Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation Takes Graduates on Educational Trip to Chicago

The Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation, Inc. (MJYF), will take its 2005 graduates of the foundation’s Leadership Academy on a four-day educational trip to Chicago, Illinois beginning August 8 through August 11, 2005. While in Chicago, the graduates will visit the Chicago Board of Trade, Melvin Securities, Ariel Capital Management, Johnson Publishing, Burrell Communications, the DuSable Museum, and meet with local leaders. The MJYF is a non-profit leadership program for at-risk 11th graders in the Atlanta Public School System. Mrs. Valerie Jackson, Chairman of the Foundation and widow of Maynard Jackson will accompany the graduates on this annual trip, as well as Reuben McDaniel, President/CEO of Jackson Securities, a company founded by the late Mayor Maynard Jackson.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) August 4, 2005

The Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation, Inc. (MJYF), will take its 2005 graduates of the foundation’s Leadership Academy on a four-day educational trip to Chicago, Illinois beginning August 8 through August 11, 2005. The MJYF is a non-profit leadership program for at-risk 11th graders in the Atlanta Public School System. This annual trip is generally the culminating phase of the Foundation’s year-long Leadership Academy curriculum. While in Chicago, the graduates will visit the Chicago Board of Trade, Melvin Securities, Ariel Capital Management, Johnson Publishing, Burrell Communications, the DuSable Museum, and meet with local leaders.

The MJYF Leadership Academy program meets two Saturdays a month for one academic year. The Academy’s curriculum focuses on basic leadership, education, self-esteem, sound values, critical thinking and salesmanship. Mayor Maynard Jackson was a firm believer that if we commit to helping our youth develop outstanding leadership and communication skills, they literally cannot fail. Maynard believed that “if we teach our young people how to lead, they will build wealth and help find a breakthrough in the fight against poverty.” Funding for this program is provided by generous corporations such as Coca-Cola, UPS, Georgia-Pacific, Home Depot, Georgia Power, Jackson Securities, Atlanta Gas and Light and the Atlanta Hawks, just to mention a few.

Founded in 1992 by the late Mayor Maynard Jackson, the Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation’s three operating components include: The Leadership Academy; Atlanta Role Models for Youth, a group of adult volunteers who serve as mentors, tutors and counselors; and the Youth Summit Series, which seeks to expand the Foundation’s principles to other U.S. cities.

Of the 164 students who have completed the program, 134 have enrolled in institutions of higher learning, 7 have entered the military, and 19 will be high school seniors in the Fall. “We teach our students the Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation’s Five Leadership Traits for Success: honesty, hard work, courage, self-discipline and self-improvement,” explains retired Colonel John Holley, President of the foundation. “We instill these traits into the hearts and minds of our students until they become second nature. Leadership and salesmanship go hand-in-hand. Our students must understand that you cannot successfully motivate and persuade others unless you first motivate yourself.”

Mrs. Valerie Jackson, Chairman of the Foundation and widow of Maynard Jackson will accompany the graduates on this annual trip, as well as Reuben McDaniel, President/CEO of Jackson Securities, a company founded by the late Mayor Maynard Jackson.

To find out how to contribute to the Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation, please contact John C. Holley at 100 Peachtree Street, Suite 2275, Atlanta, GA, 30303, or call (404) 681-3211. The Foundation’s Website can be found at http://www.mjyf.com.

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