Cornell University and Penn Elementary

Each year, on a Saturday in January, Cornell alumni and current Cornell undergraduates gather at Penn Elementary to visit with students (usually 7th and 8th graders) in their school and neighborhood for "Cornell Cares Day". In past years, Cornell volunteers have explored the neighborhood with students, visiting their homes, North Riverside Mall, grocery stories, dry cleaners and other neighborhood establishments in an effort to see the neighborhood through the students' eyes. Volunteers have also used this day to help with projects for Black History Month.

2008-2009 Activities

• On January 10th, Cornell alumni held their annual Cornell Cares Day at Penn in honor of Dr. Martin L. King Jr.'s birthday. The day started with assistant principal Diane Simpson guiding students as they examined the visions of Dr. King and President Elect Barack Obama and concluded with presentations which included power point presentations, collages, poems, skits and songs that commemorated Dr. King's dream and celebrated Barack Obama's vision and plans for our nation's future. Some of the pictures from this motviational event are shown above.
• Every other Saturday, 10 Cornell alumni meet with Penn students for a mentoring program orchestrated by Cornell alumna Akiza Boddie-Willis. This is a great opportunity for students to gain life skills through fun, innovative activities.

Comparing Visions	Student's poster showing the parallel between MLK, Jr.'s message and Obama's	Students Interacting with Cornell Alumni

Previous Activities

• Cornell Cares Day, 2002-2007
• Served as Principal for a Day 2005
• Attended Institute Day, a chance for community organizations to learn about the school

Page updated 24 March 2009