On August 11, 12, 17 and 18, 2010 at a branch of JP Morgan Chase 1,270 REACH Scholars earned over $372,000, based on incentive scholarship awards of $500 for each AP exam score of 5, $400 for each 4 and $300 for each 3 achieved (students who didn’t complete REACH’s free Learn, Earn, Win! (LEW) intensive 21-hour AP prep program earned $150, $125 and $100, respectively).

REACH: Rewarding Achievement, an incentive scholarship education reform initiative sponsored by the Pershing Square Foundation and the Council of Urban Professionals (CUP), announced that students at the 28 New York City high schools fully participating in the REACH program showed a 10% increase in Advanced Placement exams taken and a 4% increase in exams passed, building on the even larger gains shown in the previous year.  In total, over the first two full years of the REACH program, students took 30% more AP exams and passed 27% more.

“Today, we celebrate the accomplishments of 1,270 REACH Scholars, who have worked tirelessly to excel on rigorous Advanced Placement exams,” said Tami Kesselman, Executive Director, REACH. “Their drive and determination to beat the odds and demonstrate mastery of college-level work while still in high school inspire each of us at REACH to continue our mission to close the achievement gap and provide New York City children with greater access to opportunity.”

In addition to the incentive scholarships, a critical element of REACH’s success is helping student prepare for AP exams via Learn, Earn, Win!, a series of three free, intensive, all-day-Saturday prep sessions – 21 hours in total – for each of 15 AP subjects, held in collaboration with Baruch College of The City University of New York (CUNY).  Students who attended all three days of LEW this year had a 41% pass rate vs. only a 19% pass rate for those who did not participate.

On the evening of the award payout and unveiling of the results, there will be the first annual “Take ‘Em to School Poker Challenge”, with all proceeds benefitting REACH. The event, held at the St. Regis Hotel in New York, features world class poker players including Robert Varkonki, Katy Lederer and Joe Reitman, as well as final table dealer Dee Dozier.  Exciting live and silent auction items will help raise funds and add to the festivities.

“In light of the fact that NYC schools suffered 4-5% budget cuts and we had to cut the budget of our program nearly in half, I am pleased that REACH served even more students and not only maintained last year’s huge gains in AP exams taken and passed, but were actually able to build on them,” said Whitney Tilson, co-founder of REACH. “I want to congratulate the REACH Scholars for the hard work and academic excellence they have demonstrated this year, and am confident that they will continue it in college and beyond.”

Added Bill Ackman, Founder & CEO, Pershing Square Capital Management, “The goal of REACH is to expose thousands of additional high school students in New York City’s poorest neighborhoods to rigorous, college-level work so they will go off to college better prepared and more likely to graduate. Given the great strides over the last two years, we’re proud of the REACH program and especially the REACH Scholars.”

REACH aims to prepare low-income and minority students for college success and reduce the achievement gap in education. AP courses are college-level courses offered in high schools across the country; performance on AP exams is considered to be one of the best predictors of academic success by admissions officers at top colleges and universities.

In addition to paying students incentive rewards, REACH will also be distributing approximately $50,000 in grants to classrooms this year, so that AP teachers can invest in their students and enhance the AP course offerings in their schools.

Founded by the education reformer Whitney Tilson and the Council of Urban Professionals (CUP), and sponsored by the Pershing Square Foundation, REACH is an innovative, high impact merit scholarship program designed to substantially increase the number of low-income and minority students that participate in college-preparatory Advanced Placement (AP) courses; do well on AP exams; and successfully prepare for, enter, and graduate from four-year colleges and universities. In just three years since its inception, REACH has already become the largest scholarship program of its kind in the nation, and one of the most impactful.

