College of Education to host youth empowerment day

This Sunday, the Florida State University College of Education will host the first Youth Empowerment Day for at-risk adolescent males. Held in collaboration with Leon County Schools, the Booker T. Washington Success Academy in Tallahassee and the 50 Large Project, the event is designed to inspire, support and celebrate the achievements of young people who are working to stay in school and avoid the influences of crime and gang involvement. The event will take place:

SUNDAY, FEB. 28

1:45 – 8:15 P.M.

ROOM G103, MODE L. STONE BUILDING

THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

1114 W. CALL ST.

Youth Empowerment Day will kick off with a motivational speech by Florida State’s 2008-2009 student body president, Laymon Hicks, followed by student panel discussions, a pizza social and a campus tour. The tour will conclude at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center, where attendees will watch the Florida State men’s basketball team take on Clemson University.

The 50 Large Project serves minority adolescent males who are seriously at risk of dropping out of school. They are often former gang members who have sought help in getting out of that lifestyle. The teens participate in the weekly group, learning social and academic habits that offer better choices for positive lifestyles.

Registration is required for this event. For more information or to register, contact Shelbie Witte, an assistant professor in Florida State’s School of Teacher Education, at (850) 644-6738 or switte@fsu.edu.