Hispanic American History Congressional Academy
COVID Statement
We’re optimistically planning ahead for a safe and positive Summer 2021 Uncovering Alternative Histories program. The UAH team along with UW-Parkside Administration, UW System Board of Regents, and the Kenosha Department of Health will be monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. We will follow all recommended and required safety precautions in order to offer the program in July 2021. While we don’t know what those recommendations or requirements will be, we know that they may include some or all of the following: all participants to wear face coverings; social distancing; temperature checks; COVID testing prior to the start of the program; and potentially completing a COVID-19 Safety Acknowledgment -- Liability Waiver and Release of Claims. Stay up-to-date with UW-Parkside’s commitment to protect the health and safety of our campus and our community on our Ranger Restart webpage.
CONGRESSIONAL ACADEMY FOR STUDENTS
Explore the Hispanic American narrative in historical events from a local and national perspective. Relate radical reconstruction of the 19th century to the political, cultural, and social activism of the 21st century.
BENEFITS
- Earn 3 college history credits at no cost to student
- Exposure to Hispanic American historical paths, and to see oneself in the history
- Engage with state and national experts on topics related to Hispanic American history
- Participate in PBE learning in Chicago and El Paso for FREE
Only 100 current sophomores and juniors can participate each summer.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Face-to-Face Instruction
July 12-August 3 | Monday-Friday | 9 AM-4 PM
On-Campus Days
Monday, July 12 – Friday, July 16, 2021
Monday, July 19 – Thursday, July 22, 2021
Monday, July 26, 2021
Monday, August 2 – Tuesday, August 3, 2021
PBE LEARNING TRIPS
Chicago Day Trip
Friday, July 23, 2021
El Paso Overnight Trip
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Friday, July 30, 2021 (Return Travel day)
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
WEEK ONE
In the opening week, we will identify the importance of alternate interpretations of history through lecture and group discussion and how those interpretations can change according to group perspectives. Topics will include: Hispanic American status throughout history, including immigration policy; the role of modern education in Hispanic American knowledge and identity; the cultural impact of conflict over Hispanic American citizenship; and how educational practices have alienated the Hispanic American from modern civic participation.
WEEK TWO
Through lecture, group work, and guest speakers you will discover Hispanic American identity through challenges from the past and present. The group work will give you to tools to recognize the challenges and importance of unity and develop approaches for increasing civic engagement that overcome Hispanic American historical experiences of assimilation. We will explore the role that federal and state policies have played in the efficacy of Hispanics in the political process.
On Friday, we embark on the first PBE learning trip to Chicago, IL visiting a museum and other historical sites.
WEEK THREE
We prepare for and participate in the second PBE learning trip to El Paso, TX, where we will visit museums, national historic parks, and other historical sites.
WEEK FOUR
The program culminates with the Congressional Academy Showcase. You will present your poster that you and your group have developed demonstrating integration of your learning over the three weeks.
ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION INFORMATION
ELIGIBILITY
Students must be a current high school sophomore or junior in good academic standing during the 2020-2021 academic year.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Only 100 current sophomores and juniors can participate each summer. In the event that the program receives more applications than available spots a wait list will be formed.
Admission to the Congressional Academy will be conducted in two phases.
Phase One is for eligible applicants who are enrolled at a high-minority school (30% or more students of color) or a school with 60% or more students living in poverty, and/or are enrolled at a target district school (Racine or Kenosha Unified School District.)
Phase Two is for all applicants meeting the eligibility requirements. Phase Two applications will be accepted, and admission decisions will be made, on a first-come-first-serve basis.
OPPORTUNITY TO CROSS THE BORDER
As part of the UAH summer 2021 program, students and teachers will be traveling to the city of El Paso, Texas. This city is at the border of the United States and Mexico. Students and teachers will have the opportunity to walk through the border and cross to Mexico as part of our experience-based learning. This is a voluntary activity, it is not a mandatory component to our program. For those who choose not to participate in this activity an alternate activity is scheduled.
HOW TO APPLY
- Complete the online Congressional Academy program application
- Have your parent complete the Parental Consent Form
- Ask your social studies teacher or Principal to complete the Teacher/Principal Recommendation Form
- Have your transcript sent to
Email | UAH@uwp.edu
OR
Mail
UAH Program
UW-Parkside, Center for Professional Studies
900 Wood Road
Kenosha, WI 53144
Applications for admission to the program will not be reviewed until they are complete.
APPLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES
PHASE ONE
Applications open: Complete
Applications close: Complete
Admission decision: Complete
PHASE TWO
Applications open: Complete
Applications close: Complete
Admission decision: Complete
SELECTION CRITERIA
The following criteria and point system will be used to evaluate applicants in each application phase.
| Criteria for the Selection of Students | Points (Max 100) |
| Student is a returning participant from previous year, was successful, and still qualifies based on grade level | 100 |
| OR | |
|
Student attends a high-minority school (30% or more students of color) or a school with 60% or more students living in poverty |
35 |
|
Student is from target districts of KUSD or RUSD |
30 |
| Passing grades in Freshman and Sophomore Social Studies courses | 20 |
| Student is recommended by teacher or school principal | 15 |
PROGRAM CONTACT
Lorene Bakkila | 262-595-2334 | uah@uwp.edu
Para español Gia Gutierrez | 262-595-3001