Urban Expression Summer 2016

URBAN EXPRESSION SUMMER 2016

A NEWSLETTER FEATURING HARTFORD’S ENGAGED PROJECT READY SCHOLARS

Creating Opportunity for Our Youth

It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.

- Whitney M. Young

IN THIS ISSUE 2 Who We Are 3 Project Ready 4 College Tours 5 2015 Black History Celebration 6 Parent Night 7

Dressing for Success

8

Enrichment Workshops

9

Project Ready Shield

10 Comcast Cares Day 11 Learning in Motion 12-13 Youth Leadership Summit 14 Project Ready Mentor 15 A Letter from Our Scholar 16 Testimonials & Sponsors

This year our Project Ready Scholars seized numerous opportunities to prepare for College, Work and Life! Youth benefited from cultural enrichment. Career exploration and developing important skills, attitudes and aptitudes that will aid in their transition from high school and position them for post-secondary success.

Urban League of Greater Hartford’s Youth Department is comprised of our: Project Ready Signature Program, Project Ready Mentor, Project Ready Shield, Go Girls! Comcast Digital Literacy, and Manage Your Future. Participants were engaged in a number of workshops including: Personal Branding, College Readiness, Job Readiness, Financial Literacy, Civic Engagement, Leadership Skills, STEM, and Digital Literacy.

Our scholars became involved in activities in their communities and developed an understanding for giving back. They were inspired to network with others during Urban League and local community events and created long lasting relationships.

URBAN LEAGUE CONTINUES TO EMPOWER COMMUNITIES

EMPOWERED TO LEARN

EMPOWERED TO WORK

If you are 17 or older not enrolled in school but looking to acquire high school credentials and If you are a job seeker looking to develop the skills necessary for getting, keeping, and doing strengthening academic proficiency reach well on the job contact the out to our

Adult Education Department

Workforce Development Department

EMPOWERED TO ASPIRE

EMPOWERED TO BUILD WEALTH

If you are between the ages of 14—18 looking If you are looking to become a homeowner for to acquire skills and opportunities to prepare the first time and/or looking to gain insight on for College, Work and Life your finances contact the contact the Economic Enrichment Department

Youth Department

FIND OUT HOW

EMPOWERED TO ADVOCATE

YOU

If you are having a baby for the first time, or are the mother of a toddler looking for resources in your community join

CAN BE EMPOWERED

TODAY

Healthy Start

Donate. Volunteer. Register.

Connect With Us Today! @ulgh64

140 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06105 | (860) 527-0147 | www.ulgh.org 2 Urban Expression/ Summer 2016 / Creating Opportunity for Our Youth

PROJECT READY IN ACTION

OUR AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS enable students to receive academic, social and cultural supports to aid in their personal and professional development.

GO GIRLS

focuses on empowering young women, by promoting social development, career exploration and college preparation.

MANAGE YOUR FUTURE

is a program designed to provide youth with leadership, job readiness and skill-building opportunities through internships.

DIGITAL LITERACY

trains students in basic computer skills and enables them to apply their knowledge in a service learning project to benefit their community.

PROJECT READY MENTOR is designed to link youth to positive adult role models in group and one-to-one settings.

PROJECT

READY

SHIELD

is designed to have our youth work with the Hartford Police Department to foster better communication, encourage good citizenship and positively change attitudes.

CONTACT US AT (860) 527-0147 TO SIGN UP FOR 2016-2017 PROGRAMS Urban Expression/ Summer 2016 / Creating Opportunity for Our Youth 3

COLLEGE TOURS The youth served through our PROJECT READY programming are from the Greater Hartford area, but are often times unaware of the excellent post secondary education opportunities in their own backyard. The University of Hartford college tour gave our youth the opportunity to see that they can have an excellent college experience close to home. This opportunity eased the anxiety of participants who were eager to experience college, but not ready to leave their home state.

Project Ready participants toured University of Hartford on May 18th 2016.

An important part of their COLLEGE

EXPERIENCE is being able to connect with the history of that educational institution. While touring American International College our youth discovered the historic role AIC played in educating immigrants and first generation college students. This history inspired our youth to explore the history behind the colleges they are interested in attending.

