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25 Students Graduate from YO:Durham Program YO:Durham held its third graduation ceremony on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 6:00 pm in the auditorium of the NC Mutual Life Insurance Company. Students from the 2009-2010 program year received certificates, and the program featured remarks by internship supervisor Deirdre Davis, mentor Cassandra Davis, YO:Durham parent Vanessa Barnes, and Summer Team Leader Tomika Altman. The keynote speaker was North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company CEO James H. Speed. A highlight of this year's graduation proceedings was the awarding of the Adriel D. Williams Memorial Scholarship and the Jamie Lauffer Memorial Leadership Scholarship, both of which went to Jordan High School senior Betty May, who will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall.2009-2010 YO:Durham Class Working Hard at Internships Internships for the 2009-2010 YO:Durham program started off strong in September, and we currently have 18 out of 25 eligible students working, with a total of 20 placements available. Below is a list of companies and non-profits who are offering one or more internship placements this year. We are still in need of funding to cover the costs of these placements, as well as five additional placements for the students who are not yet working. If you or someone you know would like to donate or offer an internship placement, please contact Eric Olson-Getty at ericolsongetty@gmail.com, or 688-2036. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina YO:Durham awarded the Champion of Democracy Award for service to Kids Voting since 2006 by Kate Wheelock, YO:Durham Volunteer On November 11, 2009, YO:Durham was awarded the Champion of Democracy Award for their service and support to the local chapter of the Kids Voting program since 2006. YO:Durham participants and volunteers made their voices heard at a forum where candidates running for election talked to local youth about improving the community for young people. The YO:Durham participants and volunteers also ran a Kids Voting election site on Election Day, where middle and high school students cast ballots on the same issues and candidates as adults. The Kids Voting program provides students with opportunities for civic education. Through various engagements, middle and high school students work together to educate others on their responsibilities as citizens. Students encourage others to be politically active by providing non-partisan information on political issues and allowing people under the age of18 to experience the power of voting. YO:Durham (Year of Opportunity for Durham Teens) is a program dedicated to providing high school students (ages 15 to 17) in the Durham area with resources to remain and succeed in school. Student participants receive training on workplace skills during the Summer Career Academy, and participate in the other year-round opportunities such a paid internship in various fields, and tutoring and mentoring by community volunteers.
Success of the 2007-2008 Class! Goal 1: To increase the rate of high school graduation Goal 2: To increase enrollment in post-secondary education Goal 3: To increased workplace preparedness Goal 4: To decrease in the number of students appearing in the juvenile justice system School Statistics Creation of Citizen Advisory Board YO:Durham has created a citizen advisory board made up of community members who embrace YO:Durham's mission and programs. This advisory board provides vasluable assistance and guidance. Members of the Advisory Council are: Rick Adams, John Atkins, MaryAnn Black, Ruth Dzau, Bonnie Gordon, Gerard Hall, Haywood Holderness, Bob Kaynor, Art Pappas, Harry Reynolds, Miguel Rubiera, James Speed, Casey Steinbacher, Pamela Sutton-Wallace, Steve Tolar, and Chuck Wilson.
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Empowering our Youth — |
 A DCIA Initiative |
YO:Durham |
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