Paving the Way for Future Leaders

Over 90 organizations from as far as Argentina and as near as Harlem were represented at the second Smart Connections conference held at the Time Warner Conference Center this April.  The conference, held from April 7th – 9th, was a collection of best practices panels, inspirational stories from diverse leaders, and networking opportunities that focused on opening doors for the next generation of leaders.  Topics ranged from the impact of technology on education to methods of engaging students and families to nonprofit Board-building.

Bronx Preparatory Head of School, Samona Joe Tait (II/Horace Mann '86, Penn '90) MEd, Penn '91; MS, Harvard '96; EdD, Harvard '00, opened up the conference recounting how the strong sense of community she experienced as a child in the South Bronx is the inspiration for the way she now involves the neighborhood in her charter school.

Following the morning panels, Ruth J. Simmons shared her journey to success from a young woman of color who started out with no expectations of a college education in east Texas to her current position as President of Brown University.  She commented on the generational differences in educational opportunity evident in her own family and shared stories of outstanding individuals who have reached unexpected heights through determination and hard work.

In his closing remarks, American Civil Liberties Union’s Executive Director Anthony D. Romero spoke about the importance of programs like Prep not only in preparing students academically but also socially and culturally for their future college careers and beyond.

On the final day of the conference, attendees interacted with Prep alumni, students, and parents in an informal question and answer session. In addition, they were invited to attend College Connections, an opportunity to introduce their programs to admissions representatives from various colleges across the country.

“It was an excellent event which I enjoyed thoroughly.  The keynotes and panelists were informative and inspirational and I have returned to Cape Town with many new ideas and extra enthusiasm,” said attendee Susan Horst, CEO of Students for a Better Future

Prep for Prep launched Smart Connections in 2007 to make the Prep model accessible to like-minded organizations and social entrepreneurs as well as formalize existing relationships with those we have assisted over the years.  Prep has worked with groups at all stages of development, providing assistance that matches a program’s particular set of needs. We are able to draw from a number of resources such as Prep staff and the alumni body, as well as the considerable pool of programs that share at least parts of our model.  The objective of Smart Connections is to empower even more young people to reach their potential by strengthening similar programs.

To learn more, please contact Lue Williams, Director of Smart Connections.

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