Local Youth Agency Re-engineers School Assemblies for Millennials at Brooklyn Borough Hall

NEW YORK - Feb. 16, 2015 - PRLog -- The Open Door Arts-in-Education Project (ODAEP/ http://odaep.org) will showcase its innovative “Millennial Assembly” programs for New York City public schools this February at Brooklyn Borough Hall. As a student support services provider for the NYC DOE since 2002, ODAEP has refined the in-school assembly model as an effective tool for capturing the imagination of hard-to-reach millennials. ODAEP’s founders, D. Bernard Webster and Khalilah Webster, view the modern assembly as an under-utilized format for exposing youth to important social themes and topics that are essential for holistic education. “We create immersive experiences that energize students by engaging all of their senses—through sight, sound, and interactivity—to deepen the impact of our messaging, says D. Bernard Webster. “We feel the assembly format gives us unprecedented access to reach captive audiences of students in a forum that is both communal and instructional; combatting the dilemma of diminishing attention spans brought on by the critical mass of media youth are exposed to every day.”

Facilitating successful themed assemblies such as Local Entrepreneurship Achievement Day (LEAD/ http://1drv.ms/17cKA3b), the popular Urban Block Party: Anti-Bullying Concert (http://urbanblockpatytour.com; http://youtube.com/odaepnyc), and the 2^nd run of the Black History Mini Docs (http://on.fb.me/1AxJpsg), ODAEP brings and unique blend of content and conversation to students that undoubtedly punctuates the school day. ODAEP’s combined slate of customized programs provide what the organization believes to be a relevant and contemporary enhancement to 21^st Century youth development and education. To illustrate, this season’s Urban Block Party Concert series not only tackles systemic bullying and intolerance among youth but also focuses on anti-gun violence messaging that resonates heavily when considering rising gun deaths among youth across the country.

ODAEP’s LEAD program was likewise developed as an alternative to traditional school career days. Emphasizing entrepreneurial innovation and technical skills development students need to be competitive in today’s globalized economies, LEAD favors apprenticeship over internship to enhance student awareness of careers.  Lastly, ODAEP became the presenting sponsor for Black History Mini Docs (BHMD) is an innovative portfolio of documentaries created by acclaimed filmmakers Neema Barnette’s and Reed McCants. BHMD’s usingstylishandrhythmiccinematic storytelling was designedspecifically for millennial audiencesused to up-tempo transitions characteristic in today’s media. Through this eclectic mix of programming, ODAEP continues to lead the charge of 21st century education and innovation through its unique in-school assembly delivery method.

ODAEP’s kick-off event for the Millennial Assembly will take place as part of the 2^nd Annual Leaders of Tomorrow Black History Honors event February 27^th 2015 at 209 Joralemon St, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

About ODAEP

ODAEP is a leading provider of student enrichment services, bridging and connecting youth audiences to programs that reflect the highest standards in education innovations. ODAEP’s innovative content model currently supplements in-school curricula by providing youth with opportunities to enhance: Technology Competencies, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, appreciation for the Arts & Culture, and new Media