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Media Contact:
Jackie O. – 4Sight Media Relations
NYC (212)730-1177 - ATL (404)975-0888
Email: Jackieo@4sightmedia.com
ENTERTAINERS 4 EDUCATION ALLIANCE TO PRESENT
2nd ANNUAL STAY IN SCHOOL EVENT.
CELEBRITIES COME TOGETHER TO ENCOURAGE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO STAY IN SCHOOL.
NEW YORK, NY October 10, 2007 – After reading a shocking report in USA Today that revealed that students in New York City have less than a 50-50 chance of graduating from high school, Tonya Lewis and her partner J.P. Taylor decided to do something about it. Together they co-founded a nonprofit organization, Entertainers 4 Education Alliance (E4EA), to address negative behaviors in at-risk youth and provide them with positive alternatives that stress the value of education. They discovered that young people were more responsive when that message came from cool people, so they set about finding some. To say they’ve found some cool people to encourage young people to stay in school is an understatement!!! On Wednesday, October 17th from 5pm-8pm at The Manhattan Center located at 311 W. 34th Street & 8th Avenue, Entertainers 4 Education will host their 2007 Stay In School Concert presented with New York’s #1 Radio Station HOT 97 and educational partner Catapult Online. Joining them will be music icon Joseph Simmons aka Rev. Run, America’s Next Top Model Winner and LOT 29 celebrity spokes model , Jaslene Gonzalez, Lil Mama, Rich Boy, Bronx Borough president Adolpho Clarion Jr., Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, New York Knicks Legend John Starks, Warner Music Group Executive Vice President Kevin Liles, Nina Sky, Papoose, Red Café, DJ Envy, Jason Fox and Lil Mo and many more surprises.While they plan to carry their message nationwide, Entertainers 4 Education’s message begins at home. Entertainers 4 Education Alliance was established in reaction to a USA Today report which revealed that among the nation's 50 largest districts, three cities New York City (38.9), Baltimore (38.5%), and Detroit (21.7%) graduated fewer than 40% of their students. The national study stated that out of the approximately 7,000 students who will drop out of school per school day nationwide, 500 of them will come from NYC high schools. “We were shocked to discover that the drop-out rate in New York City was that high. I never would have imagined that 49% of New York City's Public High School students were not graduating from high school or that New York State would have the highest dropout rate for Black and Hispanic students of any state in the nation,” explains Tonya Lewis.
Robert Jackson, NYC City Council member and Chairman on Education who has supported E4EA’s events in the past shared, “The Entertainers 4 Education Alliance is tackling one of our City's most significant civic crises – the high school drop-out rate. By empowering young people through innovative programs, E4EA is helping to make a greater New York City for all of us to enjoy.”
"Our goal with this event is to show our children through entertainment that education is important. We've brought together some of the coolest music, sports, hip-hop and R&B artists who support education and we're especially excited that HOT 97 and Catapult Online have chosen to partner with us along with our many sponsors including fashion company, LOT 29, who are all encouraging our children to stay in school,” shares Lewis. Entertainers 4 Education co-founder J. P Taylor adds, “The drop-out rate in NYC is staggering; we are always looking for innovative ways to engage students and get them excited about school. This is another way to utilize those celebrities our students admire to inspire our children.”
Ebro Darden, program director for HOT 97 stated, "HOT 97 has worked with Entertainers 4 Education Alliance on several initiatives. We’re honored to partner with them once again on another event that brings hip-hop and education together. Encouraging our listeners to stay in school is a priority for HOT 97!" Mikki Cruz, The Regional Manager of Catapult Online (www.catapult-online.com), adds, "This event is an excellent way for students to see artists who value education and learn about our program which can help them improve in school. Catapult Online views our community partnerships, such as with E4EA, as a critical component of how we reach the families who need our free tutoring services."
Leading apparel brand and co-sponsor of the Stay In School concert, LOT 29, will be presenting 16 looks from their Fall/Winter '07 Collection. This fashion showcase will be led by their celebrity spokes model and America's Next Top Model winner, Jaslene Gonzalez, who is the first Latina to win the coveted title! "As one of the most successful urban brands that targets the young adult market, LOT 29 is committed to empowering today's students and tomorrow's leaders. By teaming up with the 'Entertainers 4 Education Alliance' and participating in the 'Stay In School' Concert, we have the ability to communicate a very powerful message by combining two things that all kids love: music AND fashion!" In addition to the fashion show, LOT 29 will be giving away over 2,000 T-Shirts at the event and one very special grand prize package: 2 tickets to the 2007 MLB World Series! The World Series package is inclusive of travel, accommodations and two of the hottest seats at one of the games.
The 2007 Stay In School concert is latest installment in a series of events produced by the EARS Entertainment Group for Entertainers 4 Education Alliance to encourage at-risk youth to stay in school. Official media partners in addition to HOT 97 include: Music Choice, Allhiphop.com, Right On Magazine, Black Beat Magazine, and Vibe Magazine
Tickets are available at www.ticketweb.com. For more information about Entertainers 4 Education Alliance, please visit www.e4ea.org or call(718)385-3133.
Red Carpet begins from 4pm-5pm and show-time is from 5pm-8pm.
About Entertainers 4 Education Alliance
Entertainers 4 Education Alliance (E4EA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth by promoting education and positive decision making. We enlist and utilize the talents and resources of the music and entertainment community to provide support and encouraging messages to our young people.
Entertainers 4 Education Alliance believes that every student deserves a quality education. E4EA is committed to strengthening our communities by lowering the alarmingly high dropout rate in America’s schools.
About Catapult Online
Catapult Online is the nation's leading provider of online, at-home tutoring. Students who complete the Catapult Online program demonstrate, on average, one full year of grade level growth in reading or math.
Students in grades 3-12 are eligible for tutoring from Catapult Online, and all instruction is taught by U.S.-based certified teachers in a one-on-one learning environment.
About LOT 29
Initially developed with Warner Brothers in 2001, LOT 29 is the second urban wear brand under Wicked Fashions. In conjunction with a high-profile line of cartoon imagery, Wicked Fashions acquired the DC Comics license in 2007 to provide the subtle consumer with entertaining graphics using upscale techniques on denim, fleece, hoodies, and a variety of outerwear. LOT 29 (www.lot29.com) appeals to affluent consumers and is sold at leading retail outlets such as Macy's, Epic, and Dr. Jay's.
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