I met Vanette in the spring of 2013 at Street Level Youth Media. Â I was immediately impressed and inspired by her deep passion for youth development and addressing social issues that affect Chicago youth. Through discussion with Vanette about the Chicago Public School system, homeless students, and youth violence, it was apparent that at the […]
This is an introduction to a series of ongoing posts featuring youth voices and images from Graduation, a multimedia project about Chicago youth violence.
Former NBA star Magic Johnson is launching a new initiative to combat high school dropout rates in Chicago.Magic Johnson Lawndale Bridgescape Academy targets at-risk students aged 13-21, and the “Friends of Magic” program is an extension of the academy.
Speaking to a group of black high school graduates at the Mass Black Male Graduation and Transition to Manhood ceremony in Chicago, Lupe Fiasco implored the young men to focus less on the achievement of graduating, and more on their futures and transition into manhood.
A group of students at Scripps Ranch High School in San Diego have been suspended, banned from prom, and will not walk at graduation after participating in a twerk video that found its way onto the internet.
According to a new report, graduation rates have increased for several prominent HBCUs; including Spellman, Howard, and Jackson State. However, HBCUs still lag behind the general population in graduation rates.
Despite Harper High’s much-publicized struggles with violence, two of its students – Deonte Tanner and Brittney Knight – are Harper High’s first Gates Millennium Scholars! They’ll have tuition, room, and board paid for at the college of their choice.
A recent study has found that young black men are more likely to achieve academic success when they possess grit; “a strong dedication to pursuing and achieving a goal, whatever the obstacles and failures along the way.”
According to a new report, the nation’s top Universities are failing to attract high-achieving low-income students, reinforcing economic inequality and a lack of social mobility. How can top Universities do a better job of reaching low-income students?
When he was just 17 year-old, Derrick Perry was shot in the head at a Detroit house party, changing his life forever. But his harrowing ordeal didn’t stop him from graduating from high school on time and attending college in the fall, just 7 months after being shot.
Shannon Cooper was arrested for being a proud mother. Although the audience had been warned that they would be thrown out of the graduation for cheering during the awarding of diplomas, probably none imagined cheering would result in being arrested!
I recently learned of a charter high school, Dohn Community High School, in Ohio that actually PAYS its students to attend. Seniors can receive $25 a week while younger students receive $10 a week in VISA gift cards for coming to class every day, beingon time and behaving well. $5 of the weekly amount is […]