28 high schools have participated fully in the REACH program since inception. Of the original 31 schools, three were placed into relegation status last year: one that is closing, one for persistently poor results, and one for losing numerous AP teachers.  Students at these three schools who completed LEW earned $200, $150 and $100, respectively.  Counting all 31 schools, AP exams taken and passed rose 8% and 1% this year, 28% and 20% over the past two years, and 39% and 21% over the past three years.  REACH was launched after the school year was already underway in October 2007, so it has had two full years and one partial year of impact.

40% of REACH students report family income of less than $25,000, and 75% have family income of less than $55,000. In addition, half of REACH students report that English was their second language, and nearly 80% have at least one parent who immigrated to the United States.

According to the College Board, REACH’s core program of incentive scholarships for students, buttressed by AP workshops for students and teachers in 15 AP subjects, and college admissions mentorship for high school seniors, is “a promising solution to closing the achievement gap and accelerating the expansion of academic rigor at schools that serve low-income and minority students.”

What motivated you to get into politics?

I left a teaching career to raise a family of six children.  Like most stay-at-home parents, I was busy volunteering for many organizations and developed a strong interest in being a part of something I knew would help others.  That included volunteering on the campaigns of local candidates, which gave me a sense of what it took to run for office and win.

Like a lot of people, I would read the morning paper and consider the decisions of local elected officials and think, “I would do that differently.”  When my youngest child entered kindergarten and I had more free time, rather than just think about how things may be done differently, I decided to actually try to do things differently.

My first campaign was for a seat on the Warren County Board of Supervisors in 1986.  I was one of five candidates and the only female running.  I put into practice what I had learned, and with the help of family and friends, succeeded in winning and have held elective office ever since.

From what you have experienced so far in Albany, if you could change one thing what would that be and why?

Lines in the sand have become canyons in Albany.  There needs to be more thoughtful discussion and less discord, which is tough to achieve in a highly partisan and acrimonious political climate.  I have some very strong beliefs, as I know all of my colleagues do.  New York State is diverse.  Reaching a consensus on many issues is challenging.  But the outcomes can be better for the state as a whole if there is more of a focus on long-term planning and finding common ground, rather than accentuating and exploiting the differences.

What are some of the challenges facing your district?

Like all of New York State, the two most pressing issues in the district I represent are high taxes and lack of jobs.  The national recession has hurt the North Country.  We have lost some major employers and thousands of good-paying professional jobs.

Representing the Adirondacks is a privilege.  It is, as most people recognize and appreciate, an environmental and historic jewel.  But those living within the Adirondack Park face some unique obstacles, particularly ones created by stringent land use regulations which protect the environment but make job creation and development difficult.

A major concern for me is the sustainability of communities.  The Adirondack Park Regional Assessment Project (APRAP) report issued May 2009 provided a detailed picture of the Park.  Compared to other areas of New York State, we see a steeper decline in school enrollment, a rapidly rising median age, lower household incomes and an alarming out-migration of young families.  Approximately 40 percent of the homes in the Park – an area that represents one-fifth of New York’s total land area – are owned by people whose primary residence is outside of the Park.  There is an impact on the social fabric and economic stability of Adirondack communities that can’t be ignored.

How are you working to address those issues?

Government needs to operate more efficiently.  Having experience in state and local government, I’ve seen many ways we can do things better and save tax dollars.  I’ve put that knowledge to work by sponsoring laws and programs that encourage efficiency.

I have opposed tax increases, particularly those enacted the past two years which, in my opinion, have stifled job growth and business investment.  A plan I supported this year, which was not included in the final budget, would offer $2,500 to $5,000 credits to employers for every new job created.  This would be a form of stimulus to help small businesses, including those in the Adirondacks.

The APRAP report has been a useful tool for me and my colleagues that represent the Adirondacks to educate others about the need for an emphasis on the Park’s economy.  We have something special, and the beauty and natural resources is not only a draw for those visiting the Adirondacks, but for those who call it home.  But those living in the Park have a need for good-paying jobs, quality and readily accessible health care, broadband and schools.

If New York State spends millions of dollars to add land to the state’s forest preserve than millions can and should be invested in economic development programs that make capital and incentives available to assist Adirondack businesses.

