The Board and staff of the Greater Washington Urban League
congratulate the 2008 Scholarship Winners
2008 Scholarship Winners will be announced on March 26, 2008.
All of the scholarships are one year awards for SY2008/2009. Each of the winners had to complete the application process which included writing a 500 word essay on a topic identified by the League and the funding source. In addition, each of the winners had to participate in a video taping which will air during the dinner and will be presented by their financial sponsor at the dinner.
Over 120 students in Washington, DC, Prince George's County and Montgomery County Maryland have received scholarships since 2000. More than $750,000 has been awarded to the students. Corporate scholarship sponsors have included: Merrill Lynch, the Rainbow Fund, Safeway/Western Union, Nationwide Insurance Company, Anheuser-Busch, Pepsi Bottling Group, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola.
2007 National Achievers Society Induction
The Greater Washington Urban League inducted 91 junior high school, middle school and senior high school students into its National Achievers Society (NAS) on Sunday, October 21, 2007. Students inducted into the society all had a GPA of 3.0 or better. The students were inducted in to the society during a ceremony held at Israel Baptist Church in front of a host of family, friends, school teachers and administrators. Each student was nominated by their school based on their academic achievement and other criteria.
The National Achievers Society was established 10 years ago by the National Urban League as a way to recognize and honor those young people who are working hard in school and achieving. It goal is to encourage our young people to strive for academic achievement. The motto for the society is "achievement matters". During the ceremony, the students were led in the " Achievement Matters" Student Pledge by Shanita Brown, a former NAS inductee and currently program coordinator.
Keith Garvin, News Anchor/Reporter for NBC4 - TV, was the master of ceremonies for the ceremony. The keynote address to the students was delivered by the Honorable Alexander Williams, Jr. of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Welcome was provided by Maudine R. Cooper, president and CEO of the Greater Washington Urban League and Rev. Dr. Morris Shearin, Pastor of Israel Baptist Church.
Discovery Young Scholars Graduate
In May 2006, 7 students completed the first leg of their academic journey by graduating high school and enrollong in a post-secondary institution. These 7 students were among a group of 10 first grade students from the District of Columbia and Prince George's County Maryland selected to participate in this post-secondary education program. Sponsored by Discovery Communications, each student will receive a pre-designated academic scholarship amount over a four year period as long as they remain in good academic standing. The Greater Washington Urban League served as the administrative agent for the program.
In recognition of their graduation, Discovery Communications hosted a graduation luncheon for the students on June 6, 2006.
AMBI Skincare Scholarship Announced
AMBI Skincare announced a new scholarship in Science and Medicine to help support African-American and Hispanic women who want to pursue a career in science and medicine. Five students will be awarded $10,000 each toward their tuition at an accredited science or medicine academic program. Applications will be accepted online starting January 22, 2008 through March 21, 2008.
For more information on the program, log onto www.ambiskincare.com.
Visit our post-secondary education web pages for mor information on scholarship opportunities. GWUL and the WASA Partnership
The League has partnered with the DC Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) to assist needy and eligible families pay their water bill during times of critical need. Through the S.P.L.A.S.H. Program (Serving People by Lending A Supporting Hand), community residents can apply for assistance once during a program year. The program is funded solely by contributions from the community as well as thoughtful WASA customers. To learn more about the program, contact Yvonne Merryweather at 202-265-8200.
If you wish to make a contribution to the SPLASH Program, just check the "Round Up" box on your monthly water bill. Your total will be rounded up to the next dollar figure. Money collected from the "round up" program goes into a fund to assist needed families. As the holidays approach us, lend a supporting hand to those in our community that need it.
PEPCO ENERGY ASSISTANCE GRANT AWARD
The Greater Washington Urban League has been awarded a grant to provide emergency energy assistance funds to those in need in our community. Community residents are provided with up to $500 in assistance to help pay their electric and/or gas utilities as long as funds last. Funds are only available to assist with paying the bill. Funds are not available to pay reconnect fees or deposits. Elegibility requirements are:
1. Individuals or families in need of assistance due to a documented emergency that has caused an inability to pay electric and/or gas utilities.
