Solving The Educational and Employment Crisis In America's Cities Through Youth Cultural Competence
Montgomery Village, MD (BlackNews.com) - "If youth are willing to throw away their lives and freedom over disrespect in the streets, what do we think they will do to their educational choices when they are so called 'disrespected by the system?'"
That was the question posed by the Youth Development and Research Fund (YDRF) as they kicked off the 2006 National Youth Development Symposium in Chicago this week.
Recognizing that a new approach is needed to promote educational and workforce achievement of minority youth in cities across the U.S, Edward DeJesus, President of YDRF, launched a message that resonated with the 700 plus youth service professionals gathered on Tuesday, Dec 5th at the Sheraton Chicago Towers. DeJesus is a long standing youth advocate who recently conducted a demonstration with more than 100 high school drop-outs in front of the Senate Office buildings. He is also the author of several books and publications on at-risk youth issues.
"Only 50% of African American and Latino students graduate high school. In some urban areas graduation is close to a 30/70 proposition— 30% will graduate by chance and 70% won't," DeJesus states. DeJesus' call for Youth Cultural Competence (YCC), an approach where educators use the power of youth popular culture, positive peer influence, and youth involvement to stem the disturbing tide of youth under-achievement, was greeted warmly by all in attendance. Under such a system, educators learn how to validate the identities that youth take on growing up – and sometimes those identities are not based on race.
YDRF's Tony Jackson stated, "The young people I work with identify themselves more with being a skater, rapper, or Goth than with their ethnicity. So, instead of attacking that identity, I use it to promote educational achievement."
"If Corporate America can use youth popular culture to sell popcorn, peanuts, and soft drinks, we need to use it to sell getting a GED, going to college, and staying out of trouble," adds DeJesus. However, DeJesus warns the audience of the youth popular culture paradox – the inadvertent promotion of what you are working against by using certain elements of youth culture.
YDRF's use of YCC has produced many gains in cities and their programs. One program reported a GED pass rate nearly triple of that of previous enrollees. Another program increased their retention rate by 97% after a YCC method was implemented. DeJesus is known for his ability to engage youth and adults with a message about education and work; however, his focus during the symposium this time is on what adults need to do in order to be able to get the message across.
DeJesus acknowledges that we have a workforce and education system that has been following a specific model for over 40 years. Any turn around will be slow but this is a start. Many organizations are realizing that old ways are not working and they want an approach that works. Foundations and government will be the last to catch on, but that's o.k. Right now YDRF is taking the word to the front lines – where it is needed most.
About YDRF
The Youth Development and Research Fund, Inc. is solely dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth, and the policies and programs that serve them through research, training, and the power of youth cultural competence (YCC). Our innovative research, training, products and information help policy organizations, advocacy groups, foundations, community based organizations, and educational institutions better meet the needs of today's youth. Our unmatched services, reinforced by a comprehensive network, recognizable staff experts and strategic partnerships with hip-hop industry celebrities, sets the Youth Development and Research Fund, Inc. apart from any other entity seeking to effectively reach and impact today's youth. A private, minority-owned enterprise headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, the Youth Development and Research Fund, Inc. is the leading authority on youth programming that utilizes effective practices and youth cultural competence to connect with young people and help them succeed in the world of work and school.
CONTACT:
Edward DeJesus
301-252-0146
ed@ydrf.com www.ydrf.com
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