ETS: You are invited to "Advancing Success for Black Men in College"

	You are invited to "Advancing Success for Black Men in College" Dear Colleague: In 2011, ETS and the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) launched a four-part series that focuses on improving the education and development of Black boys and young men in the United States. This year's Achievement Gap Symposium, "Advancing Success for Black Men in College," will focus on the opportunities and challenges Black men ages 18–24 face as they consider, enter and navigate postsecondary education in pursuit of a college degree. When: Monday, June 23, 2014 Where: National Press Club 529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor Washington, DC 20045 Register for this free symposium. Symposium Overview: At this year's symposium, we will examine the opportunities and challenges that postsecondary education presents for young Black men, as well as discuss evidence and generate solutions that can help lead to greater success. Along with research, examples and expertise, the symposium will feature anecdotes from Black men who have succeeded at accessing, affording and completing college. We will concentrate on several key areas that can help advance the success of Black men in college. They include: Federal, state and local education and academic policies that promote access, persistence and completion Clear and reliable pathways for Black men to earn college degrees and transition into careers Effective affordability and financing strategies that successfully advance access and completion The experience of Black men who currently attend college Session participants will address many of the following questions, including: What can we learn from the experience of Black men in college? How can we build upon what is working? What policy solutions would do more to support Black men in the pursuit of their degrees? What are some innovative financing and affordability strategies that increase college access, persistence and success for young Black men? How can we ensure that the most vulnerable students in college — those without critical support "back home" — succeed in achieving their dreams of a college education? What can institutions, advocates and policymakers do to ensure their success? Confirmed Speakers Include: Benjamin Castleman, University of Virginia Michael Lawrence Collins, Jobs for the Future Marian Wright Edelman, Children's Defense Fund Marybeth Gasman, University of Pennsylvania Shaun Harper, University of Pennsylvania Jeff Johnson, Illume Communications John Lee, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Walt MacDonald, ETS Ronald Mason, Southern University System Heather McGhee, Demos Michael Nettles, ETS Theodore Shaw, Columbia University Hal Smith, National Urban League Zakiya Smith, Lumina Foundation Darren Walker, Ford Foundation John Wilson, Morehouse College J. Luke Wood, San Diego State University For the most updated list of speakers and more information about this event, please visitwww.ets.org/achievementgap. We hope to see you in June! Thank you, Educational Testing Service Princeton, NJ Children's Defense Fund Washington, DC