(Text from streaming video release on the AASIS Program at Radford University)
Appalachian Arts and Studies in the Schools Streaming Video
Bonnie Erickson
Radford University’s Appalachian Regional Studies Center spotlights the rich culture and traditions of the Appalachian Region. But many generations of Southwest Virginia High School students think attending college is beyond their reach. RU’s Appalachian Arts and Studies in the School program helps change their thinking.
Dr. Grace Edwards, Director of Appalachian Regional Studies Center:
“We at Radford University created the Appalachian Arts and Studies in the Schools program -- AASIS for short -- to acquaint high school students in Southwest Virginia with the college experience in hopes of promoting college attendance and also to raise their awareness and appreciation of their own Appalachian culture and heritage.”
Funded through an anonymous donor, the program is comprised of Southwest Virginia high school students who are college-able but not college bound.
Deanna Smith, Bland County High School teacher:
“We’ve been lucky enough to participate in AASIS and it’s been a real good experience for our kids in Bland. They have thrived in knowing and learning that there’s other possibilities out there for them.”
Brandy Tate, Bland County AASIS SCHOLAR:
“Being a Bland Countian, I didn’t want to stay here. I wanted to go away and get out and stay. Then this program came along and it was like ‘what was I thinking?’ ‘You have all this good, positive influence here and there’s no need for you to leave because you have culture, tradition and all that right here.’ ”
By learning to use family traditions and their own educational expertise, AASIS scholars realize they can make a difference in the world and college is an option, not a dream.
Robbie Morehead, Social Studies teacher, Bland County:
“One of the things I’ve heard from a great number of students since I’ve began working here in Bland is that ‘when I graduate, I want to get out of here. I want to get out of here as quickly as I can.’ And the 10 students that I have had each year in AASIS, by the end of the year, have said they would like to attend the university and return to this region to live because it’s a unique region. I think the AASIS program has contributed to that, directly contributed to that.”
To learn more about the AASIS program, visit www.radford.edu/~arsc or call 540) 831-5366.
September 3, 2003
Media contact: Bonnie Erickson, (540) 831-5182