Men of Iota Youth Alliance at Gainesville High School

Vital Stats

Marc J

Gainesville, FL

people helped12
People Doing It16

The Problem

Statistics have demonstrated that the there are problems with closing the achievement gaps and the minority male in high school is the main victim. Here are some of the current statistics in Gainesville, Florida: -Female students graduate high school at a higher rate than male students. Nationally, 72 percent of female students graduated, compared with 65 percent of male students. -70% of students in the United States graduate within 4 years of high school. Of that, only 50% of minority students graduate within 4 years of high school. -Twice as many black women attend college than black men Many minority males enter the workforce directly after high school for various reasons, some of which include the lack of knowledge about post-secondary education, lack of confidence, and avoiding ownership of different pathways to life. We hope to include programs such as, but not limited to: college tours, shadow days, SAT/FCAT Test prep, counseling , and sponsored-professional speakers. Consequently, brothers and volunteers of Iota Phi Theta (r), in conjunction with this program, hopes to reduce the disparities in collegiate acceptance of minority males in addition to building stronger prospective applicants for post-secondary education.

Plan of Action

1. Contact local high school to find out what necessary documents need to start a new organization. 2. Set up formal meeting appointment with principal or high school administration about program. 3. Send documents, videos, attachments, spreadsheets, and other materials to principal about 24-48 hours ahead of time for review prior to the presentation meeting. 4. On the day of formal meeting, make 30-60 minute program proposal. Include powerpoint presentation, handouts, videos, letter of intent, business cards, program constitution and bylaws for presentation. Be prepared to answer questions from administration. 5. Wait for principal to contact you about approval of program. 6. In the meantime, search for a potential high school faculty sponsor for program. In addition, train volunteers. 7. Now that organization is established, start recruitment of initial members. 8. Participate in organizational fairs, passing out fliers, posting posters, making announcements to recruit members. 9. Host an initial meeting to meet potential members. Pass out applications for membership to learn about members. 10. Start regular schedule with membership and maintain interest. Example, Tuesdays and Thursdays-step practice; Wednesdays-weekly meeting/SAT/ACT prep course; Saturdays-socials; Monthly community service project and quarterly fundraiser project.