Jr. Grand Marshal Young Men

Scholarship and Development Program Announced

(Buffalo, NY) As part of a nationwide effort that seeks to improve the lives of young men of Hispanic descent, The Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade of WNY, Association, Inc. with the assistance of The Community Foundation of WNY, Buffalo Public Schools, and D’Youville College has moved into the action phase of its Youth Men’s Development Program.

The program will focus on keeping young Hispanic men in school and on track to pursue college or vocational education. Francisco Guzman, who was appointed as Chair of the Youth Development Program by Yolanda Martinez-Rodriguez, Parade President, announced the roll-out at the last organizational meeting of the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade. Francisco Guzman said the Youth Development Programs seeks to “change the narrative” for young Hispanic males in Buffalo, NY.

“Despite the relative success the city has had in the quality of life, education and employment areas, we know those are only averages,” said Mr. Guzman. He also noted, “In looking at the statistics, we know too many young Hispanics are being left behind. Our goal is for Hispanic high school students to reach their potential, regardless of their life circumstances or which ZIP code they were born into.”

Guzman laid out the proposal that the program seeks to address:

• Less than 40 percent of Hispanic males are graduating from High school
• The unemployment rate for Hispanics in Buffalo is more than double the national average.
• Only one-third of Hispanic males have some form of post-secondary education;
• Young Hispanic males in Buffalo are more likely to be victims of violent crimes than white males.

The resulting format of our Youth Development Programs includes four “pillars” — high school completion, post-secondary attainment, workforce development, reducing violence and recidivism.

Each pillar in the plan has a “support council” that works to advance a host of programs based on “best practices” at both demonstration sites, noted Guzman. Program leaders will work with school districts, higher education leaders and community organizations to develop initiatives for the program.

Guzman advised “We want to make Buffalo a place of second chances for those who’ve stepped off track,” We want to see more Hispanic males in front of the classroom, serving as teachers and role models for our youth.”

P.O. Box 166 Buffalo, New York, 14201

Phone: (716) 310-8644

A 501 C 3 Non-Profit Corporation

Website: www.prhdp.org

Requirements to Participate

* Submit a complete application

* Junior or Senior in High School

* Have an average of C plus at time of application

* Must be of Hispanic decent

* Must be registered in College or Training program to be awarded scholarship

* Parent / Guardian must attend program orientation

* Must fulfill all requirements of program

* Must provide recommendation from School Principal, teacher or Guidance counselor

* Copy of Student transcripts must be provided

* Complete short Application Essay on application

Important Date: Applications are due no later than June 1, 2016

Please Mail or Deliver your application to:

                                                                 Attention: Ben Crespo

                                                PRHD of WNY Jr. Grand Marshall L.D.P. Scholarship

                                                           274 Delaware Avenue Suite 1

                                                                 Buffalo NY 14202

Or Email your Application to:

jrgmleadershipprogram@gmail.com

Application is available below:

jrgrandmarshall leadership program application-05042016124415-2