UYRS

“What It Takes” Organization responds to President’s call to mentor at-risk boys

admin — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:39:36 +0000

Sportscaster James “JB” Brown and Philadelphia 76er Andre Iguadala among those mentors

(Philadelphia) Getting to the top takes hard work and dedication. Trying to pass that commitment down to inner-city kids can be a challenge at times. Urban Youth Racing School founder Anthony Martin, answering President Barack Obama’s call to action on education and mentorship, found a solution in the “What It Takes” symposiums Presented by the US ARMY. The national outreach initiative, which connects highly successful minority entrepreneurs, scientists, professional athletes, businessmen, military officers, medical professionals and educators with high potential but low performing minority males, will be held in partnership with The Franklin Institute on Monday, Feb. 28, from 1-5 p.m. at Philadelphia’s The Franklin Institute. The event will bring 200 minority male students together to encourage and motivate them to be successful by allowing them to meet and interact with high-profile minority males with major accomplishments who came from similar positions. The boys who plan to attend the event are impressed by the star power of the panel. The “What It Takes” symposiums are presented by the United States Army and will be hosted by The Franklin Institute, renowned for inspiring youth to learn. A three-time Emmy winner, and CBS and Showtime’s Inside the NFL anchor James “JB” Brown will moderate the event and panelists include Philadelphia Sixer Andre Iguodala; Howard “H” White, Senior Vice President, Air Jordan Brand, Nike; Dr. Anthony Junior, ONR HBCU/MI Director; Anthony Carter, Chief Diversity Officer Johnson & Johnson Inc.; Derrick Brooks, Arete Sports Agency; Rev. Carvin Haggins, Grammy Winning Producer; Senator Anthony Hardy William; Dwayne Edwards, Director Design, Air Jordan Brand, Nike; Aubrey Watkins, Scientist, Merck; Ted Reid SVP Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; Hershel L. Turner, Command Sergeant Major, US ARMY and Eddie Chambers, 1# Boxing Heavy Weight Contender among others. The purpose of “What It Takes” is to keep inner-city boys interested in school so that they can earn good marks and be successful, while learning how to devise a strategic plan to move forward into their future. Not only will the students who are attending get the opportunity to listen to the panelists, but for the first time the event will be WEBCAST to other schools in the Philadelphia School District and globally for other students to see. Also, a new interactive display area with youth-based curriculum involving programs from The Franklin Institute, Please Touch Museum and the US Army who will be on hand to show the students opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and to become members of the programs they may not otherwise be able to access. To view the “What It Takes” All-Star PSA, log onto www.whatittakes.me. The “What It Takes” Symposium is presented by the US ARMY with additional support from Johnson & Johnson Inc. and the Dept. Of Naval Research. “‘What It Takes’ emerged from Urban Youth Racing School’s efforts to interest more inner-city students in STEM subjects,” said Anthony Martin, the school’s founder. “Students were excited about racing go-karts and learning math, but they were frustrated they did not know. ‘What It Takes’ to be successful young men, who could graduate from high school, go to college and live a good life. “What It Takes’ fills that void by having men, many of whom have struggled through the same path as your young men, reach back and tell them ‘What It Takes.’” The nationally acclaimed Urban Youth Racing School, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Anthony Martin, a sport marketing expert, is headquartered in Philadelphia and operates a full-service mechanic/race shop and office complex at its headquarters. Under Martin’s leadership, the school has introduced inner-city children to the world of motorsports on the foundation of learning Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.In addition to teaching young people the ins and outs of the racing industry, Martin helps his kids develop necessary life skills — integrating valuable components such as education, leadership skills and diversity training into the overall curriculum at UYRS.The program enrolls urban boys and girls ages 8 through 18, and is free for all participants. More than 2,800 boys and girls have successfully completed UYRS programs with noticeable improvements in academic achievement. For more information on UYRS log onto www.uyrs.com.The Franklin InstituteIncreasingly a “go-to” destination, The Franklin is known for blockbuster exhibits, one-of-a-kind theatrical experiences, a growing roster of evening events for adults, and cutting-edge community learning (including a high school partnership with the School District of Philadelphia) with national influence. All are aimed at explaining science in ways that impact on people’s lives. Additionally, the museum’s prestigious Franklin Awards, which honor the greatest men and women of science, engineering, and technology, has achieved international significance in recent years. The Franklin is considered one of the great science centers in the nation and the world – with the ability to present science in an engaging and increasingly interactive setting that creates real-world relevance to the multi-cultural community which The Franklin serves. Hi-res JPGs available upon request. Media Contacts – “What It Takes” CherSquad@mac.com or 856-857-0146;Franklin Institute - SSanto@fi.edu or 215-448-1152What It Takes Foundation / UYRS Contact - ligerinc@aol.com- 215-971-5660

