Welcome to 2014!
First annual 2014 newsletter
Dear Friend,

GapBuster, Inc. had quite a year in 2013, but as we look forward to 2014 we see an even greater year ahead. Our recent newsletters have highlighted things we HAVE done: pictures of events, news about programs, students updates, most of which have been in past tense.

In this issue, you'll see a bright 2014 that looks into the future. As students are accepted into college, attend professional conferences and experience more amazing opportunities with us, we will continue to rely on YOUR support and our great partnerships to steer us forward into an incredible year.
In This Issue
GapBUSter Capital Campaign
Job Opening: Youth Program Coordinator
HIV/AIDS Peer Educator Program Updates
8th Annual Health Expo Call for Partners
21st Century Learning Center Updates and Advisory Committee
2013 in Retrospect
National Society of Black Engineers Jr.
Please support our Wheaton NSBE Jr. students tomorrow as they raise funds for their organization.

Wheaton NSBE Jr.'s Facebook Page
GapBUSter Capital Campaign
GapBuster will use this bus for events like our annual college tours
Christmas may have come and gone, but at the top of GapBuster's wishlist for years has been a bus or similar mode of transportation.
 
Our motto, "Educate, Elevate, Empower" requires our students to travel throughout the rich cultural and social environs in the DC metro area.

 

In the past, GapBuster, Inc. has hosted students on yearly college tours, leadership conferences, and NSBE & NASCAR competitions. The list keeps getting longer...

 

2014 will be a the Kick Off year for the "GapBUSter, Inc. Capital Campaign"

 

Our goal: obtain sufficient funds to purchase and maintain a vehicle for our students.

 

Lack of transportation poses a significant obstacle that inhibits, and often discourages, community activeness among youth. Transportation limits our activities and has been the most significant challenge our organization has faced over the years. GapBuster, Inc. youth programs (i.e. Leaders-in-Training, 21st Century Community Learning Center, etc.) must be available to all regardless of transport. In order to meet our students' needs and provide them with a complete and enriching experience, we require a bus.

 

Our capital campaign begins on February 1. Please, if you have the means, consider donating to us online or volunteering your time alongside our students to reach out to the community, to find those willing to give for what will be an invaluable addition to our program.

 
SEEKING YOUTH PROGRAM COORDINATOR/DIRECTOR
We are seeking to fill the position of Youth Program Coordinator as Mr. Clyburn serves in Peace Corps. 
Sadly, our friend, alumni, paisan and tireless Youth Program Coordinator Malcolm Clyburn will be leaving us this spring for his service in Mozambique with Peace Corps. Malcolm is in many ways irreplaceable to us, but we are looking for candidates for the Youth Program Coordinator position who can fill his role as a coordinator, manager and facilitator of youth programs. This position requires experience working with middle and high school-aged youth, in planning and executing innovative youth programs, and requires extensive organizational skills. The position will commence in April.

  

Please send resumes and cover letters to ybutlerlulac@gmail.com

 
HIV/AIDS Peer Educator Program Updates

GapBuster's inaugural 2014 HIV/Peer Educator program meeting kicked off last Saturday with staff and future peer educators learning about the facets of HIV/AIDS and public health. 

 

Meeting for ten sessions every other Saturday from now until May, the participants will learn how to advocate for and educate their peers. Guest speakers will include NIH researchers and various members of the public health community. Additionally, the participants will assist in the preparation of our annual Teen Health Expo in Downtown Silver Spring in May (see below).

 

This training will be a great learning experience for all those who participate. Newcomers are still very welcome to join our February meetings (Feb 1, 7 and 15). At 12pm on Feb 1, we will be meeting at the Langley Park Community Center (1500 Merrimac Dr Hyattsville). GapBuster is still accepting students into this program by our next meeting date (Feb 1), so please contact us if you have a student interested in these issues.

 

Additionally, due to scheduling, our first meeting was in the Long Branch Community Center in Silver Spring. We will be moving to the Langley Park Community Center in Hyattsville, in the interest of servicing a wider range of students in the area. Please spread the word!

 

Flyer for HIV Peer Educator program 

HEALTH EXPO: Call for Partners
donate blood with INOVAGapBuster is very excited for our 8th annual Health Expo on May 17, to correspond with HIV/AIDS Teen Awareness Day in the state of Maryland.

 

The purpose of the Expo is to increase knowledge of HIV/AIDS and promote positive changes in youths' understanding of sexual behavior, while providing information on prevention of HIV and other STI infections, as well as educate those over 50 about the increasing incidence of HIV in their population.

 
We are gearing up for another great event, to be held in the SIlver Spring Civic Center, and we are looking for partners to join us in hosting the Expo.
 

Become a Partner/Sponsor by pledging $250. We also welcome exhibitors; nonprofits can join for $50 and for-profits for $100. Please contact us if interested so we can provide you with a registration form. Please contact if interested in joining our planning team.

 

We are asking our partners to set up a table at the event, provide a list of possible sponsors and help advertise the event.

 

Our first planning meeting is on January 31, 2014 at the Long Branch Community Center from 1-3pm.

 

If you or a staff member would like to serve on the planning team, please call our office as soon as possible at 301-779-4252 or email us at ybutlerlulac@gmail.com.

National Society of Black Engineers, Jr.
(Pre-College Initiative)
Coming from several local competitions testing their mechanical skills with NASCAR Ten80, the Wheaton Knights and our other teams are preparing tirelessly for the national conference in several months. The Knights meet several days each week to strategize and work on their projects. Along with our teams from Sligo and the Center for Educational Partnership, GapBuster expects a strong showing at the national conference in Nashville!

