SOUTH OF THE BORDER

w w w. h e l p i n g kids.org YLFOne on One FALL 2008 N N F O R M I N G F U T U R E L E A D E R S W H AT ’ S I N S I D E BOARD OF DIRECTORS president Keith S. Fimian U.S. Inspect, LLC vice president Gerard E. Mitchell Ste i n , Mi tc he l l & Mu s e YLF Completes Another Successful Summer! s e c r e ta ry Tom Ondeck Gl o b a l Op ti o n s Michael J. Barvick Executive Director Youth Leadership Foundation Matthew Anthony Tenley Study Center Reyes Aterido World Bank Steve Baldwin Phil Brach St. John’s College High School Message from the Executive Director The Role of Friendship at YLF Programs Staff Showcase PALS Provides New Perspective Donor Profile: Pohanka Family Foundation THANKS TO YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT YLF CONTINUES Helps YLF Stay to offer at-risk youth in Washington the best academic and character Organized building opportunities available. The following is a taste of our accomplishments this past summer: 275 students attended our summer programs (an all time high for enrollment!) YLF Summer Speakers Series Continues to Shine: Speakers included national television and radio commentator Juan Williams, Former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele, Purple Heart recipient Sgt. Charles Eggleston, NBC 4 correspondent Tracee Wilkins, CUA Law School Dean Veryl Miles, “Voice of the Maryland Terrapins” Johnny Holliday and YLF Board members Keith Fimian and Armstrong Williams. YLF Programs featured in Washington Times Continues page 3 Michael C. Finnegan Bank of America Barbara A. Froio USLeadGen Rev. Carolyn Graham Board of Education “ The Hon. Eugene N. Hamilton Superior Court of the District of Columbia Robert D. Novak Evans & Novak Inside Report Janell has been in the program for several years and loves it. She would be disappointed if she could not return. —EPALS Parent SOUTH OF THE BORDER: YLF Begins First Program for Students in Northern Virginia ” Joseph E. Robert III Steven Schlosser Joseph E. Schmitz The Prince Group TOP: EPALS girls take a break from an obstacle course during a trip to the Hemlock Overlook Center for Outdoor Education. BOTTOM: Math Teacher Dan Sushinsky checks the work of TAP student Rafael Lanuza. Pat Scrivens Advisory Associates, Inc. David Smick Johnson Smick International, Inc. Armstrong Williams The Graham Williams Group F For the last few years a number of dedicated families have been making the trek across the Potomac River from Virginia into the District to make sure that their sons and daughters could benefit from YLF programs. When the majority of YLF students were conveniently taking the Metro or making the shorter car ride from in town these families drove as far as an hour to make sure their child would succeed. Finally, this fall YLF was able to respond to the growing demand in Virginia, opening its first-ever Virginia campus for elementary school boys at St. Michael’s School in Annandale. Continues page 5 Please remember to include the Youth Leadership Foundation during the upcoming Combined Federal Campaign: CFC#32181, United Way # 8875 Message from the Executive Director I recently read about a study done years ago with 4 year olds to determine the impact of “delayed gratification” on an individual’s future success. In the study an adult told a roomful of toddlers that if they could wait until he returned they would receive two marshmallows. However, if they couldn’t wait they were allowed to ring a bell and they would immediately receive one marshmallow. The children’s reaction to the test varied with some giving in immediately and others waiting more than 15 minutes for the adult to return. The participants in the study were followed throughout adolescence and young adulthood and, on average, the ones who avoided ringing the bell had higher SAT scores and ended up in better colleges while those who couldn’t wait tended to exhibit weaker academic skills and had more disciplinary issues as they grew up. I don’t expect readers to go to the grocery store, give this test to their little ones, and then call me to complain if they happen to have a “bell ringer” on their hands. However, what this and a number of similar studies continue to show is the important relationship between strong character and future academic, personal and professional success. The recent financial turbulence that has hit our markets is just another example of the negative impact that can result when people motivated by short term pleasure don’t consider their action’s long term impact on themselves and those around them. As you know, YLF programs provide at risk students with challenging academic help and personal tutoring that gives them the necessary tools to succeed in school. You can be reassured to know that our programs continue to promote good habits and strong character qualities that show our students how to responsibly use those tools for the benefit of themselves and others. Our students continue to outperform their peers academically and are more engaged