NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 28, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New Jersey SEEDS will celebrate 20 years of changing the lives of high-achieving students from low-income families through education at its Leading Change Benefit on Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at Maritime Parc in Jersey City, New Jersey. At this event, SEEDS will pay tribute to nine transformational leaders who have made exceptional contributions to educational access. Honorees include:
- Barclays Capital and Jerry del Messier, Co-Chief Executive, Barclays Capital and Co-Chief Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking;
- Panasonic Corporation of North America and Joseph Taylor, Chairman and CEO;
- Orange School District and Superintendent Ron Lee; and
- SEEDS' Founders: John Duffy, William V. Engel, Esq., John Hanly, Blair MacInnes, Betty Marsh and Mark Sandler.
"SEEDS is honored to recognize the tremendous contributions of individuals and organizations that have made leading change a priority in their work. Our accomplishments in providing exceptional opportunities for low-income students would not be possible without the commitment of our founders and the dedicated support of education and business leaders," says Ronni Denes, President of SEEDS. "Economic mobility and educational equity are within our reach. Achieving them requires visionary, tenacious and generous champions in the image of our Leading Change honorees."
Since SEEDS' founding in 1992, 1,630 students have graduated from the organization's three programs: Scholars, Young Scholars (YSP), and College Preparatory (CPP). Ninety-nine percent of SEEDS Scholars have gone on to college, with two-thirds enrolled in those ranked "Most" or "Highly" competitive; 11 percent have attended Ivy League institutions as undergraduates.
"According to the Economic Mobility Project, without a college degree, almost half of all children with parents in the lowest income quintile will remain in that bottom quintile," continues Denes. "At SEEDS, we assure that our students have the knowledge, skills, access and support to thrive at the nation's finest independent schools, colleges, and universities."
About New Jersey SEEDS
Since its inception 20 years ago, SEEDS has provided educational access to exceptional students and created a viable path for them to achieve their full potential. SEEDS strives for a world in which young people's initiative, creativity and intellect can flourish without regard to socioeconomic status. For more information, visit www.njseeds.org.
Media Contact:
Theresa Murray
Development Officer, Communications & Annual Fund
New Jersey SEEDS
tmurray@njseeds.org
(973) 642-6422, ext. 251