FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 26, 2009

CONTACT: Scott Peterson Mayor’s Office (443) 740-5412 Brice Freeman Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (410) 396-9928

Mayor Dixon Presents Youth Violence Prevention Week Awards

Baltimore, MD (March 26, 2009) – Mayor Sheila Dixon, Council President Stephanie Rawlings Blake and Dr. Andres Alonso, CEO of the Baltimore City Public School System, celebrated winners of the Mayor’s Youth Violence Prevention Awards today. Awardees come from programs throughout Baltimore City including the Youth Opportunity (YO!) Baltimore program. Awardees were heralded for their perseverance in the face of great challenges. “Baltimore City is committed to creating the opportunities young people need to become successful adults and responsible citizens,” said Mayor Dixon. “The young people we honor today are shining examples that despite life’s obstacles, people can transform their lives for the better.” Today’s event is part of National Youth Violence Prevention week, which runs from March 23-27. The Mayor’s objective is to raise awareness and educate the public about key strategies to prevent or reduce youth violence. “National Youth Violence Prevention Week reminds us that there are no throw away kids,” said Dr. Alonso. “They come as is, and it is our job to ensure every kid gets the resources they need to reach their potential. At City Schools, we provide a range of programs including non-traditional schools like YO! Academy and Learning, Inc to accelerate student learning at times that works for them. The youth recognized today remind us how important this work is and that it makes a world of difference for individuals, families and this city.”

YO! Baltimore was created in 2000 with support from the United States Department of Labor and the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. Its mission is to address the challenges of young people who leave school before earning their diplomas. According to the most recent census data, approximately 20,000 young adults in Baltimore City are out-of-school, unemployed or under-employed. Lacking the educational credentials and career skills needed to earn a living wage, it becomes difficult for them to support themselves and their families. Since July 2007, 1,349 young adults, ages 16 to 22 years, have enrolled in the program. Since then, 734 found gainful employed and 111 have earned their high school diploma. “Baltimore City’s leadership understands that every young person has the potential to make positive contributions to their city and its workforce if given the right opportunity,” said Karen Sitnick, director of the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. “With the support of Mayor Dixon and the Baltimore City Council, YO! Baltimore is providing a positive return on investment as these young people continue to achieve academically and in the workplace.” Awardees include: • Shateara Davis from Learning, Inc. • Richard Brunson from Operation Safe Kids • Keonya Christian-Cannon from Violence Prevention Program • Robert Williams from the Rose Street Community Center • Glen Dezurn from Umar Youth Boxing Program • Wayne Campbell from YO! Baltimore • Bobby Leak from YO! Baltimore • Tamekia Towsend from YO! Baltimore • Manica Lawson from YO! Baltimore • Leon Richardson from YO! Baltimore • Olivia White from YO! Baltimore • Brandon Scott from YO! Baltimore • Chanie Carlton from YO! Baltimore • Lacureia Harris from YO! Baltimore • Theresa Stinney from YO! Baltimore • Sharae Chambers from YO! Baltimore • Rayco Myers from YO! Baltimore # # #