UYRS Presents “What It Takes” Symposium with Stephen A. Smith & Charles Barkley

admin — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:55:11 +0000

Sports & Media Heavy Weights join Urban Youth Racing School’s “What it Takes” Symposium
Strategies For Successfully re-engaging minority Male Students in their Academic Careers

Stehen A. Smith, Charles barkley, Jeremiah Trotter and Garry Cobb among those to Address You

In an effort to motivate high potential but under performing males and directly impact a horrendous student drop out rate and with President Obama’s naming of Philadelphia as one of three cities which include Detroit and Los Angeles, who together make up over 50 % of the United States drop out rate. Anthony Martin, Founder Urban Youth Racing School has convened a national panel of successful minority men to not only talk about success, but give these students the strategies they used as young men to avoid negative pitfalls and maneuver through everyday challenge at home and school eve n as they reached for the stars and achieved their goals.

The Symposium was moderated by ESPN Analyst, Stephen A. Smith and the panelist included Charles Barkley, TNT Analyst; Garry Cobb,WIP; Jeremiah Trotter, Former NFL Player; Steve Cunningham, Former Cruiser Weight Champ; Eddie Chambers, Pro Boxer; Ted Reid, Wealth Advisor; Carvin Haggins, Music producer; Keith Russell ABC Philadelphia Sports Anchor; Al Irby, Professional Sports Agent and Reggie Showers, Former NHRA Racer

In a first of kinds event, school, grades, sex, aids, absentee fathers, teenage pregnancy and self esteem were among the topics that were candidly discussed with the students by the panel of guest.

Click to view pictures of the event

GENERAL MOTORS HEAD GLOBAL DESIGNER TO ADDRESS 11TH ANNUAL UYRS AWARDS CEREMONY

admin — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:24:23 +0000

GENERAL MOTORS HEAD GLOBAL DESIGNER TO ADDRESS 11TH ANNUAL URBAN YOUTH RACING SCHOOL

BUILD A DREAMS AWARDS BANQUET

(Philadelphia, PA-March 30, 2009)- Philadelphia native Edward T. Wedburn, Vice President, General Motors Global will be the keynote at the Urban Youth Racing School’s 11th Annual Build A Dream Award Ceremony, on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the Simeon Automotive Foundation, said Anthony Martin, Found and Executive Director of the racing school. “We are pleased and excited to have Mr. Welburn back home to bring his professional, educational and, inspirational experiences to the 100 studnets, along with their parents and other guest and supporters”, said Mr Martin.

Mr. Ed J, Peper, North America Vice President, Chevrolet will serve as the dinner chairman. Mr Pepersaid, “in this current economic climate, Chevrolet is pleased to be able to continue it’s long standing support of the educational and training programs of the Urban Youth Racing School.” It’s proofed positive that these young people are important to the future of our country.”

Mr. Welburn, a thirty-seven year veteran, rose though the ranks of the General Motors Design staff; starting as an associate designer in the Asvance Design Studios in 1972 and named Vice President, Global designs in 2005. Mr. Welburn said, “i’m always thankful and appreciative to be able to come home and give back to the community that is a part of my very being.”

The Urban Youth Racing School a one kind program, founded in 1998, is a 501 C 3 organization. it has advanced the basic interest in the motorsports industry into a nationally acclaimed educatinal program that incorporates the pillars of science, technology, engineering, and math, through the Build A Dream, Engines Design and Team Development programs. Over 2200 students have passed through the UYRs program. The school has 90% college acceptance rate and has positively impacted the lives of inner city youth.

Other supporters that will be in attendance include Philadelphia Mayor Michea; A. Nutter; Richard Childress, NASCAR team owner; Terrence J, BET 106& Park; Jeff Burton, NASCAR Sprint Cup Driver; Ryan gifford, Team Dillon racing, Pro boxer Steve Cunnigham and Philadelphia hip hop star Beanie Siegal.

Other event partners include Comcast, Craftsman, Joe Gibbs Racing, The Chubb Corpaoration, Sprint, XBOX, Ben & Jerrys Home Made Inc., Penske Corp, ISC and E. B. Mahoney Builders.

