| Message from the Executive Director |
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Greetings! The Oliver Scholars Program provides access for Latino and African American youth in New York City to the unique education opportunities available in Independent Schools. For generations, students in our target population have been severely underserved by the public education system, especially those who demonstrated academic talent. As the global market place becomes more competitive, it is imperative that such young people gain access to more rigorous college preparatory schools. Like our Oliver Scholars, I had the opportunity to attend an Independent School for my high school years. As a young African American student, that rigorous education prepared me to navigate the Ivy League college and professional school arena and a career as a lawyer and non-profit manager. I will be forever grateful to my mother for helping to open that door for me. The Oliver Scholars Program provides a close-knit, supportive environment that nurtures and closely tracks the progress and needs of each student. Our Consortium School partners have indicated that the full year of academic and social preparation that our Scholars receive after 7th Grade―combined with our ongoing support and services―provide a distinctive advantage when considering our scholars for admission. Oliver Scholars excel academically and socially. They become leaders, volunteering in their schools and back in their home communities. These young people go on to successful careers in college and beyond but they do not forget their roots. As adults they become engaged as leaders in the corporate world and well as in their communities. The fabric of the neighborhoods they were nurtured in is strengthened by their commitment, just as the movement towards greater diversification of leaders, managers, entrepreneurs and professionals in our society makes the nation stronger. And Oliver alumni return as volunteers and staff, with some even becoming Board members. They do not forget. We are proud to offer this unique opportunity to families that value education as a path to success, leadership development and service. Our partnership with families, schools and communities, all committed to creating a new generation of African American and Latino leaders, fills us with gratitude. We are proud of our Scholars and their positive outcomes. It is our responsibility to continue to support them as they pursue their dreams and fulfill their potential for themselves and their communities. Please join the Oliver Family as a Scholar, Parent, Partner, Volunteer or Donor. All the Best,
David Addams
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