2. Applicant must have sufficient income to cover monthly expenses in the future.
3. Income at or below the poverty level as documented by the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.
4. Disconnection and/or Interruption of service notice (s).
Interested residents should contact Kory Gladden (202-265-8200 exr 261) or Debbie Clark (202-265-8200 ext 260) for more information on the program. GWUL Employment Opportunities
Are you unemployed? Under-employed? Seeking a job upgrade? Interested in changing careers? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, please contact the GWUL Career Center. Staff may be able to help you make a positive employment change. Resources and opportunities available include pre-apprenticeship screening, resume preparation, employability training workshops, and general personal growth and development workshops. In addition, the League also host dedicated job fairs for various employers. Information can be obtained on when those events will be held.
For more information about the services of the GWUL Career Center, call Ursula Higgins at 202-265-8200.
Information is currently on the site regarding the city's 2008 Fire/EMS Cadet Program, recruitment for the 2008 Summer Youth Employment Program, summer jobs at the DC Department of Recreation, the new Best Buy Job Fair for the new store opening in Columbia Heights, and the Nationals Park (aka "The BallPark"). Additional listings include: the Transportation Security Administration (TSA Screeners), the Federal Aviation Association (air traffic controller school), the NAACP Professional and Executive Diversity Job Fair, the DC Citywide Job Fair, and the Aramark Job Opportunity Fair.
DC Metro Area Diversity Job Fair
March 5, 2008
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
FedExField, Landover, Maryland
Also, visit our online calendar for workforce development listings. 2008 Summer Experiential Learning Opportunities
SISTER (Summer Institute in Science, Technology, Engineering & Research
7th and 8th Grade Middle School Girls
Application due April 1, 2008
Five day summer institute to increase the awareness of middle school girls regarding career fields. Open to girls who will be 7th and 8th grader in the 2008-2009 school year.
application and information posted at http://education.gsfc.nasa.gov/sister/ Summer Institute of Robotics(SIR)
2 week residential program at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland for students enrolled in the 9th through 12th grades. Program is designed to provide opportunities to learn and discover the science and technology of robotics.
Application will be posted at http://university.gsfc.nasa.gov/programs/sir.jsp Microsoft GigiGirls High Tech Camps
Applications are now being acceptd for the GigiGirls High Tech Camps. This is a three to five day camp opportunity for girls to learn about careers in technology, talk to Microsoft employees about their work experiences, and engage in hands-on computer and technology workshops. The camp is for girls in the 9th - 12th grades and is free.
The first step in the application process is the completion of an online application. In addition, each applicant has to complete 2 essay questions. If selected, other forms will have to be completed.
For more information, visit:
https://www.microsoft.com/about/diversity/programs/camps.mspx
Teenage Curfew
Teenage curfews began September 1, 2006. Children and teenagers under the age of 17 must be home by 11 pm Sundays through Thursdays and by midnight on weekends.
Exemptions are permited for children and teenagers working, attending school, religious, civic or organized recreational events. Those violating the curfew laws could face 25 hours of community service. Parents of the violators could face fines up to $500.
GWUL Housing Fair
April 12, 2008
Contact Carla Freeman for more information.
GWUL Annual Meeting
April 22, 2008
Contact Janice Smith at 202-265-8200 for additional information.
Safeway/Western Union 2008 Scholarship
The League will again administer the Safeway/Western Union Scholarship for eligible students in the League's service area. Six $3,000 scholarships will be awarded for the 2008/2009 school year. This is a one time scholarship to assist needy students. Funds are paid directly to the college(s) the students will attend in the fall of 2008. Applications for the scholarship are available. All interested students have to complete the application process by February 12, 2008. Interested students and/or parents should contact Gladys General at 202-265-8200.
12th Annual GWUL Parent Expo
The 12th Annual GWUL Parent Expo will be held October 11, 2008 at the DC Armory. The event is free and open to the public. GWUL United Way Membership
The Greater Washington Urban League is a member of the United Way of the National Capital Area. During this donation period, please consider making a contribution to the League to help us better serve our constituents. The League's United Way Designate No. is 8214 and the Combined Federal Campaign No. is 17794.
Visit our web calendar for important school year and community activity dates and/or information on activities. The calendar has been up-dated thru August 2008 with school postings from the DC Public Schools, Prince Georges County Public Schools, and Montgomery County Public Schools. Other League and community listings will be posted on a monthly basis.
