Howard University students spend spring break mentoring in Barnwell, Allendale counties

Fifty students from Howard University in Washington, D.C. made the trip down the east coast to spend their spring break mentoring students in Barnwell and Allendale counties.

Since 1994, Howard University has offered the Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program to their students providing them with an opportunity to serve communities in need across the country. After nearly four years on the waiting list, Dreams, Imagination, and Gift Development (DIG) was selected to be a recipient of the program.

Brown and DIG’s co-founder, David Gleaton, originally planned for Howard students to come in March 2020, until the pandemic de-railed their plans. However, the Howard University ASB program “found the value” of DIG, according to Brown, and plans were kept to visit the rural south.

“They found the value of our program,” said DIG founder Steven Brown. “With our mantra of giving back and digging deep, I think Howard helped our kids connect those dots.”

Throughout the week of March 4, Howard students visited Williston-Elko middle and high schools and Blackville-Hilda High School during the school day and spent the afternoon with DIG Dreamers in their Williston, Barnwell, and Allendale programs.

“It was great to show rural South Carolina that HBCU students are just as qualified as students in other colleges and have the mindset that can carry them into the future,” said Brown.

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) ranked second in the nation.

At the Williston DIG program, college students worked with varying grade levels to bring their STEM-based creations to life.

“They’re very willing to do the things we are trying to do with them, and they’re really excited about it,” said Habibata Kaira, a sophomore marketing major with a double minor in electronic studio art and fashion design. “You can see the impact you’re making because the kids actually want to do the stuff they’re doing.”

A roller coaster made for marbles, a toothpick and marshmallow bridge constructed to support the weight of a couple pairs of glasses, cars with CDs for wheels, and an egg drop were some of the ideas DIG Dreamers brought to life with the guidance of their Howard mentors.

“As we go on throughout the week, they've become more open and ready to work,” said Jackinia Andre, a junior studying political science.

Although the students only got to spend four days in schools, they felt they were able to make an impact while here and made connections with the younger students.

“Each time I worked with children, and by the end of the week, I would form connections with them,” said Karina Aker, a Howard University junior studying sociology and speech language pathology. “I just really enjoy spending time with children and helping them out.”

DIG Dreamer and second grader Amber O’Neil made a connection with junior public relations and graphic design student, Genesis Norwood.

“Genesis is very nice,” said O’Neil. “I've been really happy working with them.”

Students like O’Neil were able to see the national impact DIG has, and opened their eyes to the possibilities for their own futures.

Norwood hopes to work in education after graduation and continue serving those around her.

“While we are here to impact them, I feel like I’ve been impacted way more,” said Norwood.

“It’s been fun and a joy seeing the impact we made on them in a short time,” said Papa Frempong, a senior finance major.

Frempong decided to participate in the ASB program as a volunteer initiative for his business fraternity, but also “wanted to give back and help the community,” he said.

For many of the students, it was their first time visiting the rural south and experiencing southern hospitality.

“I’ve never been in South Carolina before so the education system is different but it’s been very nice meeting the kids, interacting with them,” said Aker.

“It’s been very eye opening and fun learning about the place and what people do here,” said Andre of her first time being in S.C.

Spring break across the U.S. is commonly associated with beaches and partying, however, these students decided to spend their time giving back.

Freshman computer science major Zoey Hall signed up to spend her spring break helping the next generation because she “grew up with the principles of giving back at home, and then I saw an opportunity to go into other communities. I wanted to continue that when I went off to college,” said Hall.

Senior Brionna Seward is studying nursing with hopes to be a pediatric emergency room nurse, and found the program to be a “really good supplemental learning experience since I will be working with kids.”

“My favorite part has been bonding with the kids,” said Seward. “I hope to continue to make an impact on them after this week.”

Ned Branch Missionary Baptist Church, Friendship Church, and St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church in Elko assisted in feeding the Howard students.

On their last day, the students spent time around a bonfire sharing their thoughts about the week. Many expressed they were sad to leave the students they grew to love, however, find comfort in knowing they left a mark.

“I think it’s a model to show other colleges and universities…that this is something they can volunteer and do for our students locally,” said Brown, who hopes bringing college students to mentor DIG Dreamers will become a more frequent event.