THE POWER OF PERCEPTION. Power of Perception Inc. has been making waves since its inception in the Chippewa Valley, fostering community and opportunity for Black and Biracial youths. (Photo via Facebook)

“Changing Lives Daily” – the motto of local mentoring program for Black and biracial students, Power of Perception (POP) –  couldn’t ring truer with the creation of their new College Access Program. This latest endeavor was launched on Nov. 11 with a workshop on professional communication and resumes.

Future events include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) (Dec. 9); Factors for Choosing the Right School (Jan. 6); Intro to Cost and Finances (Feb. 3); HBCU Tour (Feb. 29-March 5); Managing Stress and Finding a Good Support System (March 9); Intro to College Applications/Seniors Intro to Scholarships (April 6); and End of Year Celebration (May 4).

Embedded in their Eau Claire Area School District chapter for juniors and seniors, the new program came to fruition in order to provide its mentees with the tools to navigate the waters of higher education, said Dennis Beal, POP’s founder and leader. “My biggest thing is helping our students learn that they don’t have just one option … as minorities, we don’t always have the necessary resources to know about the resources we have.”

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AS LONG AS WE CONTINUE TO GIVE OPPORTUNITIES, WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO CREATE CHANGE.

We're going to provide students with the toolbox of necessary resources, but it's up to them to open it up and use them.

DENNIS BEALE

FOUNDER OF POWER OF PERCEPTION INC.

Through the new program, Beale aims to propagate a positive shift in the community. “As long as we continue to give opportunities, we’re going to continue to create change,” he said. “We’re going to provide students with the toolbox of necessary resources, but it’s up to them to open it up and use them.”

“Don’t be scared, embrace it. Don’t rush the process, trust the process,” Beale said.

While the program’s primary purpose is to prepare students for their academic futures, Beale elaborated, “It’s also about educating our community. … It’s not just a moment where you put up Black Lives Matter; it’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We’re Black when we go to bed and before we wake up every morning. It’s not just a movement – we’ve got to keep this going.”

Students who want to get involved can reach out to Power of Perception through their website or Facebook page.