with their family and community. A recent survey of YLF parents showed that 97% of students are not only more engaged in school but also are more respectful of their parents and other adults. The students that YLF forms are destined to be the leaders of the next generation. Thankfully, they are poised to be leaders that are not only prepared to be competitive in the marketplace but will also be responsible with whatever success they find. YLF’s success is also dependent on the “delayed gratification” that our volunteers and donors exhibit by contributing time and finances that might be tempting to use for their own well being. I am grateful for all those who continue to help in these ways and hope that you will tell others about this important work so we are able to reach more and more deserving kids. Sincerely, TOP : TAP student Byron Vargas drives to the basket. Michael Barvick “ MIDDLE: PALS students Shelby Baggott and Aliyah Jones perform in the summer musical “Happily Ever After”. BOTTOM: PALS students pose with visiting speaker Veryl Miles, Dean of Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law. PALS has been a great asset to my child’s education and personal development. She has become more responsible at home and in her role as a student. It was great to see the progress she has made as we go into the new school year. She is excited about school and more involved in her homework. I am greatly appreciative to all the staff at PALS for their hard work, devotion and patience with my child. —EPALS Parent 2 ” ...Another Successful Summer! (continued) PALS Program produced and performed the musical comedy “Happily Ever After” at the historic Ira Aldridge Theater on the campus of Howard University. Parents participated in a number of “Parent Seminars” that included some of the following topics: Preparing for the High School Admission Process, Helping with Homework, Transforming Values into Virtue, and Strengthening Your Relationship with Your Daughter. TAP 10th grade boys participated in a project management seminar. Students produced a power point presentation reviewing a number of fund raisers they organized during the summer to raise over $800 to support financial aid for needy YLF students. PALS 10th grade girls visited a number of local universities to prepare them for the college admissions process that they will embark upon in the coming years. Students memorized and recited great works of literature including: The Charge of the Light Brigade, The Appeal from the Alamo, O Captain My Captain and a number of monologs from Shakespeare. A number of students received Character Counts rewards including: Lunch with ABC7 Anchor Leon Harris and a tour of ABC7 Studios, Lunch with GMU Basketball Coach Jim Larranaga, a private tour of the US Capital Dome, tickets to see the Washington Mystics, the Washington Nationals and the Washington Redskins, autographed footballs and basketballs signed by celebrities from the Johnny Holliday Scholarship Classic. Much, much, more…if interested in learning more about YLF’s great enrichment opportunities call our offices at 202.464.0668! “ CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM: 1. Science A program like this is extremely important for a single parent like me raising a young man. We need more men to make time to mentor our youth and really be there for them. This is my son’s second year in the program and it has been a blessing to our family. My son was very shy and not very good at speaking up for himself… He is more confident, more physically active, and striving to excel academically and I must thank you all at TAP for being a part of his success in these areas. —TAP Parent Teacher Matthew Bronzi works on a lab with TAP student Kimathi Owens. student Derrick Harrell basks in the joy of victory during a summer sports period. Nationally syndicated journalist Juan Williams with TAP students. Fmr. Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele receives a warm welcome during his visit to TAP this summer. 2. ETAP 3. 4. ” 3 The Role of Friendship at YLF Programs LEFT: ETAP students horse around between activities. TOP: EPALS students Miracle Verner and Micai-Amani Newsome with staff member Danielle Douez (middle). There’s an old adage that says: “tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you the man you’ll become”. At YLF our programs show students why developing good friendships will contribute to their overall development into better students and citizens. Aristotle says that true friendship is between good people who are alike in virtue, and wish good things for one another. A bad friend, on the other hand, is simply interested in others because of what they can offer them. This is why bad friendships can start and end so quickly, because it is easy to use someone for our own pleasure or necessities. Unfortunately, though, when these needs vanish, so too do those friends. One of the more important benefits of YLF programs is the way in which we help our students form good