My name is Elijah Starks I’m 18 years old I was a high school dropout but now I’m a participant in the YouthBuild program The YouthBulid program is program that helps high school dropouts to get their lives back on track. Students, or should I say former drop-outs, earn a GED while learning construction. The youth Build program here in Reading allows the students to restore and build up the community; Youthbuild participants earn certifications in OSHA. I have also received a certificate in basic carpentry, Basic electricity and Basic Plumbing. Participants receive a weekly stipend, and a part time employment. That is getting paid to work at the work site two days a week. Two days is the GED program and Friday is an early day. Overall I think that the Youth Build program is a wonderful program. I have met a lot of new friends, which I enjoy learning with. I get paid to do what I enjoy doing. Youth Build is an exciting program that will give you something to look forward to five days a week and is an excellent start in a life time career.

For more infomation about YouthBuild contact Ruth Matthews at #610-374-3319 ext.101 or e-mail: ruth.mathews@comcast.net

Successful Men Tell High School Boys: Education is Key

On Jan. 15, the Greater Reading Mentoring Academy hosted a Violence Prevention & Anti-Gang Symposium in Reading High School for 9th and 10 grade boys. The Greater Reading Mentoring Academy is an organization that provides services to the youth. The panel included David Hall, Omar Dickens, Shawn Jenkins, Nate Perez, Ed Terrel, Joey Negron, District Judge William Hall and District Judge Wally Scott. Each of the panelists spoke to the male students about decision making and patience. They expressed to the students that impulsive decisions can cost them their life. Panelist David Hall said that when growing up, he did not have any positive role models in his life. He turned to the streets to find what he was missing. He eventually found what he was not missing. It was soon after that he realized that he needed to change his life around. Although he has had his name in various prisons, he has also had his name in various colleges, including Shippensburg University and Temple University. He has changed his life around and expressed to the students at Reading High School that education is key. Without an education, these students would be looking at a road without any possibilities. David Hall now works for the Caron Foundation, a center near Wernersville for people with addictions. Each of the eight panelists had one thing in common. Education is the key to success. Anyone can have dreams, but it takes a believer to make their dreams come true. The Reading High School 9th and 10th grade males left that afternoon knowing that achievement is the next step to success. These students left with the knowledge of knowing that a split-second decision can cost them their lives. More information on the Greater Reading Mentoring Academy can be found at www.mentor2youth.org. Dorian Smith, principal of Greater Reading Mentoring Academy, can be reached at 610-375-8550. Compliments of Jillian Algarin