Q: What exactly is the Rising Stars difference?
Paul Savramis: Rising Stars is a foundation committed to helping youth develop with their health and wellbeing. The team members of Rising Stars specifically use the power of teams and teamwork as a way to promote education.
Q: What role has the Rising Stars organization played in the development of young people?
Paul Savramis: Since 1996, Rising Stars has graduated over 90 percent of high school seniors from the New York City area that participated in our programs. Our organization’s commitment is to ensure that these students are graduating college ready and prepared for their continued education.
Q: Why are academic enrichment programs so important for these youth?
Paul Savramis: For 2013 Hispanic and African-American male students New York City had the lowest four-year high school graduation rate in the entire United States. Only 37 percent of students graduated high school within four years. Meanwhile, the percentage of students who are prepared for college is even lower. The rate for Hispanic students is 15.7 percent. For black students, it is even lower at 12.5 percent.
Q: How do you think these graduation rates affect New York City and the U.S. as a whole?
Paul Savramis: It’s a terrible tragedy, to be quite frank. Thousands of bright students are departing high school without a diploma, meaning their future options are compromised. Most students who do end up graduating simply aren’t ready to enter the workforce, let alone matriculate at a college or university. They face incarceration and poverty.
Q: How does Rising Stars seek to combat this pressing issue?
Paul Savramis: Our staff identifies at-risk children on our teams at an early age and offers them academic support through the Rising Stars programs. The organization features certified teachers who tutor in reading and math. Plus, Rising Stars presents a number of academic seminars taught by professional guidance counselors and college placement representatives. Academic support including private education placement and assistance is provided for those who may not thrive in the setting of a public school.
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