Across the nation, African-American males are underperforming academically at such troubling levels that the situation has been labeled a "national catastrophe" by the Council of the Great City Schools. In Cincinnati — despite overall District progress in raising academic results and graduation rates — African-American males mirror the national trend. And, they are not alone. Male students, as a whole, are underperforming in Cincinnati Public Schools.
To address the problem, CPS has created We Need M.O.R.E. (Men Organized, Respectful and Educated), a new initiative designed to nurture academic success and strong character among African-American and other at-risk young men in our District. Our goals are to strategically support and promote measurable improvements in:
The first phase of We Need M.O.R.E will create 10 Young Men's Clubs in Cincinnati Public Schools by August 2011. There will be five clubs at the middle-school level and five at the high-school level. Each will include after-school programming, as well as monthly and quarterly enrichment opportunities.
Our approach will be greater than academics, as we will focus on developing strong character that will benefit young men throughout their lives. Content will include:
To support the We Need MORE initiative, we need partners and leaders, such as you, who are willing to offer supportive programs, personal time and/or financial donations. Please let us know how you/your organization can support our efforts to address the unique challenges of African-American and other at-risk male students in Cincinnati Public Schools by completing an interest form.
Submit your interest form to the Cincinnati Public Schools Office of Innovation as follows:
If you can support our We Need MORE initiative with a financial contribution, please make your check payable to Cincinnati Public Schools. You may also give a secure online donation through PayPal.
Your donation will be used to enhance programs and purchase special attire for our participating students. All donations are tax deductible.
