My Brother’s Keeper Challenge is Accepted

NEWBURGH – This month Newburgh has joined hundreds of cities nationwide in accepting President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper challenge. Aimed at improving life outcomes and opening up opportunities for all youth, especially young men of color, Newburgh’s MBK initiative is a partnership of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, local municipalities, and several community based organizations. “It is time to move from rhetoric to action. The MBK movement crystalizes our district’s efforts to better educate our scholars. The na-tional and state MBK milestones serve to guide districts who are committed to equity and access”, stated Dr. Roberto Padilla the Superintendent of Schools.

In February 2014, President Obama launched the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color and ensure that all young people can reach their full potential across the country. The initiative seeks to organize and capitalize on the commitment of community leaders in order to reach that goal.

My Brother’s Keeper is focused on six milestones:

• Getting a Healthy Start and Entering School Ready to Learn

All children should have a healthy start and enter school ready – cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally.

• Reading at Grade Level by Third Grade

All children should be reading at grade level by age 8 – the age at which reading to learn becomes es-sential.

• Graduating from High School Ready for College and Career

All youth should receive a quality high school education and graduate with the skills and tools needed to advance to postsecondary education or training.

• Completing Postsecondary Education or Training

Every American should have the option to attend postsecondary education and receive the education and training needed for the quality jobs of today and tomorrow.

• Successfully Entering the Workforce

Anyone who wants a job should be able to get a job that allows them to support themselves and their families.

• Keeping Kids on Track and Giving Them Second Chances

All youth and young adults should be safe from violent crime; and individuals who are confined should receive the education, training, and treatment they need for a second chance.

The Newburgh Enlarged City School District community is excited to have officially accepted the challenge. As stated in the district’s official acceptance sent to the White House earlier this month, “We in Newburgh accept the My Brother’s Keeper challenge and wholeheartedly commit to working diligently to ensure that all of the six milestones are reached”. It is through the ongoing work of community, school, and family that these milestones will be attainable. The district will be working on a comprehensive plan of action and scope in the weeks and months to come.