DC Public Schools (DCPS) has partnered with Usher’s New Look (UNL), a nonprofit organization founded by Grammy award-winning artist Usher Raymond dedicated to helping youth find a path to leadership and make career choices that match their passion. The organization will conduct “Powered by Service,” a one-day, peer-to-peer leadership training for students in grades 8-11.
The training kicked off this week at four DCPS high schools, including Ballou High School, Banneker Academic High School, Eastern Senior High School, and Cardozo Education Campus. Each training focuses on the organization’s four pillars -- talent, education, career and service -- and will motivate students to be leaders in their schools and communities, using their talents to make a positive impact on the entire city.
“We are excited to partner with Usher and UNL to bring this dynamic experience to our students,” said DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson. “This program draws upon our students’ strengths and provides them with powerful tools to succeed in school and life. I look forward to seeing the impact that our young people will make in their communities and beyond.”
The “Powered by Service” training comes to D.C. as part of the Empowering Males of Color (EMOC) initiative launched earlier this year by Mayor Muriel Bowser and DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson. EMOC is a comprehensive plan of action to enhance the student experience, increase achievement, and prepare males of color for success in college, careers and life beyond DCPS.
UNL staff from Detroit, Milwaukee and Atlanta will facilitate the trainings, which include networking and branding, Leadership 101, and workshops in financial literacy. Students will participate in town hall-style presentations and a series of small group discussions.
"The New Look model is unique,” said New Look President and CEO Yvette Cook. “By week’s end, over 500 youth will receive leadership certification backed by Emory University’s Goizueta Business School with a charge to begin serving within their local communities.”
Founded in 1999, Usher’s New Look is a 501(c)(3) and has served more than 24,000 youth in multiple cities.