(BlackNews.com)--Wendy's, the third largest fastfood restaurant chain in the world, is being heavily criticized for the way they administer their scholarship program.

In this Oct. 8, 2011 file photo Paris Jackson smiles on stage at the Michael Forever the Tribute Concert, at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, File)

by Phil Gast

(CNN) -- Like her father had done countless times before, Paris Jackson stepped to the microphone.

I KNOW THE ANSWER—Students raise their hands in response to speaker’s questions. (Photo by Nikki Denton)

The numbers are staggering and the reality is sobering. African-American males across the board still score below their counterparts in other racial and ethnic groups when it comes to graduation rates, literacy rates and college preparedness.  And many African-American men, in turn, are locked out of employment and are filling up the nation’s prisons in disproportionate numbers. But, when it comes to young, African-American boys, behind every statistic is a story.

The Mother to Son Program, of Small Seeds Development Inc., emphasizes a connection between early learning and the dropout rate.  Sometimes data does not tell the whole story, however Black males must step up and engaged to produce different academic and social outcomes. Many mothers bring their sons to MTSP because they do not want them to be turned off to education or get caught up in something they will regret later.  

Through the MTSP responsible men—not the mean streets—educate and affirm Black male youth. One weekend in April, 13 MTSP boys who demonstrate academic achievement (3.2 or above GPA), strong character, and leadership skills, traveled to State College, Pa., to visit the Penn State University campus. This was not a social field trip but one that introduced boys ages 12 to 15 to African-American men from four different cities who are excelling and come from similar backgrounds. The experience exposed the youth to a different environment and members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., who provided a grand tour including the Paul Robeson Cultural Center. They participated in workshops and an up-front conversation about the importance of education, leadership and personal development. Penn State juniors and seniors studying electrical engineering, business, information technology and animal science engaged the MTSP boys in discussions regarding academics and character development. Each youth had to write a one-page report about what they gained from the trip. One youth commented that he did not expect to see the many different cultures. Another said he learned about responsibility on the college level, and yet another youth commented that the trip confirmed that he has much more to do.

The boys were inspired by those they encountered on the trip. They witnessed how hard work, diligence and application can lead to success. They were also inspired by the life of Paul Robeson and Penn State alum astronaut Guion Bluford. This was a confidence builder and a chance for the boys to dream higher.
One 1967 Penn State School of Engineering alumni said he was impressed with the boys’ poise and communication skills. MTSP boys are not allowed to make excuses even if they are facing difficult barriers. Each MTSP journey and session is designed to build a supportive environment and foster positive outcomes.

Unfortunately, some of the brightest Black boys are dropping out to pursue a career in rhyme or crime. Many don’t have much hope for a future, but when given the right tools and guidance, who says single parent boys—or any boys—can’t excel?

Follow @NewPghCourier on Twitter  https://twitter.com/NewPghCourier
Like us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Pittsburgh-Courier/143866755628836?ref=hl
Download our mobile app at http://www.appshopper.com/news/new-pittsburgh-courier

New York eighth-grader wins national spelling bee--Arvind Mahankali, a 13-year-old eighth-grader from Bayside Hills, New York, won the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday, correctly spelling the word "knaidel." "It means that I am retiring on a good note," said Mahankali, who attends Nathaniel Hawthorne Middle School 74 and was in his last year of eligibility. "I shall spend the summer, maybe the entire day, studying physics." (CNN Photo)

by Jon Pennington

(CNN) -- I've always lived in a world of letters and alphabets. One of my earliest recollections is memorizing every line and curve of the ABC's on a baby blanket my grandparents gave me. I learned to read at an early age, but my favorite books were dictionaries. I wanted no plot, no narrative, just the onrush of one word after another.