Are Our High Schools Preparing Students for College?

April 17, 2006

Contact:
Emily Crossan, The Children’s Aid Society, (w) 917-286-1548, (c) 201-344-5742

“Youth Speak Out on Education” Conference to Bring Together Teens and Policymakers, Including Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott, Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell and Deputy Commissioner Bill Chong

When:
Friday, April 21, 2006
9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where:
Hunter College School of Social Work
129 East 79th Street, between Park and Lexington Avenues
New York, NY

What:
During their spring break from school, approximately 100 teens from Children’s Aid Society programs in Washington Heights, Harlem, East Harlem and the Bronx will lead a discussion with decision- and policymakers on the preparation they are receiving from their high schools for both the college application process and college itself. The topic was chosen and the conference designed by these high school students, who felt strongly about their experiences and hope to influence future policies.

The conference was organized by The Children’s Aid Society (CAS) and sponsored by the Audrey Miller Poritzky Education Fund for Children.

9:30 a.m.
Welcome: Michael Roberts, Director of Youth Services, Children’s Aid
Host & Hostess: Rashida Davis, CAS, Boys and Girls Club, Youth of the Year and Terrance Berry, Hope Leader
Greeting & Remarks: C. Warren Moses, CEO of The Children’s Aid Society
Dennis Walcott, Deputy Mayor of the City of New York
Adam Clayton Powell IV, New York State Assemblyman
Bill Chong, Deputy Commissioner for Youth Services, Department of Youth and Community Development

10:00 a.m.
Youth Presentations: “Are NYC High Schools Preparing Youth for College?”

12:00 noon
Audience Discussion and Youth Panel: Graduates from NYC high schools

12:30–1:00 p.m.
Audrey Miller Poritzky Scholarship Award: Dr. Laurence Miller and David Poritzky
Closing Remarks

***Students will be available for interview at the conference.***

The Audrey Miller Poritzky Education Fund for Children’s mission is to help children realize their academic potential and pursue their educational dreams.

The Children’s Aid Society (CAS) was founded in 1853. It is one of the nation’s largest and most innovative non-sectarian agencies, serving more than 150,000 of New York’s neediest children and their families with a network of services that includes community schools, neighborhood centers, camps, adoption and foster care services, teen pregnancy prevention, education, health and recreation. For more information, please call 212-949-4938 or visit www.childrensaidsociety.org.