Young Men of Color and Education

The College Board reports that in various racial groups, specifically African Americans, younger women have been outperforming younger men academically evidenced by women’s greater success earning high school diplomas. Additionally, this gap between young women and men of color is seen through disparities at the college level. The Board demands that the nation must improve these disadvantages for young men of color, and their report provides some possible solutions for this problem. However, the report still insists that researchers and institutions must conduct more studies to strengthen people’s understanding of the troubles faced by young men of color and come up with solutions for their struggles.

To read the full report click here

By Max Parauda, HCJC Intern

City Improves Chronic Absenteeism in Public Schools

The New York Times today reported some success in the city's effort to reduce chronic absenteeism in public schools, an early indicator of school failure and later justice system involvement. The positive gains were made in the elementary grades. Despite this recent success, the problem remains especially challenging for high schools, the poor, and students of color.

To view the article click here

Save the Date: June 16th A Youth Discussion about Violence In East Harlem

All Youth Serving Agencies are encouraged to attend the event with some youth. Please spread the word!

Learn How To Help Protect Our Youth From The "Rail to Jail": Tomorrow in Brooklyn

The NY Task Force on Racial Disparity & Community Justice Network for Youth (of the Haywood Burns Institute in CA) invite you to a public meeting on reducing Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) and how everyone can participate in holding the system accountable and develop positive youth development programs locally.


What: Public Meeting: Learn How you can help Protect our Youth from the “Rail to Jail” - Building Community Safety, Fighting for Racial JusticeJuvenile Justice System Mapping.

When: 3-5pm, Friday, June 10, 2011

Where: Office of the Institute for Juvenile Justice Reform & Alternatives of the Center for NuLeadership - 510 Gates Avenue(btn Marcy & Tompkins), 1st Floor (turn left upon entering the building), Brooklyn, NY 11216. Call 718-502-8854 with any questions.

Who: Youth, parents, teachers, clergy, community board members, elected officials, advocates, youth development workers. . .anyone who believes that all of this boils down to how we raise our youth in our community and society-at-large, whether they are straight A students or “gangstas”.

Please RSVP by calling 718-502-8854 or emailing us at info@ijjra.org.

Apply for Youth Court Today!

Are you passionate about Justice?
Would you like to learn about the law?
Would you like to help NYC teens?
Would you like a PAID internship?
Then you should apply to become a Harlem Youth Court Member!


The Harlem Youth Court trains teenagers to serve as jurors, judges and attorneys, handling real-life cases involving their peers. In these roles, youth court members determine fair and appropriate sanctions for youthful offenders who are referred to the Harlem Youth Court by schools, police precincts, and criminal court. Youth court members receive training on the justice system, sound arguments, precision questioning, and public speaking. Through this experience, members learn about the judicial system and gain skills that will benefit them now and in their future. It is a paid internship and this experience looks great on college or job applications. This year, we are conducting training over the summer and will hold hearings in the fall.


If you want to apply…

· You must be 14-18 years old by June 30, 2011.

· You must be able to attend training during the summer and attend hearings every Monday and Wednesday from 4:30 -7pm during the school year

For more information and to apply:

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/harlemyouthcourt/ (students can apply online directly!)

Email: harlemyouthcourt@gmail.com

Phone: 212-360-4983

Priority Deadline: June 30th

Applications received after that date will be considered for the next cohort.