FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, June 13, 2016
FOR ASSIGNMENT: Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Contacts:

Brice Freeman, Communications, 410-396-1910, bfreeman@oedworks.com
Ernest Dorsey, Youth Services, 410-396-6722, edorsey@oedworks.com

37 Baltimore City Students to Graduate from Youth Opportunity (YO) Baltimore Programs
Students previously disconnected from school and work earn diplomas and face a brighter future

Baltimore, Maryland (June 13, 2016) – Youth Opportunity (YO) Baltimore will host a special graduation event for its 2016 class of 37 teens and young adults who chose to pursue alternative education after facing challenges in traditional school settings.

The stage will be shared by 24 students from the Westside YO Center and 13 students from the Eastside Center. Mr. Calvin G. Butler, Jr. - CEO of Baltimore Gas & Electric Company – will deliver the keynote address.

WHO: Thirty-seven students, from the City’s two YO Centers, will don cap and gown as they proudly walk across the stage before an audience of parents, peers and supporters. This ambitious and dedicated group of teens and young adults has overcome challenges including unstable housing, limited support systems, early parenthood and limited educational achievements. Through the encouragement of caring professional advocates, the guidance of dedicated instructors, and access to vital support services, these young people are now moving forward to become fully independent and productive adults.

WHEN: Wed., June 15, 2016; 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Campus, Shriver Hall, 3400 N. Charles, Baltimore MD 21218

BACKGROUND: Youth Opportunity (YO) Baltimore is operated by the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development’s Youth Services Division. Since 2000, YO has served more than 8,000 disconnected teens and young adults. YO Centers provide academic support including GED and high school diploma tracks, career/job training, advocacy, mentoring and health and social support services to out-of-school or out-of-work city youth. Key YO partners include the Baltimore City Department of Juvenile Services, Baltimore City Public Schools, Civic Works, HEBCAC, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Center for Adolescent Health, and Sinai Hospital. www.oedworks.com

###