Inspire “U” Academy

Dr. Wendy Cavendish, along with partners at Booker T. Washington Senior High School and UM’s Office of Academic Enhancement, developed the Inspire U Academy program for developmental peer mentoring of high school students with college aspirations.
inspire u academy

Inspire “U” Academy is a mentoring program that offers structured on-campus events, college preparation activities, and student led workshops where high school student participants have the opportunity to develop positive relationships with UM undergraduate student leaders. Inspire U Academy supports the college aspirations of urban high school students by providing access to dedicated mentors and authentic college experiences.

inspire U logo
The program has partnered over 200 UM Hammond and Gates Scholar first generation college students with Booker T Washington high school students over the last 5 years. Student leadership is a core of the program, and program components are coordinated by UM undergraduate and graduate student leaders. Graduate students also participate in mixed methods research activities related to the program.