enroll her
FOR THE CLASS OF 2026
Academy Basics
A premier 5-day over-night experience for 15-16 year old young black women.
GROWING TOGETHER
A profound journey, fostering unwavering confidence, body positivity, and radical self-love.
Why should you enroll in the Academy
Our Academy is dedicated to nurturing confidence within young Black women, creating a space where they not only accept themselves but celebrate their unique looks and rich cultural heritage.
Relationship building
Sexual health awareness
Hygiene awareness
Financial decision-making
Mental health strategy
Fitness
Team building
Build confidence
Celebrate your heritage
THE EXPERIENCE
THE ACADEMY OF CONFIDENCE
Female Empowering
Championing women's well-being with workshops on gynecology, sexual health and identity, and activities fostering empowerment, inclusivity, and self-discovery.
Sexual Health & Positivity
Embark on a journey of knowledge and openness with workshops on sexual health, identity exploration, and mental wellness, creating a safe space for informative and supportive discussions.
Confidence Strengthening
Elevate self-assurance through empowering workshops and activities designed to boost confidence, self-esteem, and a positive self-image.
Connecting Mind & Body
Cultivate holistic well-being through meditation, fitness sessions, and skincare and haircare workshops, fostering a balanced connection between mental and physical health.
Fun & More Fun
Immerse yourself in joyous activities, from fitness challenges to undergarment fitting sessions, ensuring every moment is filled with laughter, learning, and shared enjoyment.
Financial Awareness
Navigate the path to financial success with comprehensive workshops on budgeting, financial planning, and practical insights for informed decision-making.
Formal Luncheon
Get ready for a special treat at our DEBUT OF CONFIDENCE. Join us for a GALA where AOC girls and their families can share good food, stories, and enjoy a fun atmosphere. It's a time to celebrate the bonds created at camp and make lasting memories together.
Morning Meditation
Begin your day with inner peace through our meditation activity. Join us in creating a serene space where you can quiet the mind, connect with your breath, and experience moments of tranquility for enhanced well-being.
Morning Workout
Join us in a high-energy atmosphere where you can challenge yourself, boost endurance, and foster a sense of community as we strive towards healthier and stronger bodies together.
The Glam Day
The debut is the culmination of the camp, allowing family and friends to see the “coming of age” moment, showcasing the girls that arrived are not the young women that are departing to debut their new look, matching their new way of thinking to their communities. The glam of the day will reflect a renewed spirit and swag that will be showcased via gala performance and award ceremony open to partners, sponsors and participants.
Afternoon Workshops
Our campers will learn about their bodies, including their menstrual cycles and proper hygiene, their choices regarding their sexual futures including the pregnancy process, the social emotional components of sexual relationships and influence of partners. Our campers will also gain knowledge around financial wellness and planning.
Undergarment Fitting
Experience personalized comfort and style with our undergarment fitting session. Our expert consultants will guide you through finding the perfect fit, ensuring both support and confidence in your daily wear.
Hair Care Workshop
Immerse yourself in the world of hair care excellence at our workshop, where participants will gain valuable insights into maintaining healthy and vibrant hair. Explore topics ranging from personalized care routines to the science of hair health, empowering you to achieve the luscious locks you've always desired.
Team Building Social Events
Cultivate team unity and collaboration with our engaging team-building activities. Dive into a series of interactive challenges and exercises designed to strengthen communication, build trust, and create a cohesive and motivated team dynamic.
OUR DAILY ACTIVITIES
SAFETY IS FIRST
RULES
RESPECT
Academy and parents/guardians agree to treat all campers, staff, and volunteers with respect, kindness, and consideration at all times.
CURFEW
AOC girls agree to adhere to designated curfew times set by staff and to return to their designated sleeping quarters promptly.
BULLYING & HARASSMENT
Bullying or harassment of any kind, including physical, verbal, or cyberbullying, will not be tolerated. AOC girls and parents/guardians agree to report any incidents of bullying to camp staff immediately.
WEAPONS
AOC girls are strictly prohibited from bringing any weapons, including but not limited to firearms, knives, or other dangerous objects, to camp.
ALCOHOL & TOBACCO
The use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, vaping devices, or any illegal substances is strictly prohibited at camp.
VOLUNTEERS & STAFF
We want to assure you that the safety and well-being of your children are our top priorities at Academy. Our dedicated team of volunteers and staff has undergone a thorough vetting process, including Chicago Public School (CPS) background checks, comprehensive interviews to ensure alignment with AOC values, and specialized training sessions covering emergency procedures. You can trust that our team is fully equipped to provide a safe and enriching experience for your child at AOC.
Contact our AOC leaders for additional questions.
P.R.E.T.T.Y Inc. Founder
Dr. Adrian Faulker-White
Dean of Admissions
Dawnee Cochran
Dean of 2026 Class
What should I expect from the application process?
1
Once you've clicked Apply, be prepared to complete an application form which will require the following details that you can prepare for.
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AOC Girl and Parent Details
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School Records (e.g. school ID or transcripts)
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Response to the Essay Prompt
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Link to video about yourself
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Submit the application by the listed deadline application
2
Writing an essay and linking a profile video.
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Essay will take at least 20 minutes and will ask you several questions about your lifestyle, community and family
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Tip: To prevent loss of progress on answering these questions, highly suggested to write down your answers in a separate file. This way you can copy and paste your answers into the application
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Create a profile video about yourself that is 5 minutes or less
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Post that video on YouTube or some other platform that will allow you to share a link in the application
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Tip: When posting your video, you can choose to make that video "private" in the options, and you may also be able to use a password for extra security (if the platform allows this capability)
3
AOC application selection.
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AOC staff will review your essay and profile video
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AOC staff may request additional information from you
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Interviews will be scheduled to meet with selected girls.
