Urban Prep Announces 100% of Seniors Admitted to College and Launch of "10AndChange" Campaign to Refocus the Narrative of Black Boys/Young Men on Positive Stories

CHICAGO, March 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Student achievement was celebrated with great enthusiasm, when Urban Prep announced that 100 percent of its 252 seniors have been admitted to a four-year college or university. The announcement, which has become an annual tradition at Urban Prep, also marked the launch of "10AndChange," Urban Prep's 10^th anniversary campaign to refocus the narrative of Black boys/young men on positive stories. 

To help make the announcement was the cast of the new comedy release "Barbershop: The Next Cut," from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, including Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Regina Hall, Common, and Deon Cole. Cast members joined Urban Prep Academies' founder and CEO Tim King, students, faculty and parents for a special assembly recognizing seniors who have received their acceptance letters and ceremoniously exchanged the red uniform ties they have worn since their enrollment at Urban Prep for red-and-gold striped ties signifying their college-bound status.

"Neighborhoods are strong when the community works together, and the young men of Urban Prep are true leaders of change in their community. It is an honor to help celebrate their achievements and share the positive stories of young Black men," said Common. Urban Prep students are featured at the end of the new Barbershop movie scheduled to come out on April 15.

As of today, the members of Urban Prep's class of 2016 have received more 1,500 college admissions to 190 colleges and universities across the country including Clemson University; Colorado State University; Denison University; DePauw University; Hampton University; Howard University; Illinois Institute of Technology; Louisiana State University; Morehouse College; Ohio State University; Purdue University; Tuskegee University; University of California; University of Illinois; University of Wisconsin; Vanderbilt University; Western Michigan University; and Xavier University of Louisiana. In total, this year's seniors have been awarded more than $11 million in scholarships and grants to date

This marks the seventh consecutive year that 100% of Urban Prep seniors have been accepted to a four-year college or university.

To commemorate its 10 year anniversary Urban Prep launched 10AndChange: a campaign, centered on the achievements of Black boys and young men, that will celebrate positive stories, engage community support, and inspire commitment to changing the narrative.

"For the past ten years Urban Prep has worked to raise awareness of the potential of Black boys and young men by telling the stories of its students," said Tim King, founder and CEO, Urban Prep Academies. "Year after year, Urban Prep students demonstrate grit and determination on the path to college and career. Together, they have reached significant academic milestones, have come together in times of loss and tragedy and have formed a community of support that extends beyond the walls of Urban Prep. This must be celebrated."  

The year-long 10AndChange campaign will feature a series of events, the first of which is scheduled for Monday, March 21 and will feature Urban Prep students teaching a PopUP class in Daley Center as a way to demonstrate the power and importance of challenging society's preconceptions about Blacks boys/young men. As examples of young Black men who are challenging and changing the narrative, students will share their stories of success, hope and hard work, to spread awareness of the promise and potential of Black boys and young men that can be harnessed when we forget the common narrative of defeat and despair and focus instead on what is proven to be possible. Urban Prep students and alumni will teach similar PopUP classes across the City of Chicago throughout the year.

Additional 10AndChange events will include community conversations featuring prominent leaders who have contributed to changing the narrative of Black men; movie screenings of highly anticipated films; school visits allowing supporters to witness first hand the culture and community that exists within Urban Prep; a conference focused on Black Male Achievement; and a 10^th anniversary gala. For a complete list of "10AndChange" initiatives, visit www.urbanprep.org/change. Join the conversation online using #10AndChange.

For photos with the cast of Barbershop and Urban Prep, visit https://goo.gl/photos/noxi6xDjs7E3y11s9

About Urban Prep Academies:

Urban Prep Academies, founded by Tim King and a group of African-American education, business and civic leaders, operates the country's first network of charter public high schools for boys. Since opening its first school in 2006, 100% of Urban Prep's graduates—all African-American males, mostly from low-income families—have been admitted to college. Urban Prep's three schools in Chicago's Englewood, Near West and Bronzeville communities, as well as Urban Prep's unique Alumni and Fellows Programs, have provided more than 2,500 students with the tools they need to succeed in college and life.  During 2016, Urban Prep commemorates its 10^th anniversary with 10AndChange, a campaign centered on the achievements of African-American boys and young men, that will celebrate positive stories, engage community support, and inspire commitment to changing the narrative. To learn more about Urban Prep, visit www.urbanprep.org.

SOURCE Urban Prep Academies

Related Links

http://www.urbanprep.org