From Harford County Public Schools:
On Wednesday, December 6, 2017, 110 male Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) students in grades 8 and 9 will take part in the biennial At-Promise Academy at Harford Community College from 9:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
The goal of the At-Promise Conference is to help young men reach their maximum potential as responsible and respectful citizens and academic scholars by providing the knowledge and skills needed to overcome obstacles today’s youth may face.
“We believe that our greatest potential lies in our students, and we must surround them with the support they need to reach personal success. We are excited about offering this unique leadership opportunity to our young men of promise,” said Laurie Namey, HCPS supervisor of equity and cultural proficiency. “It is our hope that each student will feel empowered to make a difference in their school, community, and within themselves as a result of the academy.”
The one-day conference will feature engaging and interactive workshops that support academic, social, and emotional growth. Participants will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in areas such as relationships, character building, finances, leadership, mentoring, overcoming obstacles, goal setting, personal safety, and more.
“Our community and staff have come together to provide these young men with an opportunity to learn and grow so that they will evolve and become role models, mentors, and stewards of equity,” said Superintendent of Schools Barbara P. Canavan. “We are extremely grateful for the efforts made on behalf of our students to make this event a reality.”
The conference, hosted by HCPS, includes volunteer speakers and facilitators who will lead the different sessions. Presenters are community members as well as teachers and administrators from various schools across the county. Students will be served a business-style lunch and will be encouraged to dialogue with peers from other schools across the county. In addition, they will receive a tour of the Harford Community College campus.
A similar conference for HCPS young women, The Women of Promise, was hosted in 2015 and was very well-received by participants.
Maybe, I’m crazy but a five-hour conference ( including lunch ) isn’t going to teach anybody about “relationships, character building, finances, leadership, mentoring, overcoming obstacles, goal setting, personal safety, and more.” That’s plainly obvious.
These kids need strong support from their families. I know most of them don’t have it — got it. My point is that the family is broken in America and that’s what we need to get after, not this. The schools can’t do it, not even with gobs of money.
Good luck to these young folks. It’s tough out there.
Instead of spouting off on a message board, why don’t you contact HCPS and see if you can volunteer for the event? Maybe see it in action before you claim that it’s a waste of time.
I wouldn’t be interested in wasting my time.
I’m certainly not going to “volunteer” if by that means, FOR FREE.
Yeah. LOL. Its about money. Just like the people presenting this shit aren’t doing it for “free.”
9am-1:15pm. If I was in 8th/9th grade I’d be inclined to go on this field trip regardless, just to miss class and slack off all day.
That’s probably for the best. I really don’t think people who are unwilling to “volunteer” to be “wasting” their time on the youth are the kind of folks we want to be mentoring or inspiring our students anyway.
I do wish there had been more than three days notice given.
Maybe someone who was able to attend can give us some feedback?
I didnt need any mentoring, I got that from my family.
I understand the complications of a “broken family.” My condolences.
Unfortunately in the business world it’s getting more and more complicated to do something with and without money in time involved situation.
Nice of you to paint a broad brush on those who aren’t interested in “volunteering” for 1 day on 1 thing without knowing anything.
Believe me, my successful business and my story is worth sharing but unfortunately I cannot spare the time during my business hours to attend something, even for “free.”
Where are these kids’ parents? Why aren’t they instilling values in their children?