Call to Action – Narrowing the Achievement Gap – Inspiring Latino Youth to Dream Big and Reach Their Fullest Potential

The Latino Professional JA Community Day has impacted over 1,100 Newark, NJ elementary school students in just two days (these one day events took place once in March 09 and again in March 2010).  Imagine the possibilities if more volunteers were involved in this or similar programs?  Well, Junior Achievement along with our event partners believe strongly that with the right information and guidance, similar programs can be introduced throughout the state and nationally… every child deserves a role model – someone they can relate to that can inspire them to dream big and reach their fullest potential.   The Latino Professional JA Forum will include a panel discussion of best practices, programs and opportunities for organizations, employee resource groups and individuals who want to make a difference and inspire and engage Latino youth.

There is a drop-out crisis in America.  According to America’s Promise Alliance – Young people who drop out of school are twice as likely as graduates to be unemployed; three times as likely to live in poverty; eight times more likely to wind up in prison; and twice as likely to become the parent of a child who drops out of school.

The Latino Professional JA Committee will be meeting on October 26th to finalize the logistics for the JA Day program and select the panelists for the newly introduced forum.  Representatives from organizations such as ALPFA NJ, NSHMBA NJ, HBA NJ, and HISPA and a diverse range of companies are already partnering with Junior Achievement on this initiative, reinforcing the need and desire for such a program.

To that end, I encourage you to share with me your interest in participating as a volunteer role model in the classroom, attending or sponsoring the forum, and/or sharing your story as a panelist. A further description of the event can be found below and an announcement with the date will be made in early November.

For a closer look at the impact of this program, Leo Aristimuno created this documentary for Newark Mossaic – a beautiful portrayal of an equally beautiful program.

NARROWING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP – INSPIRING LATINO YOUTH TO DREAM BIG AND REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL

THE PURPOSE

To bring together the Latino community to educate, inform and inspire youth to dream big and reach their full potential

THE NEED

• Nationwide Dropout Rates:  18.3% of Latino youths have not received a high school diploma or equivalent, compared with only 8% of all youths

• NJ Dropout Rate: The Hispanic dropout rate in NJ is 3.7% compared with 2.0% of all youths

• Obtaining a GED: Only 9% of Hispanic dropouts obtain their GED

THE LATINO PROFESSIONAL JA COMMUNITY DAY (March 2011):

A Community Outreach Program Delivering Financial Literacy, Work Readiness, and Entrepreneurship Programs to Latino Youth During a School Day

• Empower students to achieve educational and professional success

• Deliver best practices from communities that have impacted Latino youth

• Increase and bring awareness to the demand for Latino volunteer role models

• Identify various ways role models can engage, empower and inspire youth

• Enhance volunteer presentation and time management skills

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION

Initiated in March 2009, the Annual Latino Professional JA Community Day has impacted 1,137 students through JA’s programs* delivered by 105 volunteer role models who represent a diverse range of companies and organizations.

*These programs were taught over the course of one school day by teams of two volunteers at First Avenue School in Newark, which has a 90% Hispanic population.

TESTIMONIALS

“The opportunity this program brings our students is unlike any other.  Teaching of careers and business management is something that our school values.” First Avenue School Educator

“From this experience I gained a greater passion to volunteer. Insight into teaching. satisfaction in helping others. Particularly a community I wish to inspire”. – 2010 Volunteer

“I am excited to continue this project. Understanding that providing these materials gets students to understand the type of future that will be ahead of them”. – 2010 Volunteer

THE LATINO PROFESSIONAL JA LEADERSHIP FORUM (Feb 2011):

Envisioned as the ultimate platform for bringing together the Latino community in support of New Jersey’s youth.  A cocktail reception followed by a panel discussion addressing:

• The need and impact of mentoring

• Best practices and implementing programs that provide youth with success skills

• Volunteer and mentorship opportunities

Proceeds from this event will support The Latino Professional JA Community Day.

Who Should Attend:

• Individuals interested in or currently involved with programs mentoring and empowering Latino youth

• Employee Resource Groups with existing initiatives and/or interested in establishing mentoring programs for Latino youth

• Organizations with existing initiatives and/or interested in establishing mentoring programs for Latino youth

If you are interested in learning more about this program, becoming a sponsor or panelist and volunteering please contact:

Amy Boroff

Development Director

Junior Achievement of NJ

aboroff@ja.org