Join us in shaping the future by supporting our mission to provide educational and social programs that empower at-risk youth and adults to become leaders in their community.
Our Programs
Black's Academy of Excellence
Welcome to our Programs page! Here, you'll find a comprehensive list of the various programs we offer to help at-risk young adults become self-sufficient, employable, and even entrepreneurs. Our holistic approach to education includes a range of fields such as Sustainable Agriculture, Creative Activities, Introduction to Hospitality, Horticulture, and First Aid/CPR and Child Development. Our goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where our students can learn and grow, while also building their confidence and leadership skills through mentoring and community service opportunities. Browse our programs below to see how we can help you or someone you know thrive.
Bee Keeping
This course prepares students with a foundational knowledge of honey bee biology and the craft of beekeeping. Additionally, this certificate provides theoretical and practical learning opportunities, based on current research that encompasses the many elements of beekeeping worldwide.
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Basic Beginner Class ($29.50/ person)
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This class will discuss the following: Bee equipment and clothing, common bee pests and diseases, hive maintenance information, bee biology and behavior, bee anatomy, products and pollination
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Level II Class ($35/ person) * beginner class required prior to registration
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Hands on honey extraction, hive maintenance
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Aquaponic
(Fish Farming)
As naturally occurring fish stocks are increasingly under pressure, the demand for farmed fish is growing at an alarming rate. This course provides a foundation for farming any freshwater fish. Though (due to time constraints) it is limited in the range of fish species covered; in covering a diverse range of species this course lays down the principles as a foundation that will set you up to better understand and tackle the farming of almost any type of freshwater fish or crustacean.
Fishing Package: The per-person rate is $12
Fishing Supply Package $14.99
*Pricing also includes the use of fishing materials and bait
Culinary Arts
You will learn how to become a personal chef, including: what a personal chef does, how to develop your skills to succeed as a culinary specialist, and how to market and operate your own personal culinary business.
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Package:
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Basic culinary education class ($50/ person)
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Students can choose either baking or cooking class. This class will go over food preparation, fundamentals of cooking, how to read recipes, food safety, and proper hygiene. *Includes starter supplies
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Intermediate class- 1 week ($200/ person)
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5 days of class learning everything from the basic class including knife skills and culinary measurements
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Advanced class- 2 weeks ($400/ person)
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10 days of class combining knowledge from the previous two classes with advanced level culinary art skills and plating
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Agriculture/Horticulture
Learn about the science and practices of cultivating crops and raising livestock, including topics like soil science, plant and animal biology, crop management, and agricultural technologies, along with related skills like land management and communication.
Packages Start At: Rate per person per-person rate is $25
(18 & under)
Additional Cost: Classroom Kit $37.99
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Intro to Horticulture Class
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Introduces concepts and practices used to produce fruit and vegetable crops
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Sustainable Agriculture
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Principles, concepts, and techniques of organic and sustainable production of crops, covering biological, social, and economic components of organic and sustainable farming systems; including soil and water management, cultural practices, pest control, harvest and post-harvest
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Creative Arts
This course explores things like paintings, sculptures, photographs, installations, music compositions, dance performances, theatrical productions, films, animations, graphic designs, and digital media projects. Various activities that encourage students and adults alike to express their creative abilities. This provides a holistic outlet for mental health and intellectual growth.
Package: The per-person rate is $29.50Classroom Kit Varies by Course
Register for our program or learn more
43055 N. Delany Rd. Zion, IL 60099
