District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) will host a summit highlighting the New Heights program to promote city agencies' collaborative efforts to support expectant and parenting students in the completion of their high school education. DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson will join summit keynote speaker Wanda Pratt, former teen mom and mother of NBA star Kevin Durant, who will discuss her experience as a teen parent. Tray Chaney, an actor, singer and songwriter who starred in the television series The Wire, will share his experience in creating music and an initiative about fatherhood.
Speakers
- Chancellor Kaya Henderson, DCPS
- Wanda Pratt, former teen mom and mother of NBA star Kevin Durant
- Actor/singer/songwriter Tray Chaney
- New Heights program participants
- New Heights program staff
When: Wednesday, June 24, 9 am - 3 pm
Where: Columbia Heights Education Campus, 3101 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010.
Background: The New Heights program is a school-based initiative that engages expectant and parenting students in 13 DCPS high schools. The program seeks to improve the attendance and graduation rates of these students and prepare them for higher education and the workforce. By collaborating with community-based organizations, each New Heights site is able to host life-skills workshops for participants on topics such as financial literacy, employment, healthy eating and parenting skills.