DreamCatcher Initiative
Access Millennium plans to carry out extensive faith-based, social and commercial programs to revitalize the local economies in high-need areas. Toward this end, we have formulated an ambitious and innovative plan, we call the ‘Dream Catcher’ initiative. This initiative is an innovative socio-economic development strategy designed to enhance the quality of life for those living and working within disadvantaged communities.
Access Millennium intends to form a consortium to identify, mobilize and leverage the appropriate resources required to fund and operate the ‘Dream Catcher initiative. The proposed consortium will consist of our management team, local political leaders, and local school district representatives.
Two compelling factors validate the Dream Catcher initiative:
- Social and economic conditions within minority communities make it abundantly clear that there is a need to implement this initiative
- Current conditions and timing are ideal for such an undertaking
Economic Conditions in New York
The Fiscal Policy Institute released a report on August 30, 2003 that contrasted the number of jobs lost in New York with those lost in other states over the previous 2 ½ years. The report revealed that New York led the nation in job losses. In light of these statistics as well as other metrics, it is imperative that attention be given to prepare local high school students to effectively vie for the limited positions in an increasingly competitive job market.
Technological & Educational Inequities of Minority Communities
The ‘digital divide’ compounds the problem that exists between white and minority communities. A study conducted by the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research determined that there is a substantial educational disparity between white and minority high school students in New York State. According to their report, released in September 2003, 77% of white students finished high school as compared with 47% of black students and 42% of Hispanic students. In addition, the study found New York State’s high school graduation rate to be among the worst in the country. An estimated 65% of the state’s public school students eventually graduate as compared to the national average of 70%. On a national basis, New York ranks 42nd among 50 states. The State Department of Education has designated “high-need” school districts as those with historically low graduation rates.
Addressing the Digital Divide
Although minority students are catching up to their white peers in using computers at school, research by a Princeton University economist suggests that a gap has opened in use of the latest technological resources, especially Internet access. The study also determined that minority students:
- Seem to lag behind in using the latest technology in school
- Their teachers are frequently unprepared to use the latest technology
Access Millennium will offer targeted School Districts Distance Learning programs to provide supplemental academic instruction for elementary and secondary school students in the basic subjects. In addition, there will be special courses that focus specifically on Information Technology education and training. Access Millennium training and resources will also be available for teachers to improve their proficiency in understanding and applying information technology. Access Millennium will also assist School Districts with implementing educational IT-related solutions and services based on industry best practices.