The African American Studies Department of the Tucson Unified School District sponsors the African American Career Day on Friday, August 13, 2010 at Rincon High School in the library.

The incoming freshmen and their peer mentors identified career fields in which they were interested in pursuing. Christopher M. Golston, Mentor Program Specialist asked community professionals to spend an afternoon speaking with these students. “I hope that you will further inspire them to strongly continue and finish their educational career,” Golston said.

Some of the career fields students identified as taking an interest in included:

Neo-natal nurse, Nurse, News journalist, Chef, Doctor/Pediatrician/surgeon (heart), Lawyer, Sports Med, Forensic scientist/Forensic pathologist, medical examiner, Sketch artist, Systems Engineering, Primary teacher, Architect, Mechanical Engineering, Psychologist, Fireman, Musician (singer, “rap star”), Family & Marriage Therapist, Music Production, Wedding Planner, Fashion Designer, Computer Designer, Nutritionist, Cosmetologist, Probation officer, Public Relations/Advertisement, Biologist, Physical Therapist, Author, Veterinarian, Quantum Physicist, Military (Navy, Marines), Athletic Trainer, Athlete (basketball, football, baseball, etc.—or former)

The community responded and 25+ African American professionals attended to support the event. The professionals introduced themselves and gave background information about themselves; personal, educational and professional. In the breakout groups, they conversed with the students about struggles, highlights, experiences, etc. dealing with their chosen career field.

As many professionals stated in their presentation, the value of having such a forum and just being in the room with other professionals was a new experience for them and one the student should take advantage of.

The 57+ students in attendance, representing seven high schools, had the opportunity to ask questions and spend time with many of the professionals. The diverse set of skills, occupations and ages represented by the professionals gave a wide range of insight into education and life skills.

Lunch was provided and networking and socializing between the attendees continued.

The professionals promised to make themselves available to the students and the AASD and assist in the development and success of the students.

For more information contact:
Christopher M. Golston
Mentor Program Specialist
TUSD African American Studies Department
(520) 225-6247

The 2010 Census Partner Appreciation & Thank You Luncheon was held on Thursday, August 12th, at the Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort in Tucson, Arizona.

The event was held to recognize partners that participated beyond the requirements to aid in the success of the 2010 census.

The 2010 Census is on schedule and significantly under budget. The Census Bureau will return at least $1.6 billion to the budgeted funds for the 2010 Census. This figure represents about 22% of the total amount allocated by Congress for the census in 2010. There were several reasons for the surplus which included the lack of natural disasters or breakdowns in the Bureau’s much-criticized information technology systems, as well as a successful media campaign that drove the response rate to 72 percent.

The luncheon agenda included:
Welcome – DarLene Burkett and Laura Cummings, Partnership Specialists
Words of Appreciation – Cathy Lacy, Regional Director, Denver Regional Census Center
Data Overview & Next Steps – Pamela Lucero, Partnership Coordinator, Denver Regional
Census Center
Presentation of Awards – Cathy Lacy, Regional Director, Denver Regional Census Center

On behalf of the U.S. Census Bureau – Denver Regional Census Center, thank you for all that you have done! We look forward to seeing you.

TUCSON AWARDEES

Arizona Cesar Chavez Holiday Coalition
Ruben Reyes / Founding Member of the Coalition & District Director for Congressman Raul Grijalva’s Office in Tucson

Arizona Lotus Corp. and KCMT Radio 102.1 FM “La Caliente”
Tara Hungate / General Sales Manager

Coalition for Human Rights
Isabel Garcia Esq., Director

Community Food Bank
William Carnegie, Director

Jobing.com
Shawna Adams / General Manager

“La RAZA Contigo” Program, KEVT La RAZA Radio
Mariela Vega / Host of “La RAZA Contigo” Program

Living Water Ministries – Tucson
Elder Rick Stevenson

Mountain Vista Mobile Home Community
Ron & Kay Wilholt / Managers

Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church
Diane Barrett

New Life Church
Mari Orozco / Assistant Administrator

Pascua Neighborhood Center
Rebecca Tapia / Supervisor

PPEP, Inc.
Miguel Zazueta of PPEP Microbusiness & Housing Development Corporation for
Dr. John D. Arnold, CEO and Founder

Pio Decimo Center
Elizabeth Thomey, (pronounced “Tommy”) / Program Director, Assets for Families Program

Sam Lena Library
Sol Gomez, Manager

Santa Rosa Branch Library
Emily Mazur / Librarian

St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
Pastor Shawn Buckhanan

TucsonChurches.org
Barney Hilton Murray / Owner

Tucson International Alliance of Refugee Communities
Erina Delic / Executive Director

Tucson Planning Council for the Homeless
Steve Nelson & Lisa Griffin / Co-Chairs

The Tucson-Southern Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce
Clarence Boykins / President & CEO

U.S. Census Bureau
www.census.gov