What is the outlook on your five-year plan?

Five-year planning in an institution that faces an election every two years is a challenge.  Looking ahead, I think the most important thing is to learn from the recession.  We need to spend and tax less.  A stronger business climate benefits everyone.  I would like to see fiscal discipline adopted in the form of a cap on state spending and a property tax cap, coupled with mandate relief.

I am currently the Associate Dean of Scholar Life at Summit Academy Charter School in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Summit Academy is a Building Excellent Schools proposed school that was founded by fellow CUP member Natasha Campbell. As a call to action to address the low level of student achievement in Red Hook, we provide students with an educational environment that promotes academic excellence, integrity and character, ultimately producing professional, and future-oriented adults.

My role as the associate dean of scholar life is to support the Summit Academy’s scholars and families through effective and constant communication, dissemination of information, and fair enforcement of school policies and procedures.

My long-term goal is to be a founder or co-founder of a charter school network that serves Black and Latino males throughout the country.

What is your strongest characteristic and how has it assisted you in your career?

My strongest characteristic would be my ability to perseverance, no matter what the situation calls for. Throughout my life I have had to overcome many challenges and I strongly believe that it has positioned me for success.

Perseverance is something I talk about almost everyday with my scholars, especially my boys. As a staff at Summit Academy, we are constantly message to our scholars that no matter how hard the task/challenge maybe, you can overcome and conquer anything with a will to achieve

Describe three lessons you have learned during your career?

• Lesson #1 – Pursue excellence. Always strive to get better at whatever you do. No matter how good we are at something, there’s always room for improvement.

• Lesson #2 – Take risks. You never know where it can take you.

• Lesson #3 – As you climb the ladder of success, remain humble.

”A person who seeks recognition is much like a goat that wears a bell around its neck to announce its whereabouts.”

What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?

My biggest accomplishment to date has been starting a 150 member mentoring and empowerment program called “Sons of Promise” that provides Black and Latino middle school boys with experiences that will ensure their academic, social and professional success. We currently have chapters in Queens and Brooklyn (Summit Academy).

What advice would you give someone running for office for the first time?

I would advise this individual to be very engaged in the community that they intend to serve.

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy reading, fitness (P90X!), and mentoring young men in my community (South Jamaica, Queens)

I work for Teach For America, the organization aimed at building a movement of champions committed to bringing about fundamental changes necessary to ensure excellence and equity education. I entered this work seven years ago because I believe that the absence of universal access to a high-quality education is the civil rights issue of my generation, and I honestly can’t imagine devoting my time and energy to a different problem. I have had the opportunity to hold several different roles in Teach For America’s movement, first as a corps member teaching in San Jose, CA and Brooklyn, then as a program team member designing professional development experiences and corps culture-building events for 1,000 teachers in New York City. Two years ago, I transitioned onto our local development team, where I head up individual giving efforts for New York.

What is your strongest characteristic and how has it assisted you in your career?

My strengths lie in relationship building. As a teacher, I focused on building excellent relationships with my students and their families, as well as the other teachers in my school. In my previous roles at Teach For America, I relied heavily on relationships built with other corps members and alumni of the program, as well as partners in the NYC Department of Education. Now I have the opportunity to build alliances and networks among our base of champions in New York.

Describe three lessons you have learned during your career?

• Lesson #1 – Within every crisis, there is opportunity.
• Lesson #2 – The foundation of a strong relationship makes positive interactions more productive and negative interactions more manageable.
• Lesson #3 – Aim high and plan well.

What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?

Learning how to be a good teacher and knowing that I helped lead some of my students onto a completely different academic and life trajectory has been my greatest accomplishment.  I have never worked as hard or been more satisfied, because I know that every ounce of effort I put forth had the potential to provide my students with a greater chance to succeed in life.

What have you learned about politics and civic life through the fellows program?