 

Support our Wheaton Knights on Friday the 24th at the new Sweet Frog in Wheaton from 2-9 pm! There are many costs for our NSBE students as they face Nationals, from travel to attire to tools. Every dollar counts, and froyo is delicious.

 

Additionally, we are accepting donations of clothing, specifically professional attire, for our students to wear to the national conference in March. Suits, jackets, button-down shirts, ties, dresses, even shoes, are all welcome donations to help our students feel and look their most professional as they attend workshops, presentations and networking events.

 

Please call our office at (301) 779-4252 if you are interested in donating appropriate clothing items for our teenage, male and female students.

 

In addition to our updates on GapBuster social media accounts, the Wheaton Knights are doing an outstanding job representing themselves online. Here is their Facebook page!

 

 

Additionally, On February 21-22, 2014, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Public Policy Special Interest Group (PolySIG) will be sponsoring its 2nd Annual NSBE Public Policy Symposium: Advocacy in STEM Education in Washington D.C. This Symposium will provide the opportunity to engage STEM professionals, non-profit leaders, policy makers, educators, and parents. Symposium attendees will work towards program and policy solutions and engage in in-depth discussions on policy issues associated with Advocacy in STEM education. The NSBE Public Policy SIG is pleased to offer this programming, and looks forward attendance at this signature event.
21st Century Community Learning Center updates and Advisory Committee
21st logo

GapBuster has found continued success in our 21st Century program during the month of January. We are servicing students from William Wirt but have spaces open for additional students if interested.

 

The school day may be over for some, but our 21st Century Scholars' Day is far from done. After a nutritious snack, our students are exposed to academic enrichment from certified educators, physical fitness, team-building exercises, a side of fun and games, and access to our bike shop. Our scholars have been enjoying the program thus far and many benefit from spending the hours after school constructively in a positive, encouraging environment.

 

Also, we are seeking participants for the 21st CCLC Building Scholars for the Future Community Advisory Committee. You can read a full description of the position and how to join on our website.

 

ENROLLMENT IS STILL OPEN FOR THE LEARNING CENTER. Call (301) 779-4252 for further information.
2013 Rewind
And as we wind down, let's take one brief look at the exciting things GapBuster, Inc. did this past year.

This past summer, fifteen GapBuster students attended the LULAC Leadership Conference in Las Vegas.
LULAC Vegas 
During the government shutdown in October, GapBuster students visited Capitol Hill and met with Congressmen Chris VanHollen and Henry Cuellar.
 
October also saw the re-opening of our Enlightenment Bike Shop, which was a success for us and our partnerships within the community.
  
Of course we can't forget our students' stunning win at NSBE Regionals! 
Not to mention the gracious recognition from Delegate Jeffrey D. Waldstreicher and the Superintendent and School Board of Prince George's County at Flowers High School.
 
Our 21st Century Learning Center started off without a hitch before the end of 2013, and we are already so thrilled by its prospects in the new year!
 
And many congratulations to our GED students who took our course last year and passed the tests to obtain their degrees. We are proud of what you have accomplished and wish you the very best in all your endeavors. Congrats to Gustavo, who holds his diploma proudly as he wears a cap and gown!
 
All of these accomplishments and events forecast a phenomenal 2014! Please stay in touch with us on our social media sites and rebooted website to keep tabs on everything we're doing!
Additional News
GapBuster friend and Certified Hypnotherapist Don Pelles is running a Hypnotic Pregnancy series that guides expectant mothers and their partners through pregnancy and childbirth. For more information, please contact the Hypnosis Silver Spring Center at 301-618-9801.
21st logo GapBuster, Inc. is an approved 21st Century Community Learning Center grantee.

We hope you will join us this year as partners, supporters and friends as we witness students' futures brighten and our program expand further into the community. Warm wishes during these cold days and have a great 2014!

Additionally, please take a look at our new, revamped website!

Sincerely,

Yvette Butler, MD
 
ybutlerlulac@gmail.com
(301) 779-4252
www.gapbuster.org
 
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EVENTS

  
 
Wheaton Knights NSBE Jr. Fundraiser 
at Sweet Frog!
 
Friday, Jan. 24, 2-9pm
11923 Georgia Ave, Wheaton
  
Our Wheaton NSBE Jr. team will be fundraising at Sweet Frog's Wheaton location. Funds raised will go towards equipment for competitions as well as arrangements for attending the national convention in March. The deliciousness of froyo should be reason enough to support our NSBE, Jr. students!
 
Saturday, Jan 25, 11am-2
National Christian Academy 
Fort Washington, MD

Our students from several teams will be competing in another round of NASCAR competition!
 
 
Teen Health Expo Planning Meeting
 Friday, Jan 31 
1pm-3pm
Long Branch Community Center
 
 
Second Peer Educator Meeting
Saturday, Feb. 1, 12pm
Langley Park Community Center, Hyattsville

Capital Campaign 
Kick-Off
Saturday, Feb. 1, 11am-4
Langley Park Community Center, Hyattsville

GapBuster HIV Roller Skating Fundraiser
Friday, February 14
Laurel Roller Skating Center, Laurel

One-Day College Tour
Baltimore area, $25 fee
Monday, February 17
(President's Day)



February 21-22
George Washington University
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