Education

Audrey Epperson, Director
2901 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: (202) 265-8200
Fax: (202) 387-7019

Overview

The goals of the Greater Washington Urban League's education programs are to support the instructional and experiential learning programs of children and youth attending school in our service area; to develop a network of individuals, organizations, churches and businesses working in support of academic achievement' to expand the corps of community volunteers; and to increase the awareness and participation of parents regarding the education of their children.

The major thrust of the League's current educational programs are the provision of parent education and training services, tutorial assistance and experiential education (service learning, community service, internships and school-to-work) exposures. Our programs cover the education continuum, from infancy to 18 years. Old. The programs include academic and cultural enrichment, post-secondary services and career preparation.

Scholarship Programs

2009 Scholarship Winners announced on March 18, 2009

Nine local graduating seniors were awarded scholarships during the 37th Annual Whitney M. Young Gala. The scholarships are one-year awards for FY2008/2009. Each winner completed an application process that included writing a 500-word essay on a topic identified by the League and the funding source. Each winners also participated in a videotaping that was shown during the dinner before being presented by their financial sponsor. Since 2000, scholarships amounting to more than $775,000 have been awarded to more than 130 students in Washington, DC, Prince George's County and Montgomery County Maryland. Corporate scholarship sponsors have included: Merrill Lynch, the Rainbow Fund, Safeway/Western Union, Nationwide Insurance Company, Anheuser-Busch, Pepsi Bottling Group, the Gladys General Scholarship Fund, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola.

In 2008, a new scholarship was awarded that provides $8,000 over a four-year period paid in annual increments of $2,000. The scholarship is funded by the Charlotte Elizabeth Yancey Eights Trust.

The 2009 scholarship winners were:

Safeway/Western Union Scholarship of $3,000 each
Stephon A. Buckner, Steven C. Buckner, Dominique L. Campbell, Brittney J. DeNeal, Ketra M. White, Alexis Yarbrough

Pepsi Scholarship of $2,200
David E. McFadden

Charlotte Elizabeth Yancey Eights Scholarship of $8,000
Dominique L. Campbell (with $2,000 paid annually for four years)

Thursday Network I Empower Scholarship of $1,500
Chika Ugbok

Discovery Young Scholars Graduate

Seven students completed the first leg of their academic journey in May 2006 when they graduated from high school and enrolled in a post-secondary institution. The students were among a group of 10 students from the District of Columbia and Prince George's County Maryland selected in first grade to participate in this post-secondary education program. Sponsored by Discovery Communications, each student will receive a pre-designated academic scholarship amount over a four-year period as long as they remain in good academic standing. The Greater Washington Urban League served as the administrative agent for the program.

The League now serves as the monitor for the program, helping, the financial sponsor distribute the funds to the colleges to students who meet all requirements for continued support.

2008 National Achievers Society Induction

The Greater Washington Urban League inducted 170 junior high school, middle school and senior high school students into the National Achievers Society (NAS) on Sunday, October 11, 2008. Families, friends, school teachers and administrators witnessed the induction ceremony at Israel Baptist Church. Inductees were nominated by their schools based on their academic achievement and other criteria. Each student had a GPA of 3.0 or better.

The National Urban League established the National Achievers Society 10 years ago as a way to recognize young people for working hard in school and achieving. The goal of NAS is to encourage our youth to strive for academic achievement. The society's motto is "achievement matters." During the ceremony, the students recited the "Achievement Matters" Student Pledge led by Audrey Epperson, the League's Director of Education, Employment and Training.

James Adams, News Reporter for NBC4 - TV, was the master of ceremonies at the induction. Students heard a keynote address by Kerri Forrest, a White House Producer for NBC News. NAS inductees were welcomed by Maudine R. Cooper, president and CEO of the GWUL and Rev. Dr. Morris Shearin, Pastor of Israel Baptist Church.

Fatherhood Initiative

The GWUL is in the third year of a program that provides information and training resources to fathers in the District of Columbia through a grant from the D.C. Department of Human Services. Under the grant fathers receive training in parenting, money management, preparation for employment, and resource materials. The training is conducted at the League's offices or community locations.

Financial Life Skills

The League administers a year-long Financial Life Skills and Education Program funded by a $30,000 grant from the National Urban League. The financial awareness program targets 50 youth and young adults ages 12 to 14 and 18 to 21. Each participant receives a minimum of three hours of financial education instruction and a field trip to a financial institution in the community. The goal of the program, which is financed by Chrysler Corporation, is to help students increase their knowledge and understanding of the way money functions in their lives and the value of money. Students receive education/training in basic money management and credit. The program also helps students develop the habit of saving and increases their ability to use money wisely. Ten young adults ages 18 to 25 also will receive the same training, but additional attention given to budget and manage money.

Read and Rise: Preparing our Children for a Lifetime of Success

The National Urban League, in collaboration with Scholastic Books, has produced a "Read and Rise" guide to help parents assist their young children with reading skills. The guide offers information and ideas that will help parents support their children as they become readers. You can obtain the Read and Rise" guide and the magazine free while supplies last. Contact Yvonne Merryweather at 202-265-8200 or at e-mail epperson@gwulparentcenter.org.

Youth Environmental Program

The League introduces youth to a spectrum of environmental issues that have an impact on the quality of health and life in their urban community through its environmental education program. Youth are challenged and encouraged to explore:

• How water and air quality affect their lives.
• How water and air quality are affected by land use and legislation.

Program activities include:

• Career Training
• Mentor Program
• Leadership Skills Training