Urban Youth Given Skills to Succeed

May 29, 2014 - PRLog -- (Montclair, NJ) Stand & Deliver: Communication Tools for Tomorrow’s Leaders, founded by Steve Adubato, Jr. PH.D. and the Caucus Educational Corporation, a non-profit organization that produces quality public television programming and widespread educational outreach initiatives, celebrated 15 years of improving communication and leadership skills among urban youth at its 15th Annual “Night Of Eloquence” on Monday, May 19^th at Nanina’s in the Park in Bellville, NJ.

The “Night of Eloquence” is a celebratory event recognizing outstanding individual and team student performances in the presentation of their “Be The Change” plans for bringing realistic, positive change to their communities.

The goal of the Stand & Deliver program is to enhance the overall communication skills of inner-city youth, provide them with tools they need to become engaged citizens and enable them to compete for and succeed in future employment.  These exceptional youth gain these skills through a curriculum where students participate in workshops and develop a viable project, known as the Stand & Deliver Challenge, incorporating solutions to existing, prominent social issues.

Additionally, the evening honored two highly accomplished individuals who truly make a difference in the lives of Newark's youth. This year the 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award was bestowed upon Tracye McDaniel (http://caucusnj.org/stand_and_deliver/tracye_mcdaniel.pdf), President & CEO, Choose New Jersey, Inc. and Darrell K. Terry, Sr., MHA, FACHE (http://caucusnj.org/stand_and_deliver/darrell_terry.pdf), Chief Operating Officer, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center & Children’s Hospital of New Jersey.

Through contributions, sponsorships and ads placed in the evening’s journal, over $80,000 was raised that will go toward enhancing the program; funding the coaching and training of Stand & Deliver participants in the areas of presentation skills, interviewing for a job, conflict resolution and listening skills; and providing “Communication Excellence Scholarships” for several graduating seniors who participated in the program.  These scholarship winners are the highest achievers and are committed to taking the skills and tools they have learned through Stand & Deliver and applying them to their academic careers.

Founder, Steve Adubato, Jr. Ph.D. explains, “Providing our young adults with the tools they need to communicate and lead with passion and integrity prepares them for the future and gives them a considerable edge to succeed in whatever path they choose. I take great pride in knowing, that over the past fifteen years, Stand & Deliver has taught thousands of young men and women how to reach their full potential.”

This year’s Stand & Deliver program would not have succeeded without the generous support of:  PSEG Foundation; TD Bank Charitable Foundation; The Newark Public Schools; The Merck Company Foundation; Prudential Foundation; Turrell Fund, New Jersey Natural Gas; The MCJ Amelior Foundation; as well as many individual supporters.

For more information, contact:

Mary Gamba

75 Midland Avenue

Montclair, NJ 07042

973-744-5260

www.caucusnj.org