Monday, September 17, 2007

CLEVELAND BROWNS BRAYLON EDWARDS PLEDGES TO 'ADVANCE 100' YOUTH THROUGH EDUCATION INITIATIVE



http://www.braylonedwardsfoundation.org/index.asp?ID=1



CLEVELAND, OH - Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards pledged $1 million in academic scholarships to the Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) at the launch of the ADVANCE 100 education enrichment program on Wednesday, May 16, 2007. Edwards, along with City of Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, CMSD CEO Dr. Eugene Sanders and the 100 students chosen to participate in the program, gathered at an assembly at Lincoln-West High School.

The program launch was a huge success with over one hundred parents present. Parents and students signed a pledge, committing to the program. Each student met Edwards and excitedly posed for a photo with the Brown’s wide receiver.

Eighth grade students in the ADVANCE 100 program will be provided mentoring and tutoring in an effort to equip them for success. Members, teachers and counselors will receive incentives and awards for their participation and support. Participating students' progress throughout high school will be closely monitored by BEF and the Cleveland Scholarship Program (CSP).

Advance 100 is an education initiative of the Braylon Edwards Foundation (BEF).

“Braylon is not only investing the in the future of these 100 children by providing them with the incentive to succeed, but he is investing in the city of Cleveland,” Browns head coach Romeo Crennel said. “We are proud of Braylon for his commitment to education and the youth of this city.”

Program participants are required to maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or better and to accumulate at least 15 hours of community service each year, while displaying exemplary citizenship and conduct. They will not be allowed any unexcused absences.

Edwards, in his third year in the NFL, is no stranger to philanthropy. Last year he announced a $500,000 scholarship endowment fund for college players who earn the distinction of wearing the University of Michigan’s No.1 football jersey.

“The fundamentals of success can only be achieved through a quality education," said Edwards. "I am fortunate to be in a position where I can give back to create opportunities for young people."

CSP is the leading college access program in the nation and is emulated throughout the country. Each year, CSP provides educational opportunities and workforce development by counseling more than 30,000 Greater Cleveland residents of all ages about post-secondary educational options.

The Braylon Edwards Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing and meeting the needs of underserved youth in the concentrated area of education. BEF's goal is to emphasize the importance of education by providing scholarships and incentives to youth who demonstrate strong commitment and effort to excelling in academics, citizenship and community volunteerism.

To make a media request, please contact Sandra Ware at (248) 417-2709 or sware@braylonedwards.com.

No comments: