Dear Potential Supporter,

 

In Rhode Island, two-thirds (67%) of seniors who graduated from high school in 2008 went directly on to a two-year or four-year college. This is higher than the national average of 63%. Furthermore, in 2009 Rhode Island ranked #1 nationally with more than half (53%) of the state’s 18-24 year-olds enrolled in college. However, these positive statistics hide some troubling trends in the state. 

 

In 2009, the disconnection rate (percent of teens neither working nor in school) was 21.3% for Black Rhode Islanders and 26.6% for Hispanics, compared to only 12.8% for Whites. Despite improvements in the states’ average disconnection rate due to the slow recovery from the recession, these disparities still exist. It comes as no surprise then that high school dropout rates are also higher for Black (12%) and Hispanic (15%) students as compared to White (7%) students and for low-income (14%) students compared to higher-income (3%) students.

 

As a way of addressing these disparities, the #TurnUpRI Youth Summit brings together some of the best and brightest students to focus on leadership development, empowerment and career opportunities.  Designed for minority and/or low-income youth ages 13-18, the #TurnUpRI Youth Summit provides opportunities to learn technical skills, participate in hands-on activities and workshops, and learn from leaders in the field.

 

Please consider donating to this Fall’s  #TurnUpRI Youth Summit. There is no donation too small and donating your time is just as valuable as donating money or goods! Anything is something when it comes to supporting a youth career exploration conference that will positively impact hundreds of Rhode Island youth.  This Fall’s summit will be held on Saturday, November 7th at Times2 STEM Academy from 9a.m. to 4p.m. We will also be hosting a networking party that evening at the Salvation Army at 6pm as our closing event and we would love for you to join us!

 

If you would like to learn more about the #TurnUpRI Youth Summit, ways to donate, sponsor or to volunteer, please email turnupri@gmail.com.  If you would like to discuss anything in further detail, please do not hesitate to contact co- coordinator, Dr. Taino Palermo, at 716.941.1770 or turnupri@gmail.com.