The GWUL has been awarded a one year grant to provide information and training resources to fathers in the District of Columbia. The grant was awarded by the DC Department of Human Services. During the program year, fathers will be provided with parenting, money mangement, and employability training and resource materials. Training activities are conducted at the League's offices or community locations.
For more information about the program, contact Wendy Griffin or Kory Gladden at 202-265-8200.
Learning and Growing at the League - The Urban Youth Empowerment Program
The League has been awarded a second grant from the National Urban League to administer a year long program for young people ages 18 to 21. The program is designed to prepare the youth for a positive life in today's society. Through this program, the youth are provided with educational, employment, and personal growth and development education/training to prepare them to enter a post-secondary educational institution (trade school or college) and/or unsubsidized employment. The program included:
> pre-employability internships
> community service training
> work readiness training
> basis computer skill training and
> money management training.
The program is open to youth out of school or adjudicated, ages 18 to 21, who reside in the District of Columbia. For more information, please contact Ursula Higgins at 202-265-8200.
Grant Supports Student Achievement
The Greater Washington Urban League has been awarded a $30,000, one year grant by NBC/Universal Foundation in support of its National Achievers Society (NAS) Program. Through the grant, the League will provide students who have been inducted into the Society, with a variety of workshops and field trip opportunities that are designed to increase their positive academic and personal growth and development learning experiences. During the program year, the young people will receive training and/or information on post-secondary education options, scholarships, employment options, internships, and money management.
The GWUL/NBC National Achievers Society (NAS) Program is for students who have a 3.0 or better GPA. The program promotes academic achievement and supports those who are achieving. It encourages the students not to let their peers dictate what their level of academic achievement is or should be.
Financial Education Grant Awarded
The League has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the National Urban League to administer a year long program designed to increase the financial awareness of 50 youth and young adults. The program is financed by Chrysler and is a Financial Life Skills Education Program that will provide education/training on basic money management and credit.
Program participants will be youth ages 12 to 14 and 18 to 21. Each will be provided with a minimum of 3 hours of financial education instruction and a field trip to a financial institution in the community. The goal of the program is to help the students increase their understanding of the purpose and value of money in their lives, develop the saving habit, and increase their ability to use money wisely.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND
Since the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was passed and put in place in school districts across the country, school districts have been working to meet the mandated achievement requirements. The act provides for a variety of changes in the education of children designed to improve student achievement and school accountability. There are several key features of the act that address a parent's role, rights, and responsibilities. Parents now have direct choice options if their child(ren) attend a school that has been identified as a low performing school for two years. NCLB provides for supplemental educational services to assist children in these schools. It also includes a requirement for parent involvement in school governance. Learn your rights and responsibilities under NCLB. Attend a workshop, talk to your school administration about what they are doing or visit the NCLB web site at www.nochildleftbehind.gov.
Did you know?
Did you know that thousands of dollars are available for college. Visit the League's partial listing of some of the scholarships that are available. Go to the Community Guides listing in the menu. Once there, click on College and Scholarahio Info. For additional information, please call Gladys General at 202-265-8200 ext 264 (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).
Did you know the SAT test has been changed? Did you know the first administration of the NEW SAT test took place in March 2005? Changes to the test include the addition of a writing section. There will be an essay requirement as well as multiple-choice questions. The new math section will focus on topics from 3rd year college prep classes; the critical reading section will no longer include analogies. The highest possible score a student can make on the test increased from 1600 to 2400 for all three sections.
Now is the time for you and your child to obtain information on the new test. Go to www.collegeboard.com to get a more in-depth description of the new test. Also talk to the school counselor about the new test and what the school might be doing to prepare students to take the test.
READ AND RISE: Preparing our Children for a Lifetime of Success
The National Urban League, in collaboration with Scholastic Books, has produced a guide to help parents assist their young children read and rise. The guide provides parents with information and ideas that will help them support the child as he/she becomes a reader. The guide and the magazine are free to the public while supplies last. To obtain a copy, contact Yvonne Merryweather at 202-265-8200 or at e-mail epperson@gwulparentcenter.org.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
> For information on the District of Columbia's Caregivers Pilot Program, click on Parenting then Grandparents as Primary Care Providers.
> To obtain a free copy of the Read and Rise Guide or Magazine, contact Mrs. Yvonne Merryweather at 202-265-8200 ext 258.
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