Project Ready participants toured American International College on April 13th 2016.

There are a number of challenges that YOUNG WOMEN face when aspiring for post secondary education. For this reason some find it easier to acclimate to college life in a non-coed environment. Our girls had the opportunity to explore their options at University of Saint Joseph. There they weighed for themselves the benefits and disadvantages of pursing post secondary education in a non-coed environment.

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Project Ready Go Girls! participants toured University of St. Joseph on November 11th 2015.

BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION A BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION

On February 25, 2016, our Annual Black History Celebration “A

LEGACY REVEALED:

HALLOWED GROUNDS,” hosted by June Archer, took place at The 224 EcoSpace.

The event showcased youth participants from our programs and others around the city, as we featured the impact of local organizations and historical landmarks. During the interactive exhibit, guests perused historical resource tables while enjoying culturally inspired hors d’oeuvres prepared and served by youth at the Culinary Arts Academy at Weaver High School. The melodious sounds of the “J-Grooves” jazz band from Kinsella Performing Arts High School echoed throughout the space.

During the Landmark Showcase, Hartford High School Gospel Choir delivered inspiring selections, while Mudcloth Mentorship Society performed African interpretive drum and dance. Throughout the evening the audience was exposed to snapshots of advancements from people of color. This unique celebration was a multi-sensory experience that informed, entertained and educated the community about Hartford’s history and culture.

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IT TAKES A VILLAGE...

SPRING ISSUE 2016 SPRING ISSUE 2016

PAGE 6 PAGE 6

HOSTED BY THE YOUTH DEPARTMENT

Parent Engagement Night took place Wednesday, April 20th at the Collin Bennett Building on Albany Avenue in Hartford, CT. This interactive event gave Parents the opportunity to witness the growth and progress their teens have made through our Project Ready programming. It gave our youth the opportunity to demonstrate their public speaking and networking skills, while educating their community on the dangers of cyberbullying. And it gave our community members the opportunity to connect with local police officials and bridge the relational gap in order to build a safer community. Special thanks to the representatives from Hartford Police Department and Santander Bank for contributing to the night’s success!

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SPRING

ISSUE 2016

DRESSING FOR SUCCESS

PAGE 7

HOW DO I LOOK? Project Ready and Manage Your Future participants were challenged to complete a professional wardrobe scavenger hunt at the mall. These aspiring professionals accepted the challenge and headed off to find professional attire to suit their body type and personality. This activity was designed to encourage youth to take pride in their image and how they represent their personal brand. Working together in groups they quickly learned how to become conscious savvy shoppers by selecting items within their price range and identifying stores and brands that best represented their sense of style within an allotted budget. After completing the activity, participants earned a gift card towards the purchase of work appropriate attire.

TIPS TO REMEMBER First impressions are everything!

Your personal image speaks before volumes before you do.

Avoid distracting apparel (funky patterns, bright colors, large accessories etc.).  Find the right fit for you. Clothes should not be baggy or tight fitting.

FOR THE INTERVIEW...

FEMALES: A blazer with blouse and skirt or dress pants with a jacket, and closed toe shoes (with a modest heal 1-3 inches).

MALES: Nicely pressed dress slacks, a white long-sleeved button-down shirt, a conservative silk tie, and nicely polished dress shoes.

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ENRICHMENT WORKSHOPS WORKSHOPS To balance theoretical knowledge with practical knowledge, community guests are invited to facilitate, volunteer or share personal experiences on topics ranging from college readiness, career competencies, personal branding,

financial literacy, soft skills and entrepreneurship.

