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The UPdate
The Newsletter of
Urban Prep Academies
September 2012
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Dear Friend,
The mission of Urban Prep is to prepare our graduates to succeed in college. So, while we are frequently recognized for our 100% college acceptance rate, it's getting our alumni to and through college that matters most. 
In the spring, the Chicago Tribune reported on Urban Prep's college persistence rate which is double the national average for African-American males. This summer, the National Student Clearinghouse, which tracks college enrollment across the country, reported that Urban Prep's college enrollment rate for 2011 was 96%, placing us higher than any other Chicago Public School (including charter, magnet, and selective enrollment schools). As we enter the fall and a new school year, we continue to remain committed to making sure that our students not only get into, but succeed in college. Your ongoing support makes this possible. Thank you!!!
We Believe,
Tim King
Founder & CEO
Urban Prep Academies
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Gearing UP for a New Year at Urban Prep
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Friday, August 31st, marked the end of Urban Prep's first week of school. It was also the day we held our Seventh Annual Convocation. This event officially welcomes the freshmen classes from our three campuses--almost 450 young men--into the Urban Prep family. 
Freshmen from each campus gave passionate speeches expressing their hopes and goals for their futures. A community of elders, men who have already earned their college degrees, recited the Brother's Keeper pledge and stood in solidarity to support our students as they strive to accomplish the same goal. Lisa Wiersma and Emir Al-Rawi, representing the IMC Chicago Charitable Foundation, were also on hand to offer congratulations to the new class. The IMC Chicago Charitable Foundation has been a tremendous partner and friend to Urban Prep and we were happy to honor the organization at Convocation. The highlight of the event was when the freshmen donned their blazers for the first time, and stood up as Urban Prep men in front of their families, friends, and school communities to recite Urban Prep's Creed. Pictures from Convocation 2012 can be viewed by clicking here.
 | Urban Prep's Class of 2016 at Convocation 2012
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| Study UP! Goes Global | | |
At Urban Prep, learning does not end just because school is out for the summer.
As a part of the Study UP! program, students are able to participate in summer enrichment programs all over the world.
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Aaron Mathews in Costa Rica
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This year, students visited seven different countries, an unprecedented number of nations for our program.
Aaron Matthews and Dwayne Mitchell went to Costa Rica and Panama as a part of the Global Youth Leadership Program, while Thacarion Payton completed a volunteer project in the Dominican Republic.
Through the Experiment in International Living Program, Gaylord Minnett went to China, and Derek Little visited Mexico.
Across the Atlantic, Jason Roberts attended Cambridge University in England, and Malik Pilcher went to South Africa.
These international experiences offer adventure, cultural immersion, and first-hand knowledge to the young men who participate. We are happy to provide such invaluable programming for our students.
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Mr. King Goes to Washington
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On July 25, Urban Prep founder and CEO Tim King gave testimony before the Congressional Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security regarding gang violence in Chicago, and the importance of education in stemming the violence.
Mr. King cited the staggering incidence of violent crimes in Chicago, especially in the neighborhoods where many Urban Prep students live, as a major concern. 
He stated, "Yet while Urban Prep students experience a safe-haven inside our schools, they must still often navigate treacherous streets in their communities."
On August 27, Mr. King participated in a panel moderated by United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. The panel was the culmination of the Department of Education and the Council of the Great City Schools National Summit on Educational Excellence and Opportunity for African American Males.
Mr. King will once again be in DC to discuss Urban Prep's work at the Black Male Achievement Government Leadership and Sustainability program during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Weekend on September 21.
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Alumni Spotlight: Summer Jobs Prepare Grads
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Summer may be a time for vacations and days on the beach, but for some Urban Prep graduates, summer is one more opportunity to prepare for excellence. Jobs and internships are great ways to gain valuable knowledge and experience.
 | | Israel Durley |
A rising sophomore at Wartburg College in Iowa, Israel Durley has spent the past three years interning for the law firm Seyfarth-Shaw, LLP in Chicago. He spent the summer working in the firm's marketing, business development and public relations department,
Byron Caulton, a junior at Dillard University, worked at the YOUR Center in Flint, Michigan. YOUR Center is a community-based HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness organization. Mr. Caulton went into the Flint community to increase HIV/AIDS awareness. He also worked with community leaders to determine the effectiveness of their outreach methods.
Mr. Caulton related his positive experience, "I feel that this internship was a great opportunity for me to learn more about public health and different health disparities that have a direct impact on minority communities."
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UP in the News
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Here are a few of the recent news stories featuring Urban Prep:
- April 20, 2012, An Educational Success Story of African American Male Students in Chicago, Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
- June 12, 2012, Chicago Teen Living Amid Violence, CBS Evening News
- July 25, 2012: Urban Prep Founder Testifies Before House Panel, Reuters
- August 21, 2012: Jones and Urban Prep Shine as Citywide College Enrollment Rises, Catalyst Chicago
- August 27, 2012: National Summit on Educational Excellence and Opportunity for African American Males, UStream
- September 10, 2012, Chicago Charter Schools Not Impacted by CPS Teachers Strike, ABC7 Chicago
- September 10, 2012, Classes In Session at Charter School Despite Teacher Strike, CBS Chicago
- September 10, 2012, The Roe & Roeper Show, WLS 890AM Radio
- September 11, 2012, Host Chat, Windy City Live
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| UP and Coming Events | | |
Please visit www.urbanprep.org to keep UP with these and other events at Urban Prep:
- September 29, 2012: Information Session, Bronzeville Campus
- September 21, 2012: Founder Tim King speaks on panel at Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference
- October 5, 2012: Seeing Is Believing, West Campus
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About Urban Prep
Urban Prep Academies was founded in 2002 by Tim King and a group of African-American education, business and civic leaders who wanted to improve the educational opportunities available to urban boys. In 2005, this nonprofit organization was approved to open Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men--Englewood Campus. Urban Prep is the country's first charter public high school for boys. Since accepting its first class in the fall of 2006, Urban Prep has been recognized internationally for its success in improving the academic, social and emotional development of urban young men. Urban Prep now operates three schools in Chicago. 100% of Urban Prep's graduates have been admitted to college. The Urban Prep Motto is We Believe. |
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