April 8, 2013

As I was researching current opportunities in urban education, I came across the Urban League of Greater Hartford (Connecticut, which is where I live).  According to the League, 94% of seniors in the Hartford Public Schools graduated from high school.  Ninety percent of graduates enrolled in post secondary education.  In fact, the league offers college counseling, assistance in completing financial aid, and assistance with college applications.  They offer workshops and tours of colleges and universities.  As I looked into this organization further, I learned that they encourage self-sufficiency and family economic success.  For 10-17 year olds, they offer a substance abuse program.  Some may believe that 10 years old is too young, but substance abuse is a sad reality for some children this age.
For students, they provide after school tutoring and enrichment.  For parents, they offer literacy training, GED preparation, and career/college transition services. I do wonder how many of these students actually graduate from college, but the number of students who graduate from high school seems like a great success.