Congratulations to associate professor Andre Fields, director of Alpha Beta Omega, for receiving the national Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award from the Boy Scouts of America.
The award, which was given this week during the organization’s annual “Fulfilling the Dream” luncheon, recognizes outstanding service in demonstrating and implementing Scouting ideals for youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds.
Fields is being honored for his work with ABO, GRCC’s leadership development program for inner-city men. Members of ABO, which is funded by the Wege Foundation, work with mentors on strategies for success in college, career and life. They also have access to one-on-one tutoring, workshops, study tables, and math and writing groups.
The other recipient of the award, Autocam Medical CEO and President John Kennedy, also has strong GRCC ties. Autocam teamed up with GRCC and other area companies to form the Advanced Manufacturing Program in 2012. Participating companies work with GRCC to determine the AMP curriculum and schedule. All the AMP “classes” are run in a cohort fashion, with classes scheduled and reserved specifically for students in the program.
Kennedy is being recognized today for his work in starting a reading initiative in the Grand Rapids Public Schools.
“Dr. Fields and Mr. Kennedy are powerful examples of what outstanding service looks like,” Aaron Gach, Scout executive and CEO of the President Ford Field Service Council, said in a press release. “They have each championed initiatives that will have a positive and lasting impact on our community’s youth.”