Sowing Seeds of Greatness: Chicago Youth Centers’ Kimberly George Shares Critical Success Factors for Improving College Retention Rates Among Urban Youth

Valerie F. Leonard
Published: August 27, 2015

Kimberly George, a Teen Worker/College Readiness Specialist with CYC ABC Polk Brothers Youth Center, will be a guest on the Nonprofit “U” radio blog talk show on Monday, August 31, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nonprofit "U" is an online forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, an expert in community and organizational development is the host. The show will stream live from BlogTalkRadio.com/nonprofit_u. The archived podcast will be available on BlogTalkRadio, iTunes and Stitcher.

George will cover strategies youth serving organizations can use to improve high school graduation rates among urban youth, as well as college acceptance and retention. There will be opportunities for listeners to call in with questions and participate in live chats. Nonprofit professionals, educators and community stakeholders are especially encouraged to call in and share their stories. The live call in number is (347) 884-8121.

When asked if she could describe herself in four words, George responded, “Compassionate, committed, creative, and connector”. This is her approach to her work with CYC ABC Polk Brothers Center in Chicago’s North Lawndale community. With over 25 years of experience, ranging from program development and implementation, to administrative management and financial development, George’s approach is mission-driven and based on the needs of the community she serves. During George’s tenure at Chicago Youth Centers ABC Polk Bros. Center, the College Readiness Program has assisted 80 West Side Chicago students to attend and succeed in college. The high school graduation rate of students in her program is 100%; college attendance rate is 90%; college retention rate is 80%.