COCC Ubuntu Summer Symposium

COCC’s Ubuntu Summer Symposium by Afrocentric Program Coordinator Marcus LeGrand, a Navy veteran.  He is a well-known man who is active and impactful in the community. 

He’s active in programs like the Father’s Group, Deschutes public schools, Bend City boards, etc. (“I jokingly call him the Underground Bend Mayor.”)

Ubuntu Summer Symposium program. “Ubuntu” is a Southern African word meaning “Humanity to others.” The program is open to all high school students, many from communities with limited resources. This three-day symposium is a college-prep course that provides opportunities and resources for high schoolers.

The symposium offers education in Afrocentric culture, college-credited classes like math and science, entrepreneurship, and scholarships. Classes occur on campus, where students reside in the dorms under the supervision of program mentors.

 Local activities like lake trips, art centers, and more are also offered. Working as a mentor, I was humbled by the students’ success.

 Working with LeGrand taught me how to impact communities by involvement.