CTG Launch Reception 11.13.2008
Closing the Gap Reception
November 13, 2008
Sacramento Supports "Closing the Gap" with the Official Launch of This new non-Profit
Since inception, Delegata, e.Republic and News10 have been an integral component for Closing the Gap’s successful efforts. Kais Menoufy, Dana Howard and Dennis McKenna, alongside other leaders in the Sacramento community, established the Closing the Gap nonprofit association in order to help youth who have limited resources pursue a better future through preparation, education and vocation. Closing the Gap assists education oriented organizations, agencies and institutions in closing the achievement gap. The Closing the Gap Reception is to raise awareness of the critical lapse in the education of America’s children while announcing their official non-profit status.
Event Information
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2008
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Offices of News10, Studio B, 400 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818
Board of Directors : Dana Howard, President, Dennis McKenna, Vice President; Kais Menoufy, Vice President; Phil Conley, Secretary/Treasurer; Albert Najera and Cheryl Miles.
Guest Speakers : Officer Graham, Sacramento Police Foundation
Emceed by News 10’s Jennifer Smith
SACRAMENTO, CA- The academic achievement gap in our schools is considered by many as the civil rights issue of our time. Closing The Gap is a new nonprofit dedicated to narrowing the achievement gap by helping all students reach their highest potential through a three tier strategy of preparation, education and vocation.
On Thursday night at the KXTV News10 studios , Closing the Gap made its official debut. The organization brought together one hundred Sacramento area business and education leaders to learn more about the achievement gap and how they can partner with and support Closing the Gap.
Crystal Fairrington, one of this year's Closing the Gap students, said the life coaching tutoring paid for by the organization “…raised my SAT score 50 points. 50 points!”. This summer , Crystal , a graduate of Grant High School in Sacramento, received her admission letter to U.C. Berkeley. Three of her fellow Closing the Gap “classmates” are headed to four year colleges as well.
During the next year Closing the Gap’s goal is to raise funds to provide hundreds of students one on one college preparatory counseling, multi-year scholarships and paid internships at local companies. Five students have already completed the one on one life coaching.
Closing the Gap’s multi-year scholarships fulfill its educational strategy. Board Vice President, Kais Menoufy said "These scholarships help answer the dilemma reflected in many studies showing the most stressful financial time for college students is their second and third year. They are most vulnerable, during these years, to dropping out." Menoufy added Closing the Gap hopes its multi-year scholarship can reduce that trend.
Providing paid internships for high school and college students is Closing the Gap's third approach. It is Closing the Gap's belief that if local companies can provide meaningful paid positions, students will be less pressured by peers to not achieve their highest potential.
Board members Kais Menoufy, Dennis McKenna, Dana Howard, Cheryl Miles, Phil Conley and Albert Najera look forward to partnering with local companies in this exceptional program that is committed to changing lives for the better. News10 General Manager Russell Postell said "Supporting Closing the Gap is part of our continued commitment to connect with the Sacramento community." News10 Anchor/Reporter Dana Howard is the board President. Howard said he looks forward to support from News10 and from communities throughout the region.
11/13/08