friendships. Friendship is discussed and encouraged in the Character Formation classes that all students attend throughout the summer. Students learn what virtue is and how these virtues contribute to good character. At the same time students work with a mentor to set realistic goals that help put their more formal education into practice. Thus, because of the standardized character curriculum that all students receive while at YLF programs, the friendships that are formed are based on a mutual understanding of what “good friendship” means and entails. That means that friendships formed at YLF programs are done in the common pursuit of good character and virtuous living, which is precisely what Aristotle claimed was the basis for true friendship. YLF’s academic and mentoring assistance are of great value to the students we serve as our graduation rates and performance statistics continue to show. In addition to these benefits, however, there are more subtle benefits that YLF students receive. Because our programs promote excellent friendships these relationships contribute to and strengthen academic and personal development as this “positive peer pressure” provides a supportive environment for future achievement. STAFF SHOWCASE F O R MI NG F U TURE LEADERS. That’s what YLF is all about, right? But who is being formed and who is doing the forming? Certainly the students who participate in PALS and TAP are being formed by the staff—but this summer, EPALS staff member Therese McCabe illuminated another dimension of the equation. Therese is currently a senior at Oakcrest School and a member of both the Math Honor Society and the National Honor Society. On top of her dedication to academics, Therese competes on the varsity soccer, basketball, and track teams. Therese certainly shared her talents and virtues with fellow staffmembers and the students at PALS. As assistant to the Director, she collected and recorded daily attendance, called parents, designed announcement flyers, tutored students, coached sports, and disciplined rowdy youngsters—and that was all before lunch! Not surprisingly, Therese’s favorite part of her job was being with the kids. She also believes that character class is the best part of PALS for the girls. “When I would stop in the classrooms, [I noticed that] the girls paid more attention in Character class than their academic subjects. Things were new to them and they were interested.” While reflecting on her summer with PALS, Therese admitted that she hadn’t been sure if she could handle her job at first. However, her position forced her to learn to do many things that she had never done before and now “[she] is not intimidated by many things anymore!” Moreover, the challenges in her job helped her grow in patience, made her more proactive and—best of all—“it was a lot of fun!” PALS was privileged to have Therese help form our students and she feels lucky to have been formed by her own PALS experience. 4 PALS Provides New Perspective: FROM THE TOP OF THE CAPITOL DOME E Every summer, PALS staff members nominate one student who has been an example of the academic and personal virtues that the Youth Leadership Foundation works to instill in all students. This student is then honored at the awards ceremony as the PALS “Student of the Summer” and receives a prize to recognize her hard work. This summer’s award was presented to Marissa Johnson, a 7th grader at Washington Christian Academy who was described by our staff as “eager to learn”, “a joy to have in class”, and friendly to all of her classmates. In recognition of this honor and thanks to the United States Senate’s Sergeant at Arms (and former YLF Board member), Terence Gainer, PALS was able to provide a culturally enriching and educational experience for Marissa and three of her family members. The PALS office was notified that a small group of students had been invited for a tour of the United States Capitol Dome. It was not known at that time, what an experience the day would be for Marissa, her sister (also a PALS student), her cousin (a TAP student), her mother and the rest of the group. Marissa said that she was just expecting a regular tour of the Capitol and didn’t know they would get to go up to the dome and walk around outside of it. At the beginning of the tour, the guide told Marissa and her accompanying family members that of the millions of visitors to the Capitol building each year only between 1,000 and 2,000 are allowed up into the dome. Following the tour, Mrs. Johnson remarked, “It was such an honor to be invited and allowed on this tour.” During the tour, Marissa and the other students were very attentive, asking many questions of the tour guide about the history and structure of the Dome and the artwork within. Marissa enjoys history and thinks that she might want to study it in college. She thinks history is important because “it tells you about the things you missed when you weren’t alive” and that it “teaches you not to make the mistakes of the past.” Her