Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Post Election Day Wrap-Up, 11/10-11/17


It's been a VERY busy month for the Chapter and our mentees!  First off, it's with great pleasure that we are announcing the Chicago Chapter as a Pathway for Success grant recipient - a Corporate Workforce Readiness initiative sponsored by Wells Fargo.  Over the next six months, 20 students will be identified to go through a rigorous program culminating in three week paid internships from some of our respective corporate partners.

The young men in our South Side, West Side and West Suburban Programs spent time recapping the 2012 Presidential Election.  Students and mentors offered their opinions concerning election results, exit poll questions, as well as their respective feelings of nervousness, cautious optimism and confidence throughout the day up until President Obama was officially declared our 44th President.
 
The natural progression from deep discussions about politics is naturally becoming adept at debating.  On the West Side, our young men have starting engaging in learning the foundation for successful debate - the elements of selecting a topic, formulating points/counterpoints, presentation skills, and respectful debate etiquette.  In all three sites, our S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) initiatives will be kicking of this winter.  In the West Suburbs, the students were given a preview of the upcoming field trip to Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), in Batavia on Saturday, December 1st.  Mentors and volunteers highlighted the importance of math and science, and offered questions students might ask during the visit pertaining to professions in the math and science fields.  We're currently working with the Museum of Science and Industry along with the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) to line up speakers for the upcoming sessions at the other sites.

Of note:  On Saturday December 8th, and Chicago State, Joel Foster will be delivering Wallet Wise training a financial literacy program graciously sponsored by Ally Bank.  Finally, were are in the running for another Healthy Living Grant, sponsored by Coca Cola, focusing on nutrition, fitness, and healthy habits....wish us luck!  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

P.S.  Make sure you join us for the 100BMC Holiday Toy Drive, next Wednesday, November 28th @ Excalibur Night Club, Downtown Chicago (http://100bmc.org/index.php/holiday-toy-drive)





No comments: