The MCC - Penn Valley Black Student Association (BSA) held its first meeting on November 1, 2006. The purpose of the meeting was to try to improve support for people of color.

BSA's mission is to engage in cultural, educational, public, and social services, and to encourage high moral standards among African-American students here at MCC - Penn Valley.

"BSA needs organization and commitment," says Deborah Scott, faculty advisor for the Association. "We need to try and pull the association back together."

Twenty-one students attended the meeting. Scott says she was "excited about the student participation."

The organization's focus is on helping students "find a way to tap into each other," says another BSA advisor, Lyle Gibson.

BSA is a channel of communication from the students to the administration. Dr. Franklin would like feedback from the students, Scott says.

Students asked several questions at the meeting about special projects this year. These will include offering high school workshops, creating financial and employment opportunities though internships, beginning a mentorship program, fundraisers, and the largest event for the association: the Black History Month program in February.

Besides collaborating with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, BSA also has plans to partner with other PVCC student associations, such as the Organization for Latin American Students and Advocates for Better Government. Kenneth Peter, who has been a BSA advisor for many years, encouraged the students to "start at home."

"Work with each other and help each other through," added Scott.

As the meeting adjourned, Gibson challenged students to "cultivate who you are as an individual as you progress in life."

The organization will hold nominations for officers and an election in the next few weeks.

The BSA is open to all students: MCC - Penn Valley "prides itself in diversity," Scott says.

Copyright 2006 Metropolitan Community College