favorite part of the tour was getting a closer look at the painting of George Washington on the interior of the dome. She made sure to take lots of pictures because she wanted to show her history teacher how it reminded her of what she had studied last year in class. Marissa’s mother commented that she was impressed that the “tour guide was such a historian” who left them with a “wealth of information”. Marissa said, “It helped me to learn more about a building I’ve seen so many times before but never in such an intimate and eye opening way.” YLF programs try to show our students that if they set goals and work hard to attain them they will never know what heights they can reach. The Capitol Dome tour was a pretty good (and high) platform for Marissa to start pursuing her dreams and YLF plans to be there along the way to help. ABOVE: PALS “Student of the Summer” Marissa Johnson with her family outside the dome of the US Capitol. BELOW: SOUTH OF THE BORDER (continued) The program was started with the primary purpose of serving the local Hispanic community, a population that has grown faster than any other major ethnic group in the area over the last 20 years. From 1990 to 2000 alone, the Hispanic community in the City of Arlington grew by over 50%. It is also a community that has struggled in the classroom, particularly in the primary subjects of English and math. In Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOL) tests administered during the 2006-07 school year, it was found that Hispanic elementary school students were, grade-bygrade, the lowest-achieving ethnic group, with passing rates as low as 49%. Also, parents struggle with the reality that poor performing students are often tempted to leave school and add to the ever growing gang population that has sprung up in our suburbs. Thanks to the success of YLF’s DC programs and the Foundation’s generous benefactors, concerned parents in Northern Virginia will no longer have to make such sacrifices to ensure their children get the tutoring and mentoring they need to avoid these dangerous pitfalls. 5 Mentoring opportunities like the one below are now available for at-risk students living in Northern Virginia. We look forward to see these programs grow and replicate the success of our DC programs so that more and more kids are able to pursue their dreams. Youth Leadership Foundation is proud to to be part of the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington. Chosen from a field of some 200 applicants, YLF survived a rigorous vetting process and were selected, according to Catalogue President, Barbara Harman, as "one of the best small charities in the Washington, DC region." Each year 68 new nonprofits are featured, and all 350 organizations (including ours!) can be viewed online at cfp-dc.org where donations can also be made. Since its inception in 2003, the Catalogue has helped raise over $6.3 million dollars for local non-profit organizations and has emerged as the most wide-ranging philanthropy promotion initiative in the region. We encourage you to learn more about the Catalogue: the new one will be available in November. Request your copy online at cfp-dc.org (single copies are free) and share the Catalogue with family and friends. Youth Leadership Foundation is proud to be called "one of the best," and we hope you'll view our profile online and help spread the word about the Catalogue so that all of us can work together to deepen the culture of giving in our nation's capital. US POSTAGE Youth Leadership Foundation 4101 Yuma Street, NW Washington, DC 20016 Phone 202.464.0668 Fax 202.363.4118 PAID WASHINGTON, DC PERMIT NO. 626 w w w. h e l p i n g k i d s . o r g Please remember to include the YLF during the upcoming Combined Federal Campaign: CFC#32181, United Way # 8875 A Pohanka Family Foundation Helps YLF Stay Organized DON OR P ROFILE: Anyone who has ever run a non profit knows how important precise program data and statistics are to a successfully run operation. Accurate information about volunteers and donors who support your efforts are also necessary to keep an organization healthy and growing. Thanks to a generous gift from the Pohanka Family Foundation, YLF was able to purchase an on-line database for tracking student results and progress as well as fund raising software that will help improve our ability to track donors and keep them informed about their gifts. We are grateful to the Pohanka Family Foundation for this assistance and look forward to a continued partnership in the future. TAP students Mark Ebo and Darrin Bonas received a personal tour of ABC7 studios from lead anchor and YLF benefactor Leon Harris. LEFT: TOP RIGHT: EPALS Students had a ball this past summer “ —EPALS Parent I was excited to see her progress in math. Her teacher mentioned that she started slow, but she rose to the top with some of her top students, and for that I say thank you. My husband and I would like to thank you for allowing Janay to participate in the PALS summer program. ”