? _______________
What are you interested in studying at college? _________________________________________________
What is your GPA (last term)? ____________
What is your overall GPA? ___________
My best subject is _______________________________
My worst subject is ________________________
CURRENT EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (school, church & community):
Organization
Position/Office Held
Length of Membership
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Applicant: I certify that my application for the program is true and complete. I understand that any false or omitted
statements on this application shall be cause for immediate dismissal from the process or the program. If accepted by the
E.S.S.E.N.C.E. Program, I understand that the program or I may terminate the relationship at any time. The Program is
authorized to make any investigation of character references, and academic status,
Parent/Guardian: By signing, I agree to allow my child to participate in the E.S.S.E.N.C.E. Program if she is accepted. I
understand that she will be expected to regularly attend events, and I will be responsible for providing transportation to and
from these activities. I understand that the program or I may terminate the relationship at any time. The Program is
authorized to make any investigation of my child’s character references, academic status, and previous employment records.
Applicant Signature:
____________________________________ Date: ________________
Parent/Guardian (print):
________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________
Parent/Guardian Name: ________________________
Relationship to Little Sister: ________________
Parent/Guardian Cell Phone: ____________________
Parent/Guardian Email: ____________________
Parent/Guardian Work Phone: ___________________ Emergency Contact Number: _______________
ESSENCE PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION FORM
Candidate’s Name: _________________________________________________________________
Reference’s Name: _______________________________
Position: _______________________
Reference’s Signature: ____________________________
Telephone No. ___________________
E-mail Address: ___________________________________ Date: __________________________
1. How long have you known the applicant:
_______years
_____ months
2. In what capacity have you known the candidate? ___________________________________________
3. Why do you think this program would benefit the candidate? _______________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
4. Knowing the candidate as you do, do you feel that becoming a part of the E.S.S.E.N.C.E. Program would
benefit her?
________ yes _________ no
5. What would be the best way we could serve/assist the candidate? ______________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Please circle the appropriate response for each:
Punctuality:
Below average
average
Initiative:
Below average
average
Cooperativeness:
Below average
average
Attitude:
Below average
average
Problem Solving:
Below average
average
Maturity:
Below average
average
Responsibility:
Below average
average
Verbal Skills:
Below average
average
Dependability:
Below average
average
Recommendation:
 (a)
 (b)
 (c)
 (d)
above average
above average
above average
above average
above average
above average
above average
above average
above average
excellent
excellent
excellent
excellent
excellent
excellent
excellent
excellent
excellent
I recommend the applicant without reservation as an excellent little sister
I recommend the applicant
I recommend the applicant with some reservation
I cannot recommend the applicant as a little sister at this time.
If you have checked (c) or (d) please elaborate.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Please attach any additional comments you would like to be considered.
Please return this form to:
Dr. Tomarra Adams
Department of Pan-African Studies
Strickler Hall, 4th Floor
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
or fax it to at 502-852-5954