Before I joined CUP Fellows, I can honestly say I was intimidated by politics and wasn’t sure how to navigate or even enter the political sphere. I have always cared deeply about community service, but most of my engagement happened through the Teach For America network. Through the fellowship, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and engage with elected officials, peers running for office and other key players in New York political landscape.  My key takeaway in this area is that access to political and civic networks and influence is much more open than I previously thought.

What advice would you give someone running for office for the first time?

Apply for the CUP Fellowship!

What do you do in your free time?

I love to travel, and I love spending time with my family and friends in my native state – New Jersey!  I have a fascination with the Latin culture and I am still working to perfect my Spanish skills (a lifelong endeavor).  I love being outdoors and I am currently in the market for a bike.

The dynamic panel included: Iris Chen, President, “I Have a Dream” Foudation; Eunu Chun, Partner, Kirkland & Ellis, LLP; John Liu, Comptroller of New York City; Benjamin Sun; Partner, LaunchTime LLC. The discussion was moderated by Alina Cho, National Correspondent, CNN.

“Walking into the CUP retreat was like walking into a combination war room/lecture hall/support group,” said Vincent Harris, Associate, Prudential Capital Group. “The warmth was evident, but it was made very clear very early on that we had been brought together to work. The CUP program is crafted to help fellows sharpen our skills and then train our collective power and influence on the the most pressing issues in our community. The experience was, in a word, humbling.”

The fellows learned about crafting and delivering concise and memorable elevator speeches, building trust with diverse constituencies, and the power behind effective leadership. In addition, the fellows heard from both Assemblyman Jonathan Bing and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. about their personal and professional journeys and offered advice on civic engagement and community involvement.

A few highlights of the evening:

James Esposito of Goldman Sachs presented Janice Savin Williams and Christopher Williams of The Williams Capital Group with an award for “New York City Vision Leadership” in honor of their tireless commitment to New York City’s cultural and educational institutions.

Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott recognized Joel Greenblatt, John Petry and Eva Moskowitz, founders of the Success Charter Network, for the exceptional results their students are showing and for the new opportunities they are presenting to hundreds of low income children of color.

American Express CEO Ken Chenault honored Earvin “Magic” Johnson for his outstanding leadership as an entrepreneur in urban communities – and Magic Johnson spoke movingly and with deep inspiration about the significance of economic development as a tool to empower minority and women business owners and to elevate the neighborhoods they live in.

We were honored to highlight the example these leaders set every day through their unwavering dedication to minority business enterprise, innovative education reform and leadership growth and development across New York City and State.

To our incredibly generous and committed corporate partners, our gala chairs and host committee, and to all of our donors and guests: This evening and the important work it allows us to carry on would not be possible without your support.

Thank you for believing in and so wholeheartedly supporting our shared goals and vision!

Prior to forming TGG, Ms. Glore spent 11 years in various marketing roles at Time Warner, across businesses including HBO and Warner Music Group, as well as in the Corporate offices.  While at HBO, she served as Manager of Consumer Promotions, where she developed and executed national brand promotions for both HBO and Cinemax, as well as implemented program promotions supporting key HBO Original Movies, Series, and Big Event Concerts.

During her tenure with Warner Music Group, she created customized music marketing programs – concert tours, special events, broadcast programs, music retail tie-ins, online promotions, and music premiums – for corporate advertisers that leveraged the core assets of Warner Music Group and its respective record labels.  As a Senior Director, she focused on the pursuit of long term strategic relationships with corporate clients.

Before leaving the Time Warner family, she engaged in a 2 year stint at Corporate Headquarters, where she spearheaded company-wide strategic staffing initiatives, events, and employment branding that addressed key business objectives and promoted collaboration across divisions.

She was a Co-Founder and 10-year Board Member for First Choice Group, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that implemented innovative mentoring programs targeting New York City’s urban youth.  Ms. Glore was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Economics, with a concentration in Marketing, from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania.