Inspiration Stations consist of a group of people who wish to work together to learn more about a specific topic or area of interest in an informal and intimate setting. It is based on a structured dialogue that will enable participants an opportunity for in-depth conversations and to share perspectives about specific area(s) of interest or specific ideas.

 

Each Inspiration station will offer explorations aligned with the BOOST Conference core values:

 

 

 

Inspiration Stations will be offered Thursday and Friday in the Exhibit Hall.

 

10:00am-10:45am

11:00am-11:45am

2:45pm-3:30pm

 

10:00am-10:45am

11:00am-11:45am

1:15pm-2:00pm

 

 Referred to as "The Silent Epidemic," the high school dropout crisis claims 1.3 million students each year and costs the nation hundreds of billions of dollars. America's Promise Alliance is pleased to offer a series of six workshops that will address the impact of the nation's high school dropout crisis and effective strategies to help us become a Grad Nation. During these workshops, attendees will hear about proven strategies for engaging businesses, parents, schools and the entire community in supporting young people on their path to a diploma.  The strand will include sessions on the unique role that afterschool providers play in keeping young people safe and educated; working with special populations; as well as first-hand accounts of best practices in service-learning and mentoring programs across the country. 

Achieving a Grad Nation through Parental Engagement
Richard Wells, Vice President, America's Promise Alliance, Washington D.C;  Quinton Egson, Chief Professional Officer, Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley, Palm Desert, CA; Lane Russell, Director, Afterschool Initiatives, National League of Cities, Washington D.C.;  Jane Mills, Director of Child Welfare and Attendance, Palm Springs Unified School District, Palm Springs, CA
 
Parents and caregivers are arguably the most important stakeholders in a child's educational success.  Learn about the "3A" framework (attendance, achievement, attainment) to successfully engage parents and the Parent Engagement Toolkit developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and America's Promise Alliance. The toolkit is a resource for community leaders looking to bring the parent voice into a planning process. 
 

Achieving A Grad Nation Afterschool
Richard Wells, America's Promise Alliance, Washington, DC; Aaron Dworkin, National Program Director, After-School All-Stars; Los Angeles, CA; Lane Russell, Director, Afterschool Initiatives, National League of Cities; Washington D.C.; Bob Cabeza, Executive Director, YMCA Long Beach; Long Beach, CA
 
Discover the keys and lessons learned to focus afterschool time on academic achievement. Learn about  some of the exciting afterschool dropout prevention efforts aimed to help every child be successful academically and graduate.
 

Mobilizing Caring Adults to Build a Grad Nation
Elaine Leibsohn, America's Promise Alliance, Washington, D.C.; C. Diane Booker Wallace, Executive Director, US Dream Academy, Columbia, MD; Stephanie Davi Ercolini, ACE Mentor Program of America, Director, Regional  Programs (West), Sacramento, CA; Judith Stavisky, National Executive Director, Friends of the Children, Philadelphia, PA
 
All children need support and guidance from caring adults in their families, at school and in their communities. To succeed in and stay connected with school, many young people need extra supports that include mentors, tutors and adult advocates. This session will provide program examples that provide caring adults to help young people achieve their full potential.
 

Building a Grad Nation through School and Community Partnerships
Elaine Leibsohn, America's Promise Alliance, Washington, D.C.; Aaron Dworkin, National Program Director, After-School All-Stars; Los Angeles, CA;  Susan Abravanel, Youth Service America, Vice President for Education, Washington, D.C.;  Shannon Wendt, MSSW, Senior Director, Evaluation, Research, and Innovation,  Junior Achievement Worldwide, Los Angeles, CA 
 
In many communities, partnerships between schools and community organizations are helping to create supports that enable students to learn and thrive. Learn about several school and community partnerships and their innovative strategies for success.
 

How Business Engagement helps build a Grad Nation 
Chip Wheeler, Vice President, ING Foundation, Washington DC; Janet B. Bray, Executive Director, Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Alexandria, VA  
 
This workshop will focus on three corporate examples of how businesses have engaged with their future workforce in unique ways through service, career exploration and service-learning.
 

How Empowering Youth in Special Populations Helps Build a Grad Nation
Andrea, Cahn, Director, Project UNIFY, National Youth Activation Demonstration Program Special Olympics North America, Washington, D.C. 
 
The U.S. Department of Education reports graduation rates for students with disabilities at just over 32 percent.  Researchers theorize that high special education dropout rates correlate with multiple factors, including student peer relationships and lack of motivation and engagement. These activities can result in community and school climates that are more safe and meaningful.

Register today for the 2010 BOOST Conference and Legacy Summit!

Only $425 per person!