What is SAMPLE?

SAMPLE, an acronym for Social Action within a Multicultural Program in Language Enrichment, is a unique summer program developed in 1992 by a young Harvard student in response to the civil unrest in Los Angeles.

Utilizing the talents and energies of high school students, SAMPLE seeks to address the factors which contributed to the unrest by using language instruction as a framework for imparting lessons of social action and multicultural understanding to third through sixth grade students.

The SAMPLE Experience

Learning about Native American customs, experiencing what being handicapped is like, mastering the art of writing press releases, and tasting such foods as jilebi, an Arabian pastry--these are but a few examples of what SAMPLE has to offer.

The intensive one-on-one summer enrichment program pairs top caliber high school counselors with young elementary students to learn and grow from each other through a dynamic, interactive, and challenging curriculum.

Participants tackle social problems, fight racial and language barriers, overcome apathy and strengthen communications to fulfill SAMPLE's belief that young people can better their community, if empowered with the necessary skills and experiences.

The SAMPLE program is six weeks long with afternoon sessions three times a week and bi-weekly Saturday field trips which aim to bring classroom lessons to life.

Highlights

SAMPLE's commitment to a hands-on approach involves counselors and students in community projects such as painting over graffiti, making lunches for the homeless, and conducting a cleanup. There are also special in-session exercises including a World Hunger Day, a political campaign, and a conservation project.

What makes SAMPLE unique?

SAMPLE reaches beyond the framework of a traditional tutoring program. It empowers youngsters, even "little kids," to engage in finding and creating solutions.

It is a two-tier program with learning for both students and counselors alike. SAMPLE cultivates energy, innovation, and a sense of responsibility in students and counselors. Participants are trained and challenged to develop into thoughtful, compassionate, and active leaders for the future.