File #: Res 2270-2009    Version: * Name: Praising the contributions of the annual Bronx College Fair Day
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Higher Education
On agenda: 11/30/2009
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution praising the contributions of the annual Bronx College Fair Day in providing valuable information and assistance to young people seeking to obtain a college education.
Sponsors: Annabel Palma
Council Member Sponsors: 1

Res. No. 2270

Resolution praising the contributions of the annual Bronx College Fair Day in providing valuable information and assistance to young people seeking to obtain a college education.

 

By Council Member Palma

Whereas, According to a recent report by the New York City Department of Education, the 2007 graduation rate for all New York City high schools was 59.7 % and the overall dropout rate was 13.8 %; and

Whereas, According to this report, 57.5 % of Black students from the class of 2007 graduated from high school within four years with a dropout rate of 13.9 %; and

Whereas, The report also indicated that 53.4 % of Hispanic students graduated within four years with a dropout rate of 18.2 %; and

Whereas, The United Coalition Association, under the leadership of its founder, Ronald Savage, has taken steps to fight against the alarming number of high school dropouts, particularly in the Black and Latino communities, by hosting the Bronx College Fair Day; and

Whereas, The United Coalition Association has hosted the annual Bronx College Fair Day since 2006; and

Whereas, The Bronx College Fair Day, which works in conjunction with the New York State College Fair Day, is designed to inspire youth by showing them the value of an education and providing them with resources that will enable them to pursue and obtain a high quality education and become successful adults in life; and

Whereas, This special event is for high school students who are interested in attending a school within the City University of New York (CUNY) or the State University of New York (SUNY), or one of the trade schools that participate in the college fair; and

Whereas, Representatives from over fifty schools usually attend the Bronx College Fair Day to distribute brochures and discuss with potential applicants what programs their schools have to offer and financial aid packages that are available; and

Whereas, Potential applicants may also interview with college representatives while at the Fair; and

Whereas, At the Bronx College Fair Day, the United Coalition Association also promotes and encourages participation in an essay competition it holds for students on the topic of the importance of obtaining higher education; and

Whereas, To qualify, candidates must be in the 11th or 12th grade to enter the contest, with the intention of attending a CUNY or SUNY college as a first-time freshman; and

Whereas, The grand prize winner receives $500 towards college expenses sponsored by Fidelis Care, and five runners up are given a donation to pay for college application fees for up to five schools within CUNY and/or SUNY; and

Whereas, The Bronx College Fair Day is a productive way to encourage young people to pursue a college degree and to help increase access to higher education, especially when application fees and college expenses such as tuition and books can be extremely costly for many students; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York praises the contributions of the annual Bronx College Fair Day in providing valuable information and assistance to young people seeking to obtain a college education.

 

 

 

TC

10/21/09

5:00 p.m.

LS #7771