The Reaching At-Promise Students Awards celebrate the success of at-promise students across the United States and recognize the commitment of the adults who support them. This year’s At-Promise awards were expanded to provide five Courage Awards for students. Each Courage Award includes a $1,000 scholarship.
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THE HEART AWARDS
This award recognizes education leaders who show a heart for supporting at-promise students in their academic endeavors and the capacity to see beyond the trauma faced by students. This year RAPSA is presenting two Heart Awards in recognition of the range of services that the Heart Award represents. Mike Ilic is Administrative Director of Student Services for the Corona-Norco USD. A former continuation school principal, past president of the California Continuation Education Association (CCEA), and current president of the ACSA Ed Options Council, he is a tireless defender of the at-promise population. Priestley Parker is a school counselor who teaches students to break down the walls that prevent students from being successful and models how to manage anger, resolve conflict, problem solve, and communicate effectively when the world around them seems in chaos. On behalf of the student, schools, and staff who believe that reengaging young people in education transforms them to being at promise of success rather than at risk of failure, we wish the Heart Award winners continued success in the work that they do. |
THE VISION AWARD
The Vision Award is in recognition of policymakers who demonstrate exceptional vision for understanding the challenges faced by at-promise youth and the development of creative policies to attract and retain students who would otherwise be left out of traditional school programs. This year the Vision Award recipient is Assembly Member Shirley Weber, PhD, a California Legislator from San Diego County who serves on the Assembly’s Education Committee and Budget Committee as well as the Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color and the Black Caucus. She is a tireless advocate for at-promise youth and has authored legislation supporting dropout recovery, expanding funds for the lowest performing student subgroups and closing the achievement gap. |