Chartering Ceremony for National Black Child Development Institute

Posted by on June 18, 2007

NBCDI born in Philadelphia

On June 21st an organization will be born in Philadelphia and the surrounding region whose sole focus will be on improving and protecting the lives of Black children.

That date marks the Chartering Ceremony for The National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) Philadelphia & Vicinity, to be held at 6pm at United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

In March at Arcadia University, the Philadelphia and Vicinity Interest Group hosted its first annual Entering the College event which was sponsored in part by United Way. Entering the College Zone is one of NBCDI?s signature programs offered annually by all 28 affiliate organizations throughout the country. Designed to present college as a real option for African-American middle school students and their parents/guardians who might not otherwise know or believe that college can be in their future, the program communicates that early and sustained preparation is the key to attending and succeeding in college. The event was intended for 75-100 6th-8th grade students and their parents/guardians, and was so well received that 140 were in attendance!

A panel consisting of high school and college students presented basic college tips, and workshops about financing your way through the college, accessing college information by computer, and creating a high school plan with an eye towards college were conducted. Close to 20 exhibitors shared resources and information about colleges, college preparation and academic enrichment programs. The highlight of the day was a role model luncheon where 25 professionals representing various careers, had lunch at tables with the students and their parents to share their college and career experiences. We look forward to offering this program annually, as well as other programs and opportunities to provide resources for preschool youth, middle-school youth and families.

Please plan to join us on June 21st from 6:00 ? 8:00 p.m. at United Way. RSVP by emailing Cheryl Oakman, director of United Way?s Center for Youth Development, at coakman@uwsepa.org. For more information on NBCLDI, visit http://www.nbcdi.org.