Rules of Engagement - Textbook Stipend Project

People are starting to inquire about the the requirements to participate in Project Brownstone's Textbook Stipend Project. I think it's time to be a little more specific as to what we expect from our participants.

Some may find it strange that we're not necessarily looking for the straight 'A' student. We want the ones that stand out, the ones that have big ideas about their futures. We want students with leadership qualities. These qualities have a different way of showing other than with grades.

Here is a list of the requirements:
- must have parents' permission/participation
- maintain a full time caseload, 12 or more credits per semester
- proof of enrollment
- provide syllabi for all courses
- must maintain no less than a 2.5 GPA
- must check in regularly
- must participate in an end of semester discussion about challenges, successes etc.
- must develop a discussion group/workshop of peers to take place on breaks
- must develop relationship with faculty/staff advisor
- must attend Project Brownstone Annual event in May

Of course, students will have a more detailed list. This is to give you an idea of what it will take for them to benefit fully from this experience. The most important quality that has to emerge from this 4 year commitment, is that each student learns to think outside of the box. They need to learn how to take an idea and bring it to fruition.

So, big thinkers are welcomed!

Nominees for the Textbook Stipend Project

The Textbook Stipend Project

We're very happy to announce the nominees for the Textbook Stipend Project. This coming school year, September 2014, we will award these students with an opportunity to partner with Project Brownstone. We will act as advocate, advisor, interventionist and guide. Our goal is to establish a relationship with the students that will assist, not only in their transition from high school, but their whole college experience. This will enable us to achieve the longterm goals we set for each other.

Everyone should have expectations!

We expect our students to attend a four year college. We expect them to allow us to track their performance and correct whatever is necessary in order for them to succeed. We expect that they'll apply themselves to their studies and use the funds we provide them with to purchase the needed textbooks and supplies (i.e. notebooks, pens) that will ensure success. They're expected to provide their syllabi and exam schedules, and be open to being 'checked on' periodically, to make sure they're applying their studies. They have to be open to an ongoing conversation about their studies, their future, careers, ideas whatever we can do to motivate them.

The students can expect us to be there to guide them, to answer all questions, and point them in the right direction. They can expect an occasional conversation with their parents so that they can become active participants in their children's academic success. They can expect that, if they need help, they can get it. After four years of school, all of us will come to some conclusion about what to do to make a living and how to go about it. Above all, they can expect a lifetime of support from us.

We are very happy to nominate Dina Atwa of LaGuardia High School, and Gavin Ferguson of August Martin HS. Stay tuned to find out more about them….

Post-Award Benefit Interview With D. Carrie and Assemblyman Keith L. T. Wright

D. Carrie speaks with the Assemblyman to get his insights into the meaning of the "Making A Difference" award, and what it means for the future. She also probed into what impact, if any, does he think Project Brownstone's efforts will have.

Assemblyman Keith L. T. Wright was honored and awarded at Project Brownstone's 'Making A Difference' Award Benefit on May 23, 2014 at Faculty House at Columbia University. He was awarded for his work in conceiving the legislation that created the Amistad Commission. This, in turn, brought about the founding of the Amistad Watch.

The Amistad Watch, while based on this legislation, is a community response to the disconnect between youths, their history and community. Many don't feel like they're part of what we consider citizenry. Neither do they feel the connection to the past struggles that paved the way for their freedoms. This has resulted in a 'lost' generation that is in need of empowerment and development as well as esteem building.

Let's hear what the Assemblyman had to say: http://youtu.be/foNXMrDDJnA

Textbook Stipend Project - the beginning

The process of finding candidates for the Textbook Stipend Project is no easy undertaking. We discussed criteria, how to go about the mechanics of giving out financial awards to students. I knew it wasn't appropriate to just hand over cash, so the question of how to operate and administer this transaction proves daunting.

It's a special combination of qualities that make a great candidate for the Textbook Stipend Project. While academics play a role - just not the main focus- they don't solely determine our interest in a student. Grades are the obvious indicator to how well a student takes exams and does the work but that alone does not determine if they have the hutzpah, drive or desire to do anything beyond reporting to the office, 9-5, until retirement.

Creativity plays a more prominent role in my eyes because making it in the marketplace requires the ability to attack and carry out challenges, and to be able to think outside of the box, the ability to reinvent.  In other words, leadership ability far outdistances academic prowess. We can all be managers, but we all can't be leaders!

Once we identify the students, we'll create a database where we will chart the journey we'll take together. Systems have to be put in place to record and track activities pertaining to the student. We must be able to evaluate and take measures of the progress of the student as well as the program. However, systems cannot measure the impact of face-to-face interaction or the channel of communication set in place. So the relationship component dictates the success of the project.

Once we make our choice of students we will make sure you're the first to know!

We will keep you posted.