Personal Branding

Digital Literacy Social Skills

Leadership Skills 8 Urban Expression/ Summer 2016 / Creating Opportunity for Our Youth

PROJECT READY SHIELD “CALL OF DUTY�

Through funding from NBC Connecticut, Urban League of Greater Hartford has had the opportunity to be a leading force in creating positive community relationships with local law enforcements. PROJECT READY SHIELD introduces students to careers in law enforcement and actively improves relationships between Project Ready scholars and the Hartford Police Department. Our youth developed a series of community forums and public service announcements (PSAs) which dispelled myths about ci tizens and law enforcement relations, fostered improved communication, encouraged good citizenship and positively changed attitudes. On April 28th, after a series of

sessions establishing relationships with local officers, students toured the Hartford Police Safety Complex and learned about various careers in the field of criminal justice. Youth were exposed to the responsibilities of dispatchers and police officers. They visited the evidence lock up and met a cadet who recently graduated from the Police Academy.

Youth interviewed police officers on the steps they can take in order to prepare themselves for employment opportunities in law enforcement. You can find those Public Service Announcements at: www.facebook.com/ulgh64 www.facebook.com/PRConnected To view the Project Ready Shield interview on NBC click here.

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COMCAST CARES DAY 2016

Urban League of Greater Hartford is dedicated to serving our community by promoting community service and neighborhood development. This year our staff, participants, and partners came together to participate in Comcast Cares Day. Together, alongside other neighborhood allies, we showed a little extra tender, love and care at Thirman Millner School, a local elementary school located in the North End of Hartford. Some painted corridors and class rooms, some rearranged the library and some got down and dirty with light landscaping and replanting. Everyone helped out of the kindness of their hearts. This event showed our participants that being a part of a community means you must invest back into the places and people that first invested in you.

From left to right Youth participants Antanayzia Holmes and Amari Harvey; Urban League staff Sandra Eaddy, Tieasha Gayle, Natasha Harris and Lee-Ann Moore. Mrs. Adrienne Cochrane President and CEO of Urban League of Greater Hartford.

From left to right participants Natasha Ruiz, Justin Rodriguez, Jamal Sterling, Cornelius Roberts, Darnell Walker with Mayor Luke Bronin.

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LEARNING IN MOTION | NYC FIELD TRIP In June, this Learning in Motion adventure offered interactive learning activities which included: trivia about famous landmarks, a scavenger hunt and tours which helped develop their true understanding of Financial Literacy. Students toured Madison Square Garden, National Urban League headquarters, the Wall Street district and Ground Zero / 911 Memorial site. Two students shared reflections on their experience...

“(We) went on a trip to New York, the first stop we made was Madison Square Garden. Our tour guide, Mr. Harrison, took us to many different parts of this well known place. Some of the parts were the locker rooms (for both the Knicks and Rangers), the suites, the arena and the Chase Bridge. As we were going around, our tour guide pointed out memorable moments in which different events took place. It was a wonderful opportunity that I would love to participate in again. .” M. Hyde

Wall Street was an amazing experience where we gained a lot of knowledge on how trading started. We explored all over Wall Street with stops including the New York Stock Exchange and the Trinity church, along with the memorial bell.

That bell is rung every September 11th in honor of those who were lost in the attack. We also were able to visit Federal Hall with the statue of George Washington in front. The statue was a celebration of his first visit to Wall Street as a president. The scenery was just an add-on for the trip, the major parts of this trip would have to be the education portions.

For example, we had no idea that before all the businesses on Wall Street were built there was actually a huge wall. Also, that the stock exchange began under a tree by two Dutchmen. - J. Kerr

* Students pictured at the top with Quincy Dunlap, Manager of Education & Youth Development – National Urban League Urban Expression/ Summer 2016 / Creating Opportunity for Our Youth 11

The National Urban League Youth Leadership Summit is an annual event for Education & Youth Development programs that brings together up to 400 youth (ages 12-18) from communities served by Urban League affiliates across the country. This year's 2016 Youth Leadership Summit's theme was Be Bold. Be Brilliant. Be You. Be More! Youth from Urban League of Greater Hartford interacted with other scholars from over 36 affiliates. Our youth shared their experiences at the Youth Summit and participated in workshops, activities, service learning and a college fair, reinforcing the goals and practices of the National Urban League’s and Urban League of Greater Hartford’s work with middle and high school youth.

My Youth Summit experience was an unforgettable opportunity and one of the best trips I have ever had. Although we did have work and research I understood the importance of learning. During the experience I developed a true understanding of college life, especially as I interacted and networked with a number of different people . Everyday I became closer to my peers and others that I just met. These relationships could turn into lifelong friendships.