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Check your email regularly for communication and requests
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Accepted AOC applicants will be notified by email
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A waitlist for unaccepted girls will be created, where if any accepted girls are unable to commit, then the waitlist is used to fill that spot
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Please be aware that failure to submit the forms will result in the girls being ineligible for the academy, and the spot will be offered to another applicant
OPEN HOUSE
APPLICATION OPEN
SELECTION PROCESS
APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE
How can I learn more about AOC?
To learn more about our Academy, please explore the content provided on our website, attend our open house, or feel free to contact our camp directors, Dawnee and Dr. Mac.
Does this Academy cost anything?
Thanks to our amazing sponsors, the Academy is free of cost to all girls.
How are the volunteers selected?
We want to assure you that the safety and well-being of your children are our top priorities at camp. Our dedicated team of volunteers and staff has undergone a thorough vetting process, including Chicago Public School (CPS) background checks, comprehensive interviews to ensure alignment with camp values, and specialized training sessions covering emergency procedures. You can trust that our team is fully equipped to provide a safe and enriching experience for your child at camp.
What happens if my daughter can no longer attend the academy after being accepted?
All girls must notify us of their decision to join us at camp by 40 days before the camp start date.. After that, there is a cancellation fee of $2500 or the cost of 1 camper. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
In case of an emergency, how will the staff know to contact me?
It is important that you complete the Emergency Information Forms as they provide valuable information to counselors about your child s health history and any specific needs your child requires. After acceptance, you will receive an email to complete medical & emergency contact information.
If my child requires daily medication, do I send it with my child?
Yes. Prescription drugs, epi-pens, and inhalers need to be given to counselors at drop-off. Medication information and instructions need to be included in your child s forms. Any medications needed during the camp should be in a clear, labeled, plastic bag that includes original dispensing instructions. All items must be in their original container with original label including patient s name, physician s name, pharmacy name, name of medication, and complete dosage information. All medications will be stored by counselors until needed.
My child has severe allergy/asthma, can they keep an inhaler with them?
Prescription drugs, allergy medicine, epi-pens, and inhalers need to be given to counselors at drop-off. All items must be in their original container with original label including patient s name, physician s name, pharmacy name, name of medication, and complete dosage information. All medications will be stored by counselors until needed.
What should my girl bring with her?
The following is a list of items each girl will need to bring.
Clothing
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Undergarments (5 sets)
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Socks (5 pairs)
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T-shirts/Tops (5)
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Pants/Shorts (3-4)
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Dresses/Skirts (2-3)
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Sweater/Jacket Pajamas Swimwear (if there's a pool)
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Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
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Sandals/Flip-flops
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Hat/Cap
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Rain jacket/poncho (depending on weather forecast)
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Athletic wear for activities/sports
Toiletries
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Toothbrush
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Toothpaste
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Dental floss
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Shampoo/Conditioner (Will be provided by the Hotel)
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Body wash/Soap
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Additional products will be provided
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Face wash/Cleanser
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Moisturizer
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Sunscreen
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Lip balm with SPF
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Deodorant
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Hairbrush/Comb
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Hair ties/bands
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Feminine hygiene products (if needed)
Miscellaneous
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Towel/special face cloth
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Earplugs/Sleep mask (if sensitive to noise or light)
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Water bottle
What does the Academy daily schedule look like?
7:00 am Wake Up
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am - 12:00 pm Morning Activities
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Afternoon Workshops
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Dinner
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Night Activities
9:30 pm Bedtime
Does my child need any money for the Academy?
All of your child’s needs should be covered including food, snacks, and accommodations. No activities require your child to spend any of their money.
What if my child has food allergies or other dietary restrictions?
Please fill out the form and notify the academy of any allergies or other dietary restrictions. All dietary needs will be met, and your daughter’s meals will be adjusted to meet her requirements.
Are AOC girls supervised at all times, or do they have fully independent activities?
AOC girls are under the supervision of counselors at all times. During free time, the girls have the freedom to engage in various activities, but staff are always monitoring the areas that are free to be used.
Will there be security measures in place at the hotel?
Yes. The hotel will have security measures in place to ensure the safety of all girls. These may include surveillance cameras, security personnel, and secure access to rooms and facilities.
What kind of meals will be provided during the camp?
Nutritious meals and snacks will be provided throughout the duration of the Academy. Special dietary needs and restrictions will be accommodated upon request.
Can the girls bring electronic devices such as phones, tablets, or laptops?
While the AOC girls are welcome to bring electronic devices, their use may be limited to certain times or areas as determined by academy rules. Academy are encouraged to engage in activities and interactions with their peers during camp.
What measures are in place for medical emergencies?
The academy will have trained medical staff onsite to handle any medical emergencies that may arise. Additionally, emergency protocols will be communicated to all campers and staff to ensure a prompt and effective response in case of emergencies.
Are there any rules or guidelines regarding behavior and conduct?
Yes. AOC girls are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes respect, inclusivity, and cooperation. Any violations of camp rules may result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the camp.
Will there be opportunities for the girls to communicate with their families during the academy?
Yes. The girls will have designated times to communicate with their families, such as scheduled phone calls or email updates. Additionally, academy staff will be available to address any concerns or inquiries from parents or guardians throughout the duration of the academy.
How can I contact the academy.
Contact information will be sent prior to academy, as well as, you can always contact the following:
Dr. Hareder McDowell
Where do I drop off my child for the Academy?
Transportation will be provided for the girls free of charge. The meetup time and location will communicated in advance, where a bus will transport all campers to the hotel. If the meetup time and location does not work for you, your child can be dropped of at the hotel. If you do decide to transport your child to the hotel, just reach out to us and we will make sure we have someone ready to greet them at the hotel.
FAQs
