Gifted and Lifted

There was a study conducted at Harvard and Stanford  Universities that revealed something which is not too surprising about the inadequate representation of low-income students at selective colleges and universities.  The study examined the academically successful high school seniors and what percentage of them went on to attend the country's most selected colleges. This was a list of almost 250 colleges and universities.  The conclusion was that only 34 percent of these students were from families whose income fell in the bottom quarter of the national scale.

Two groups have created modeled programs to lift our low income gifted youth out of their environment and into academic institutions that will prepare them for success and financial freedom.  The first organization is  Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America, or LEDA which assist students from socioeconomically disadvantage families gain admission to the nation's top colleges.  Seventy six percent of their scholars attend an Ivy League or select college and  64 percent are first generation college students.

Another educational opportunity for our young scholars is Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, SEO.  SEO provides a year-round program that prepares motivated students from low income  families get  to and through America's competitive colleges, serving students in New York City and San Francisco.

We must continue to provide resources for our gifted and talented students from lower economic backgrounds obtain the same opportunities to attend the nations most prestigious schools.

Pass It On & Stay Connected

Dr. Dee Carter

Sex, Drugs & Alcohol Family Survey

How much do your kids know about sex, drugs and alcohol?  Do you have discussions with them at home or are they learning about these things from the internet and their friends?

A school board in Lodi, Wisconsin, in conjunction with the Lodi Community Action Team (LCAT), is administering an anonymous Community Survey to parents for the first time to explore their knowledge and perception of these topics.  Questions like " How wrong do you think it would be for teens to drink beer, wine or hard liquor? or "Do you agree or disagree that marijuana or alcohol are gateway drugs to more illicit drug abuse such as heroin or meth?" 

LCAT's mission is to create a healthy drug and alcohol free environment for youth.  They received a grant in 2010 from the White House of Drug Free Communities to further their work.

The board also conducts a youth survey which is done every two years and ask questions on drug and alcohol use, sexual behaviors, mental health, diet, nutrition and exercise. This survey is administered by the Department of Public Instruction in conjunction with the efforts of U.S. Center for Disease Control. The board believes by asking questions of youth and parents they can help predict risky behavior and it simply keeps the community aware of what is going on in the lives of their youth.

It must be noted, that everyone on the board does not agree with the youth survey, because the questions are personal and parents are not asked to give consent.  The real question is: what is done with the results?

The survey is only 25 questions. Take a look at it for yourself and have a family discussion. It may surprise you how your family opinions vary on the different topics.  Your eyes may be open to how much your youth do or do not know about sex, drugs and alcohol.

Stay Connected

Dr. Dee Carter

Preparing for Back to School

Students around the country have started school or are preparing to start within the next 3 weeks.  This is a good time to update their physical and eye exams.  Every state has different immunization requirements, click here to see what your state requires. 

Sometimes schools will have specific paper work for your doctor to complete.  If the student has a medical condition and is an athlete they may need to provide medical clearance to participate in their sport of choice.  It will save you time if you have these documents ready for the doctor at the time of the office visit.  This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about vaccines.

Lastly, if you still need school supplies, take advantage of your states "sales tax holiday."  This will allow you to save money on clothes, shoes and other supplies.

This year take the time to plan for the things you want to do over the next 3, 6 or 12 months. If you are a rising junior or senior, start looking for colleges and scholarship funds now.  If you're a college student, begin looking for internships or jobs in the first semester.

 “If you believe you can accomplish everything by "cramming" at the eleventh hour, by all means, don't lift a finger now. But you may think twice about beginning to build your ark once it has already started raining”
― Max Brooks

Have a Positive academic year!

Dr. Dee Carter
 

 

Children Losing a National Voice

Voices for America’s Children, the nation’s largest nonprofit network of multi-issue child advocacy organizations, will be shutting down this week.  This organization has lead advocacy efforts to improve the lives of all children for over 25 years. There focus has been 6-fold:  Equity & Diversity, Health, School Readiness, School Success, Safety and Economic Stability for children.

Over the years they have been influential in reforming the Child HealthInsurance Program, Head Start, and the Fostering Connections Act.  It is unfortunate that due to the economical crisis our nation is racing that this nonprofit organization will not be able to sustain its operations. 

Who will represent the voice of our children now?  Where will the philanthropic groups that want to support children’s issues on a national level redirect their funds?  How will this affect our youth in the long run?

Many of the youth policies are implemented at the state and local level.  Sixty or 65 percent of state funds go K-12 education as compared to only 8 percent of the federal budget which is designated to kids.   

Parents and youth advocates must pay attention to the local laws affecting our children and stay involved. Without the Voices for America’s Children being heard on a national level there is the potential for a large group of children needs being overlooked.

Dr. Dee Carter