The Obama administration announced on Friday a series of recommendations on how public and private entities can put in place a White House initiative meant to support minority men and boys, including a move to focus on summer jobs and recruit adluts who can serve as mentors to young people around the country.
'Already we're seeing a much greater sense of urgency this summer about putting these young people in opportunities where they can learn the basic skills that they're going to need to get attached to the labor market,' said President Obama in his remarks on Friday about the recommendations. Mr. Obama noted that over the next couple of weeks more specific programs would be announced. 'We've got a huge number of kids out there who have as much talent, and more talent than I had,but nobody is investing in them,' Mr. Obama said.
The recommendations come three months after President Obama announced the $200 million, five-year initiative, called My Brother's Keeper. Standing in front of a group of young minority men and executives from business and nonprofit organizations in February, the president recalled his own experiences as a black man growing up without a father at home and sometimes making 'bad choices.'
Since the announcement, a White House task force has examined ways that the federal government, in conjunction with the private sector and philanthropic groups, could begin to address many of the issues facing minority men and boys.
The latest report focuses on areas including early childhood education, career and college preparation, postsecondary education and training programs, entering the workforce and reducing violence.
Many of the recommendations call on federal agencies, including the Education, Justice, and Health and Human Services Departments, to work with nongovernment groups, the private sector and faith based groups to establish new programs or expand on current ones.
The money for the program, the White House said, will come from philanthropic and corporate leaders who have pledged to invest at least $200 million over the next five years - on top of the $150 million they have already invested - 'to figure out which programs are the most successful.'
The recommendations for early childhood education include eliminating suspensions and expulsions in preschool, expanding health and behavioral screenings for children, and promoting literacy. The report also calls for a national initiative that would use data to identify and address chronic absenteeism, and for an end to harsh school disciplinary practices. In January, the administration issued guidelines urging restraint when using arrest or expulsion to discipline students.
Other suggested measures include providing more exposure and access to summer youth employment opportunities and Advanced Placement courses. The report also discusses creating programs to keep young men out of the juvenile justice system and to increase trust between communities of color and law enforcement.
'Boys and young men of color are facing devastating trends which we can no longer afford to ignore,' said Valerie Jarrett, a White House senior adviser. My Brother's Keeper 'is designed to help boys and young men of color stay on track and reach their full potential.'
Posted by Unknown on Friday, May 30, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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