Broadcaster Tavis Smiley to Host Town Hall Meeting to Address Improving Educational Outcomes for Minority Men

(Press Release) - The Atlanta Technical College Institute for Males (AIM) presents the Call to Action Summit on Friday, June 4, 2010. The summit will be held in the Cleveland L. Dennard building on the Atlanta Technical College campus located at 1560 Metropolitan Parkway from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The event will feature a free public Town Hall Meeting on "Success through Education," hosted by noted author, radio and television host Tavis Smiley.

The purpose of the summit is to address the current state of minority males in America. National statistics show that fewer than 41 percent of black males graduate from high school and fewer than four percent attend college. Low education has a proven effect on the likelihood that individuals, particularly males, will be arrested and/or jailed. African Americans comprise just 27 percent of Georgia's population, but 68 percent of the state's prison population is black. Conversely, high school and college graduates are more likely to occupy their time with career-track employment and positive community contributions. As a result, Atlanta Technical College has taken a proactive approach to improve their personal and professional conditions.

"Atlanta Technical College recognizes the role that we must play in strengthening our economy by recruiting, retaining and graduating minority men," says Alvetta Peterman Thomas, president of Atlanta Technical College. "In February 2009, we launched the Atlanta Technical College Institute for Males, or AIM, designed to advance positive educational outcomes for African American men. This conference is an important mechanism for us to reach beyond our campus and develop partnerships that will enable us to assist a greater number of men."

The summit's two segments are free but require pre-registration. The public can register by calling (404) 756-2708 or by visiting: http://atcaimevent.eventbrite.com.

Part I, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm: Civic leaders, elected officials, clergy and community organizers will engage in a full-day of panel discussions and work sessions to develop strategies to enhance educational and developmental outcomes for minority men. Topics will include: Employment, Post-Secondary Recruitment, Legislative/Government Action, Recidivism, Academic Support and Community Action.

Part II, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Public Town Hall Meeting featuring Tavis Smiley.

For additional information about the Call to Action Summit or the Town Hall Meeting contact: Terreta A. Rodgers, 404-225-4604, trodgers@atlantatech.edu.