July 27, 2005
Media Advisory — Saluki Kids Academy
A special academy under way this week at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is offering 80 children from throughout the region opportunities to experience the thrill of archaeology, mass media, theater and bilingual education.
The program is from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays through Saluki Kids Academy, an outreach program created four years ago by the SIUC College of Education and Human Services. The academy uses University resources to provide academic, recreational and enrichment experiences for Southern Illinois children who have not otherwise had access to those opportunities. Kids also spend time swimming. Grants and gifts support the academy.
Shawnee Community College in Ullin annually partners with SIUC to host the enrichment program. Students participated in activities last week on that campus before coming to SIUC.
Students participating this year are from Cairo, Carbondale, Mounds, Mound City and Massac County.
Reporters and photographers are welcome to cover all events at SIUC. On the Carbondale campus, kids are receiving instruction in theater, participating on an archaeological dig, putting together a newspaper, and learning to speak Spanish while also studying its music and culture.
On Friday, the students will showcase their efforts for parents and friends with performances and displays. The event is from 1 to 3 p.m. in Furr Auditorium in Pulliam Hall.
For an up-to-the-minute schedule of daily events or for more information, call Marla H. Mallette, program coordinator for Saluki Kids Academy and an associate professor in Curriculum and Instruction, at 618/453-4254.