GENERAL MOTORS HEAD GLOBAL DESIGNER TO ADDRESS 11TH ANNUAL URBAN YOUTH RACING SCHOOL

BUILD A DREAMS AWARDS BANQUET

(Philadelphia, PA-March 30, 2009)- Philadelphia native Edward T. Wedburn, Vice President, General Motors Global will be the keynote at the Urban Youth Racing School’s 11th Annual Build A Dream Award Ceremony, on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the Simeon Automotive Foundation, said Anthony Martin, Found and Executive Director of the racing school. “We are pleased and excited to have Mr. Welburn back home to bring his professional, educational and, inspirational experiences to the 100 studnets, along with their parents and other guest and supporters”, said Mr Martin.

Mr. Ed J, Peper, North America Vice President, Chevrolet will serve as the dinner chairman. Mr Pepersaid, “in this current economic climate, Chevrolet is pleased to be able to continue it’s long standing support of the educational and training programs of the Urban Youth Racing School.” It’s proofed positive that these young people are important to the future of our country.”

Mr. Welburn, a thirty-seven year veteran, rose though the ranks of the General Motors Design staff; starting as an associate  designer in the Asvance Design Studios in 1972 and named Vice President, Global designs in 2005. Mr. Welburn said, “i’m always thankful and appreciative to be able to come home and give back to the community that is a part of my very being.”

The Urban Youth Racing School a one kind program, founded in 1998, is a 501 C 3 organization. it has advanced the basic interest in the motorsports industry into a nationally acclaimed educatinal program that incorporates the pillars of science, technology, engineering, and math, through the Build A Dream, Engines Design and Team Development programs. Over 2200 students have passed through the UYRs program. The school has 90% college acceptance rate and has positively impacted the lives of inner city youth.

Other supporters that will be in attendance include Philadelphia Mayor Michea; A. Nutter; Richard Childress, NASCAR team owner; Terrence J, BET 106& Park; Jeff Burton, NASCAR Sprint Cup Driver; Ryan gifford, Team Dillon racing, Pro boxer Steve Cunnigham and Philadelphia hip hop star Beanie Siegal.

Other event partners include Comcast, Craftsman, Joe Gibbs Racing, The Chubb Corpaoration, Sprint, XBOX, Ben & Jerrys Home Made Inc., Penske Corp, ISC and E. B. Mahoney Builders.

The 2010 Chevy Camaro will be on site for the students and guest to enjoy.

About UYRS:

The UYRS was founded in 1998 and is the brainchild of former sports marketing executive, Anthony Martin. The 501-C3 prganization if privately funded by corporate sponsorships and donations. UYRS uses innovative educational techniques to teach urban students “STEM”-science,technology, engineering and math. we use motorsports as a vehicle to increase students’ exposure to, and interest in, self-directed learning, scientific inquiry and transfer of knowledge with the primary goal of 100% high school graduation. Our success will be measured by the success of our students in college, work and life.

   LOCAL GROUP RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA’S CALL FOR GREEN JOBS BY DEMANDING BETTER MATH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION FOR INNER CITY CHILDREN    FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE: Philadelphia, Dec. 2, 2008: The achievement numbers for minority students in math and science are dismal but the hope is not.  As American students in general continue to slide in international math and science comparisons, a regional group has joined forces to focus on turning around decades of neglect in the region’s urban schools.    The Urban STEM Strategy Group (USSG) is part of the Pennsylvania PA STEM Initiative.  President-elect Obama’s call for investment in green jobs resonates with USSG group leaders.   The USSG will hold a symposium Wed. December 3, 2008 at the Franklin Institute featuring world renowned math and science learning expert Dr. A. Wade Boykin, from Howard University.  “The challenge is clear, states Dr. Boykin We must close achievement gaps while raising achievement for all students. This won’t happen substantially until we shift the schooling paradigm, and base teaching and learning on the solid evidence of what works.    The evidence is clear that changing how learning happens will lead to optimal learning outcomes”. There will also be a panel of experts which include Dr. Steven Cox, Project Director, Philadelphia AMP, Drexel University; Dr. Stephen Jones, Associate Dean of Students, Villanova College of Engineering; Robin Hightower, College Career Technical Education, SDOP; Anthony Martin, Founder - Executive Director, Urban Youth Racing School; Dr. Moses Williams, Director of Physician Scientist Training Program, Temple University School of Medicine. “Pennsylvania is an oasis for STEM innovators.  We are assembling to discuss effective strategies that engage our youth and make science, technology engineering and mathematics programs more appealing.”  Velda Morris, USSG Co-Chair. “The poor math and science learning of America’s children is not an inner city problem.  It’s a national problem.   My son is in the 12th grade and had a Spanish teacher teaching his physics class for three months.  We can’t sustain our quality of life if we don’t aggressively address this issue.  Fortunately there’s a lot of good information for parents and advocates in this region.”  Jamie Bracey, USSG Co-Chair. When asked to make the connection between science, math and careers, both Morris and Bracey point to the importance of a new kind of literacy.   “A green job means a child who wants to be a good chef should understand chemistry.   A student who wants to repair hybrid cars needs computer and robotic technology skills.    Future environmentalists need earth science.   Manufacturers need people who can use today’s technology to machine new parts, read computerized specs, put solar panels together.   In fact, a lot of parents could use the training right now” About USSG The USSG is an advisory and advocacy coalition of representatives of the Regional STEM compact who have committed to strategically increasing the participation of minority children and adults in the region’s various STEM pipelines.  USSG members include parents, current and retired engineers, corporate trainers, robotics and science educators, teachers, workforce leaders and policy advocates.  They share a common belief that tech savvy kids in urban schools are an untapped natural resource. USSG Contacts

Jamie Bracey                                                       Velda Morris

610-223-6641                                                       215-400-4031

 Jamie.bracey@temple.edu                                 vmorris@philasd.org