NECSD Hosts Relaunch Event for My Brother’s Keeper Program

NEWBURGH – In November, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District hosted a relaunch event for their My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) program. The event included student and guest speakers as well as a call for action for community members to get involved.

Outreach was sent to dozens of community organizations to attend the event, learn more about the reinvigorated initiative, and learn about how they can support our impressive MBK scholars reach their potential. Approximately 75 people attended the event, heard from our young scholars, district administrators, and guest speaker. Representatives from Senator James Skoufis’s office and Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson’s office were on hand and presented a certificate of recognition to the district in honor of the program. Mayor Torrance Harvey shared a few words and presented a proclamation from the City of Newburgh declaring November as Newburgh’s Equity Month.

Guest speaker, Mr. David Banks, CEO of Eagle Academy, discussed the program he leads and shared the ways in which he and his team have found success.

In 2015, Newburgh joined hundreds of cities nationwide in accepting President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper challenge. At that time, four buildings began an MBK program in their schools. As a result of this year’s invigoration, thirteen schools will offer MBK programming.

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 national 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 essential.

* 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.

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.