Meeting people from all over the country opened up many opportunities to develop relationships. The trip also provided new experiences such as an opportunity for spoken word.

Although I was unfamiliar with the term I still accepted the challenge; I have never freestyled before especially in front of a group of people I barely knew but I still tried and it took a lot of courage. I liked visiting places around Baltimore that I have never been to such as the Wax Museum, which was very gruesome and made us see how blacks lived during slavery and I gained interesting information. Lastly the workshops one workshop in particular was Black Lives Matter where I learned a lot about the current movement. We had fun and it brought everyone all together, to the point where we got their contact information so that we can stay in touch because we never know how a person can help later on in life.

-CLIFTON DRAYTON JR., Global Experience Magnet School

My Youth Summit experience was very enlightening. Just having a chance to speak to and ask questions to successful people in our world was a great opportunity. Also listening to each speaker that shared their story, showing a word of advice or a way out for people stuck in the same situation. On the other hand, the kids there were welcoming to new people. They were all very accepting of new friends from new places and respected everyone equally. It was great to have the time to get to know these wonderful and future leaders as we toured through Baltimore. As we became friends, I began to realize the importance of the amount of time we had left to talk. That caused me and another youth from another state to decide to create a group chat with as many students as we could. We tried to stay connected over time.

-JAQUAN KERR, University High School of Science and Engineering

The experience from this Youth Summit was great, I was able to learn about the way other people lived and network with them. I also learned about the way people felt towards society which I never knew before. The workshops had different topics which led to people having different opinions but also working together to agree on one thing, the problems that exist in today’s society. Some workshops were School to Prison Pipeline which discussed the ideas to better communities and how police strategically arrest people from the inner city in large numbers.

Another workshop was Prove Them Wrong where we learned about stereotypes and techniques to use the negative things people tell you to fuel yourself to create your own identity. The Wax Museum was great because it showed a lot of our history and culture. We also heard from Harriet Tubman and Fredrick Douglas who reenacted their time in history, from which I took some very important quotes. I also learned about the Rochester Urban League project during the Case Competition where they provided a construction program, which provides scholarships for youth who join the program and complete the requirements. I also learned people should be healthy and fight for justice with the Black Lives Matter Movement.

-DESTINY BEST, Law and Government Academy at Hartford Public High School

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YOUTH LEADER

YOUTH CHAMPIONS

YOUTH SUPPORTERS

Pictured from left to right Clifton Drayton Jr., Marrai Roberts, Jaquan Kerr, and Destiny Best.

FRIENDS OF YOUTH

I am thankful for having you as SPONSORS, without you this summit would not have been able to happen. Having you as sponsors was great because we engaged in every activity and every workshop.

Because of you I have experienced a lot and learned a lot during the NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE’S YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT. -DESTINY BEST, Law and Government Academy at Hartford Public High School

I want to say thank you to the SPONSORS because without them we may not have been able to experience everything that we did. The YOUTH SUMMIT exceeded our expectations as we not only were able to meet new people but we also learned about different topics. Also because of them I am open to opportunities that may help me throughout my life and friendships that will stay with me throughout life.

-CLIFTON DRAYTON JR., Global Experience Magnet School

I would like to thank the SPONSORS for believing in us as young people. The youth I spoke to really enjoy their time spent. This trip was very educational and fun. We all learned at least one thing that would stick with us the rest of lives. The tours of Baltimore were a very nice add-on and the food was sensational. This whole experience was astonishing, the fact that I actually had the opportunity to speak to such successful people that work for our government. They provided wise knowledge for us as youth to use and build on, so once again thank you, sponsors, for all your investments in the YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT. -JAQUAN KERR, University High School of Science and Engineering

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PROJECT READY MENTOR

SPRING

ISSUE 2016

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Project Ready Mentor

matches youth ages 14-18 to a responsible adult that helps build various skills through engaging activities in the community. Our mentors work to identify their mentee’s weaknesses and turn them into strengths. They also assist in preparing youth for College, Work and Life by introducing them to networking and cultural events.

