Project Appalachia

Dates: Sunday, June 2nd - Saturday, June 8th, 2013

Size: 24 students per session 
Cost:  $1100:  $300 Application Fee (non-refundable if accepted); Minimum of an additional $800 Fund Raising  per person
Application Deadline:  November 21, 2012

Contact:  Mrs. Pam Seeley and Mr. Jim Tate

Project Appalachia Overview

This trip is an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the Appalachian culture of West Virgina while working with Habitat for Humanity to help build affordable housing for families in the area.  While the region is blessed with abundant resources in the form of timber and coal; those that actually live and work in Appalachia often do not benefit from the country's use of these resources.  In fact, this often overlooked and neglected region of our country has one of the highest rates of poverty in the United States.  The trip will give students an opportunity to learn about the region, interact with people from the area, and ultimately learn about themselves and their place in the world.  We will be working with "Almost Heaven Habitat" located in Franklin, WV (the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains).

Objectives

1. Through our work make a visible and positive impact on the people of Eastern Kentucky and West Virgina.
2. To reflect upon and develop a better understanding of the social, political, economic, religious and cultural aspects of life for people living in the Appalachian mountains in the21st Century.
3. To gain an understanding of Catholic Social Teaching through interaction with and direct service to the people of the region. 
4. To integrate insights gained during the service experience with their own lives through group discussions and written reflection.                                                                                    

Program Requirements

• Attend and participate in all pre-trip orientation sessions
• Participate in Letter Writing fund raising activity, sending a minimum of eight (8) letters requesting support
• Participate in all other group related fund raising activities
• Prepare with a small group of students, one dinner during the trip for the entire group
• Prepare and Lead with other assigned students, one morning prayer session and one evening prayer reflection

Criteria For Selection The program is open to any current junior who is good academic and disciplinary standing.  The primary criterion is expressed interest in the objectives and aims of the program.

 Fees and Expenses

The total cost of the trip is approximately $1100 per student. As outlined above, there will be an application fee of $300; an expectation of a minimum $800 in fund-raising

The cost of the trip is all inclusive of transportation, lodging, meals, and program related materials. 

The following costs are not covered and will be the responsibility of the student:  Personal Spending money; Meal money for travel days (fast food restaurant, rest stops, etc...).