For Immediate Release Contact: Allison Kaufman
616.365.2227 September 28, 2009
allisonkaufman@kentisd.org

Michele Corey, Michigan’s Children
517.485.3500

Youth to Share Personal Stories at Dropout Forum

Grand Rapids, MI – Their stories are poignant and pertinent, stories about family illness, family dysfunction and circumstances beyond their control. These are the voices of students who have dropped out or those who are thinking about it. And while these stories come as no surprise to educators, they will be important for the community to hear on October 5 as new initiatives and policies are formed.

The Youth Voices Changing Public Policy Forum will focus on the dropout epidemic in Michigan, with presentations from affected youth. Educators and community members are invited to attend the forum Monday, October 5 at Wedgwood Christian Services, 9-11:30 am.

The program is sponsored by Michigan’s Children, Wedgwood Christian Services, Our Community’s Children, and network 180. Youth from a variety of Wedgwood programs and network 180 will speak, along with representatives from programs offering solutions to the dropout problem.

Ron Koehler, assistant superintendent for Organizational & Community Initiatives, will highlight several of the youth engagement programs Kent ISD coordinates, including a highly successful program of mentoring and tutoring at-risk youth and Kent School Services Network.

When: 9 - 11:30 am. Monday, October 5
Where: Wedgwood’s Nagel Chapel and Conference Center, 3300 36th Street SE Grand Rapids

Kent ISD is a local educational service agency devoted to achievement for all students in the nearly 400 schools, 20 public districts and three non-public districts within our boundaries. We serve the community by helping our schools prepare 120,000 students for school and life success.