RCEDA 8.5x11 Report d3

Jamil DadaCharacter Excellence YouthScholarship Awards Ceremony Helping today’s youth prepare for tomorrow’s success is a pivotal part of the Workforce Development Centers’ mission. Named after local, state and federal youth advocate, The Jamil Dada Character Excellence Youth Scholarship Awards Ceremony recognizes students for their academic and athletic achievements and for showing exemplary character while overcoming some of life’s most difficult and sometimes tragic situations. The 2018 awards ceremony, now in its 14 th year, took place on Friday, May 18 at the Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center. This past year, the Jamil Dada Character Excellence Youth Scholarship Awards Ceremony was able to award $2,500.00 to ten of Riverside County’s much deserving youth. The scholarship will be used to help our honorees with tuition, books, transportation and their living expenses. Each YOC nominates students for the scholarship and a panel consisting of business and education leaders, and staff members of community-based organizations evaluates each nominee. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of financial need and must exhibit the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. Many of the honorees have suffered through poverty, child abuse, child neglect, abandonment, homelessness and more. However, in spite of their challenging life circumstances, these young people have been identified as leaders in their communities, determined to earn a high school diploma, and pursue a post-secondary education. Recognizing our youth for exemplary character and artistic, athletic and intellectual performance is important for their self development. Character education teaches the habits of thought and deed that help people live and work together as families, friends, neighbors, communities and nations. The support and devotion that we provide to our youth and their families inspires them to have hope and to realize their full potential by continuing their education and/or entering the workplace.

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