Learning Leaders Kicks Off Public School Year Helping More Kids Than Ever - 219,000

With nearly 15,000 volunteers helping kids in NYC public schools, Learning Leaders is larger than the Peace Corps

NEW YORK, September 19, 2005 - After a year of record growth, in which volunteer ranks grew to 14,933, (an increase of 29 percent over the past 2 years), Learning Leaders is poised for another successful year. On September 30th, 2,500 of these volunteers—most of them public school moms—will gather at Learning Leaders annual Opening Meeting rally to kick off the year. This group is a force to be reckoned with—they’re loud, proud and convinced that public education can work if everyone gets involved.

With volunteers from every borough helping 219,000 students in nearly 1,000 schools, Learning Leaders continues to be the largest organization dedicated to helping NYC’s public school children. Learning Leader’s partnership of schools, tutors, and program staff yields results for kids: Teachers report that almost all of the students who received volunteer help last year improved in school work (97 percent), self-confidence (97 percent), and interest in school (95 percent). In addition, many of the volunteers are parents who also use the tutoring skills Learning Leaders gives them at home. “The future of our City is in public schools right now—more than a million children representing a wealth of talent that needs to be nurtured. Our volunteers are helping more students than ever, we could not be more grateful or more proud.” said Digna Sánchez, President of Learning Leaders.

The September 30th kick off event will feature remarks from Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, Digna Sánchez, President, Learning Leaders, volunteer tutors and a ballroom dance performance by students from PS 115, a school featured in the film, Mad Hot Ballroom. The kick off will be held at the Marriott Marquis’ Grand Ballroom from 9am to 11am and is sponsored by Merrill Lynch and Washington Mutual. “We are so pleased to be part of this event. Washington Mutual firmly believes that our communities are the source of our success and Learning Leaders’ plays a vital role in our City at the community level.” said Allen Gomez, VP & Corporate Giving Manager, NE.