1

2

3

1: Mentees Yimary Nieves & Jordan Taylor play a game of Taboo with Mentor Mikhail Buchanan during Game Day at Urban League.

2: Mentee Sebastien Kerr with Mentor Brennden Colbert during Urban League’s Annual Meeting.

3: Mentees Clifton Drayton Jr., Kamre Williams and Jacquan Kerr with Mentor Jaleith Gary during Urban League’s Black History Celebration.

LOOKING FOR WAYS TO IMPACT A TEENAGER? We are currently seeking caring adult volunteers to mentor youth ages 14-18. Mentors participate in recreational, cultural, educational, and community service activities with youth.

MENTORS MUST: 

Be at least 21 years old



Commit to a youth for 1 year



Weekly: virtual contact with mentee (via phone, text, social media)



Monthly: At least 1 face-to-face interaction (Urban League activity)



Complete Mentor training (in-person and online)



Pass a screening interview and criminal background check

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A LETTER FROM OUR SCHOLAR

2016 BANK OF AMERICA STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM RECIPIENT Ms. Tieasha (Project Ready Coordinator), I cannot thank you for extending this invitation to apply for the Bank of America’s Student Leadership Program. It was literally one of the best experiences of my life!

We flew in, bright and early, on Sunday morning from Bradley Airport to Baltimore, Maryland. It was myself and four other girls that were chosen to represent Bank of America's Hartford area. There were 220 student leaders chosen nation wide out of over two thousand applicants.

Over the course of the five days, we participated in a plethora of events, that would allow us to live up to the Student Leader's motto of SERVE, INSPIRE & CHANGE. We listened to countless leaders ranging from the CEO of Bank of America, Brian Moynihan and profound author and political analyst, Wes Moore.

Even though the beautiful hotel was stationed in Arlington, VA, we made numerous trips to Washington D.C. In D.C we visited a number of monuments including the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial. We were so enthralled to have spent a day at Capital Hill, where we met CT Senator, Richard Blumenthal and Vermont Senator, Bernie Sanders!

Overall, the Summit was amazing! I wish that it was longer than five days. On August 8th I will go on to resume my 8 week internship at the Northwest Boys and Girls Club. I am the counselor for the 10 & 11 year olds. This role has taught me that enacting change takes countless time and effort, but these are things that I am willing to do. In the long run, I hope more students from the Urban League of Greater Hartford get to experience this opportunity as it was truly special!

Thanks again, Sebastien A Kerr Achievement First Hartford High, Class of 2016 Graduate 2016 Bank of America Student Leader University of Connecticut Husky PROJECT READY MENTEE

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ARE YOU PROJECT READY? AMARI HARVEY In the program I really liked all the workshops because I liked meeting new people and connecting with new people from different schools. Also, I liked how meeting the officers gave me a different perspective about them. Now I feel more comfortable speaking to the police.

HPHS Academy of Nursing and Health Sciences scholar

MATTHEW MARTIN ALEJANDRA DIAZ My favorite part of this program was the Public Service Announcements, because it was an interesting experience. I learned how to use a camera. I had a lot of fun doing it because I was with my friends and I never did something like this.

HPHS Academy of Nursing and Health Sciences scholar

I was looking forward to Comcast Cares Day, simply because it was an opportunity for me to give back to my community and be productive. While I was there, I got a chance to gain some new experience in tasks that I’ve never attempted beforehand.

Manual labor was very refreshing, it made me feel like I was doing something very helpful. I changed up the fences, painted the fences, and assisted with reinstalling equipment parts. Knowing that I made an impact, made the day even more worthwhile.

Great Path Academy scholar

ARE YOU #READYTOGIVEBACK? FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED AS A...

PA R TI CI PA N T, VO LU N TEER , MEN TO R , G U EST S PEA KER, FA CI LI TA TOR , WO R KSI TE OR JOIN OUR YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

Connect With Us Today! @ulgh64

140 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06105 | (860) 527-0147 | www.ulgh.org Special thanks to the following funders who help to make our Youth Development programs possible:

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