For immediate release — July 20, 2010
(DALLAS) — Keepin’ it real. That’s what teens want to do today. That’s what parents, colleges and communities want to do, too, when young people who have never visited a college campus decide that they need higher education to build a successful career.
Teens Reaching Teens Inc.’s “Keepin’ It Real” Youth Empowerment Summit on Saturday, July 31, at Eastfield College in Mesquite is a one-day conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. that provides young people with “real life” solutions to problems they face daily, including whether to go to college. Designed to build self-confidence as teens prepare to return to school this fall, the summit offers breakout sessions and a college/community fair, plus workshops about health, wellness and other issues.
Sponsored by both the Dallas County Community College District’s outreach office and Eastfield College, this year’s event will involve approximately 500 youths, ages 12 to 18 — primarily African-American — who come from across the metroplex to share a day of activities and information. The summit also includes entertainment for participants, who each will leave with a complimentary backpack and some school supplies.
The event is free, but participants must register in advance at
http://www.teengraffiti.com/kirabout.html.
“DCCCD knows that many young people have never set foot on a college campus. Events like ‘Keepin’ It Real’ at Eastfield College help demystify the college-going process and encourage youths to stay in school to reach their goals,” said Molly Bewley, DCCCD’s district director of outreach. “Empowering workshops, fun entertainment and a free backpack make ‘Keepin’ It Real’ the perfect back-to-school event for teens.” The district has hosted the event for four years.
Dr. Wright Lassiter Jr., DCCCD’s chancellor, will kick off the event with a greeting to the group. Sharon Jones-Scaiffe from Teens Reaching Teens Inc., which publishes Teen Graffiti magazine, organized the event; she promotes it through local churches, at community events and on her website, where interested participants must register to attend.
“KIR exposes young people to a college campus, and the workshops empower them to make informed decisions,” added Bewley.
Eastfield College, part of the Dallas County Community College District, is located at 3737 Motley Drive in Mesquite. For more information, contact Bewley at (214) 378-1763.
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Press contact: Ann Hatch
214-378-1819;
ahatch@dcccd.edu