They also received one of five IBM technology grants. The Urban League also provides work force development training for the state's Families First Program as well as evening classes for Microsoft Professional Certification. They are addressing the dissolution of the family. First Things First found that many fathers are in jail. The Urban League is taking a preventive approach, teaching social and educational skills, and providing surrogate parents and mentors for at-risk kids.
Education is also a big issue.
Public school teachers can't do it all, but poor kids don't have the options that wealthier children enjoy. Kids need a working partnership between teachers and parents, but most schools are not parent-friendly. Plus, many of the parents had bad educational experiences, themselves. The Urban League is partnering with an initiative to train parents to ask the right questions. Next year will be busy, ministering to those on the economic fringes.