The Potier Foundation, Inc.

Empowering Young Men through Education

You are not destined for SPED, but you are special

 

YOU are capable

YOU know right from wrong, but somtimes misunderstand the consequences 

YOU deserve a quality education regardles of your social or economic background

YOU have a right to fail if YOU choose too

YOU are worthy of love, kindness, support, opportunity and mentoring

YOU are not an endangered species

YOU are not hopeless

YOU should never accept being “average” in school over being "above" in athletics

 

Negative stereotypes of young, men of color, can only be changed by providing positive views of men of color and it starts with you!!  

College Access: Levels the playing field

For an economy dependent on human capital, the numbers are frightening. Statewide, 1 in 5 students in the class of 2006 didn't graduate on time, according to Northeastern University's Center for Labor Market Studies. Nationally the story is even worse. In Boston, 2 in 5 didn't graduate. Race, gender, and geography matter. In Boston, only 48 percent of black males and 43 percent of Hispanic males graduate on time. Weston graduated 99 percent of its male students; in Lawrence that number was 34 percent.

Research by Northeastern economist Andrew Sum shows that dropping out correlates to all the wrong stuff. Dropouts are likely to be poor, more likely to have children out of wedlock, less likely to get married, more likely to go to jail, and will die sooner. In Sum's grim statistical portrait of the dropout, there is surprising hope, however. Consider:

The median annual earnings among white male high school dropouts nationwide, age 20-29, was $14,269 in 2005. Among black male high school dropouts the number was an incredible $2,038, a reflection of how few are working. But get black men through college and something remarkable happens: Their median annual income jumps to $29,537 compared to $30,576 for white males. The income gap nearly disappears, education being the great leveler.

Steve Bailey is a Globe columnist.

 

 

 

 

It isn't a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for.
Benjamin E. Mays

Programs

  • “College degree can set you Free” The college prep program is specifically geared toward aiding our young men stay in school and go onto post-secondary education. The seminar’s purpose is to help our junior and senior men of color understand that college is an option, prepare for the SAT entrance exam, visit colleges, create a viable college list, complete applications in a timely manner, and obtain financial aid assistance. 
  • “Dress to Impress” The professional development program provides the young men with professional etiquette course. We will instruct the young men on professional attire, and outline the do’s and don’t of an interview. Whether interviewing for a job or college admission - this workshop will give program participants the skills need to stand out form the crowd.
  •  
  • “Give Back” The community service program is devoted to helping our young men give back to their community. We find various volunteer opportunities and internships where our young men can learn value of community service and social uplift within their communities.
  •