Story by Sarah Grossman
Drake University’s students are finding a way to unite academic pursuits and philanthropy.
The Drake Community Press is an organization composed of a wide range of majors including English, graphic design and public relations. These students are using the lessons they have learned and the skills they have gained while at Drake to write, design, publish and promote a book.
“The Ones I Bring With Me” is a compilation of stories and experiences from the young Latina women involved in the program al Exito.
The proceeds from “The Ones I Bring With Me” will be donated to benefit al Exito.
Al Exito, which begain in 2006, is a mentoring program for young Latina and Latino students to be paired with successful Latinos in the community.
The program is designed to tear down barriers that prevent young Latino students from academic achievement and higher education. Based in Marshalltown, Iowa this program is now implemented in approximately five school districts.
Drake University became involved with this program in 2007 when professor Carol Spaulding-Kruse began writing an internship program to create a link between service-learning and the teaching of writing.
“I conceived an idea for starting a community press that could further the goals of meaningful experiential learning for students, as well as creating opportunities to respond to the needs and issues of the area community,” Spaulding-Kruse said.
Now that the program has progressed, students are discovering a lack of funds to complete “The Ones I Bring With Me.”
In order to meet their goal, a concert benefit will be held.
“Stories and Sounds: a Benefit Concert” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 2 at the 4th Street Theater located in downtown Des Moines.
There will be four musicians performing in order to support the book’s release: Anna G of Annalibera, Stone Mills, Fernando Aveiga and Lucca Soria.
All are welcome, and the event is free. However, donations are highly encouraged.
