Editorial: Black Male Dropouts Getting in the GAME Philadelphia Inquirer March 7, 2008 There’s a lot at stake with a new program starting today that hopes to cut the dropout rate among Philadelphia’s young African American males and set their sights on college. It’s poorly educated young men who too frequently end up in the city’s too-high counts of homicide victims and prison inmates. Trying to help turn that around is GAME – “Getting African American Males Educated” – which is kicking off with a recruitment event hosted by the 76ers at the Wachovia Center. Participants will meet the team and take a photo with their favorite player. More important, they can complete a single online application for admission into any of 34 historically black colleges, including Lincoln and Cheyney universities.
Sponsored in Philadelphia and 10 other cities by Atlanta-based EDU Inc., GAME has the potential to send 10,000 black males to college in the fall, says EDU president Robert Mason. The program targets young men who may have less-than-stellar grades or SAT scores and are on the fence about college. They will get encouragement from mentors – black men from the community. Mason launched the program last year with the Atlanta Hawks. He pointed out that nationally 12 percent of black males, ages 16 to 24, were dropouts, compared with 6 percent for white males. The high school dropout rate for black males was 53 percent in Philadelphia in 2005. “It was obvious that something had to be done,” said Mason. The program is already getting results, he said. At least 90 percent of the young men who attended the GAME event in Atlanta were accepted to colleges. Naran Butler-Houck, a social worker at Franklin High, says he’s recruiting young men for GAME “to heighten their expectation” of going to college. Dante Morgan, a Franklin senior, says he wants to go to college to show “black males are more than gangsters or rappers.” Before today’s game between the 76ers and Seattle SuperSonics, GAME participants will hear presentations from community leaders and meet their mentors. One student will be awarded a $500 scholarship from Sallie Mae. The program may expand next year to include sophomores and juniors. Plans are to also target Latino students. This worthwhile effort deserves great support.
July 19th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Nice post and blog! Greets.
October 7th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
The “GAME” event is exactly what young black men need today.
October 8th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Great blog. I want to get into the G.A.M.E
October 12th, 2009 at 9:57 am
This is really what young men need because people need a second chance when another door is being opene. I like this post.
October 12th, 2009 at 10:01 am
This is really what young men need because people need a second chance when another door is being opened. I like this post.
October 15th, 2009 at 11:34 am
This is very positive, young men need this today
I really like this post.
October 19th, 2009 at 7:04 am
The game is a very good idea for young men like myself. nice idea
October 19th, 2009 at 8:21 am
This is exactly what young black men need in today’s society. There are not enough organizations to reach out to the young african americans. Hopefully we will start to see a decline in crime and illiteracy amongnst our black society.
October 19th, 2009 at 8:38 am
I Like this post. It is very nice. Young men today needs more doors to be open. Even though people make mistakes, i think they deserve second chances. In addition, when there is another door open they take and learn from the experience.
October 19th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Giving young black men a chance to success and hope for positive things is great.
October 19th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Nice Blog!!
October 19th, 2009 at 11:43 am
I believe this is very rewarding to young men and will give them more of a place in the community and school. Alot of young adults not just men need guidance and need to feel important to suceed because of lack of attention at home to saty focused. This program will boost their confidence and grades to do better and suceed in life. Even if this program only changes 10 people lives thats ten less people in jails and in cementerys.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:49 am
this program is an great woundreful idea it gives young black men an chance to change and get an education. this program gives them chances that others didnt it helps them out on the life…..
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:15 am
Nice post and blog!
December 9th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
real nice..!
December 9th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
how can i join g.a.m.e it sound like a great programe…
December 9th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
If you ask me I say this blog is great as everyone one is pointing out and think more people should get behind it so it can grow and help more young men stay on track and even move on to help females also so that we can try and get our whole genreation on track so i have to say this blog is good keep it up.
December 9th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
If you ask me I say this blog is great as everyone one is pointing out and think more people should get behind it so it can grow and help more young men stay on track and even move on to help females also so that we can try and get our whole genreation on track so i have to say this blog is good keep it up.
December 9th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
This is good because we dont have enough organization to support blck man as far as the college situation. To have NBA teams to sponor it its better because to hear from some of your favorite NBA players would be great.Going to school is imporant and hearing it from Stars are imporant because they tell you everything and care about you as far as going to college and being successful in life
December 9th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
its all about what you can achevie in life nothin much
December 9th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
This is a very interesting program and can help young black men get on the right track to be successful in life.
December 16th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
This is a Great blog and i think that all young African American Men should get in the G.A.M.E.
December 16th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
everybody boys and girls need to be in the game
December 16th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
nice blog and its good that they are helping us. As a black male its hard to not get caught up in the trouble that surrounds us and i really appreciate the program for helping us stay out of trouble and to keep us influenced us to do better . So to the people who made and help bring foward something good for black males by making this program thanks.
January 27th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Very nice article I like your site keep up the amazing posts
February 9th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
is this website creditable?? should i send $35. for the common application?? anyone done it before? does it work?? im asking because the copyright is 5 years old
February 18th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
this is good for young men and this will help them in the future.
February 18th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
this is good for young men and it will help them in the future.