The 2010 Chevy Camaro will be on site for the students and guest to enjoy.

About UYRS:

The UYRS was founded in 1998 and is the brainchild of former sports marketing executive, Anthony Martin. The 501-C3 prganization if privately funded by corporate sponsorships and donations. UYRS uses innovative educational techniques to teach urban students “STEM”-science,technology, engineering and math. we use motorsports as a vehicle to increase students’ exposure to, and interest in, self-directed learning, scientific inquiry and transfer of knowledge with the primary goal of 100% high school graduation. Our success will be measured by the success of our students in college, work and life.

UYRS TUNE IN ALERT: GRANDAM 24Hr. @ Daytona with UYRS Students January 23rd-24th

admin — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 21:54:26 +0000

Tune in As Three Students from UYRS intern during Rolex 24 as first step in partnership between #64 JLOWE race team

No. 64 JLowe Racing Porsche GT3 driven by Lowe, Jim Pace, Johannes van Overbeek and Tim Sugden.

The 24 hour race begins today Saturday January 24, 3:30 PM EST- Sunday January 25, 3:30 PM EST. You can view the race on the following channels.

Jan 24, 3:00 PM ET, FOX
Jan 24, 4:30 PM ET, SPEED
Jan 25, 7:00 AM ET, SPEED

click to find your Speed channel

http://speed.channelfinder.net/start.asp?KeepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=550&width=520

GRAND AM ROLEX 24 @ Daytona Live Scoring

http://laptrax02.racersites-cluster.com/OrbitsServer/jsp/TimingBasicView.jsp?sid=475

UYRS Partnership with JLOWE Racing kicks off at the 47th GRAND AM ROLEX 24 this weekend in Daytona Beach

admin — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:01:38 +0000

JLowe Racing Partners With UYRS

Three Students to intern during Rolex 24 as first step in partnership between race team, Philadelphia-based school

PHILADELPHIA ( Jan, 23, 2009)- JLowe principal Dr. Jim Lowe announced a partnership with the Urban Youth Racing School that will begin with this weekend’s running of the Rolexs 24 at Daytona.

Three students from the Philadelphia-based school Kyle Baker a senior at Philadelphia Technology High School, Jeremy Ortiz senior at George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science and Chris Lawrence A Maustbaum High School graduate will join the team for the Grand-am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by the Crown Royal Cask No. 16 season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway, getting a first-hand look at the No. 64 JLowe Racing Porscfe GT# driven by Lowe, Jim Pace, Johanne Van Overbeek and Tim Sugden.

“Our Plan is to evolve into team partnership where in Urban Youth Racing School students will be mentored and educated ‘on the job,’ occupying exturn and eventually fulltime positions within the team,” Lowe said. “This will include positions insuch as mechanics, engineers, computer/software technicians, marketing, hospitality and management team members.”

The Urban Youth racing School was founded in 1998 by motorsports enthiust Anthony Martin, who was looking to provide inner city youth oppurtunities for a brighter future while using motorsports as a vechicle to increase students’ exposure to self-directed learning The school uses “STEM” Program (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.) To date, more than 2,000 studnets have gone through the program with a high percentage moving onto higher education.

“Our success is measured by the success of our students in college, work and life,” Anthony Said.

While Lowe and Martin played against each other on the football feld while in high school, the two did not meet until a chance to encounter tow years ago. Through their mutual passion for motorsports a friendship developd that fostered a unique partnership to make a difference in the lives of inner city kids, many of whom are underprivileged

“Racing is a performance lab for the STEM progra, because it embraces each of the four areas,” Lowe said. this is our first experice working with the students from the Urban Youth Racing School, and it is going to grow as we use motorsports to enhance understanding of STEM oppurtunities.”

Lowe is an established neurosurgeon at AtlantiCare Regional Mediacl Center in Atlantic City, N.J., and Previously served as Chief of Neurosurgery, and Medical Director of the Spine Institute and Chairman of the Spinal Trauma program at ARMC. As a graduate of Temple Med School and a Harvard Undergraduate, Dr. Lowe recognizes the importance and value of a good education and oppurtunities it can provide. With passion for racing and an innate desire to excel, Dr. Lowe is making quite a name for himself in Grand-Am where the racing community has coined him the “Worlds Fastest Nuerosurgeon,” a distinction which garners alot of media attention. Now, wit his teams partnership with the UYRS, Lowe plans on leveraging that notoriety to raise awareness to help the students realize their dreams and find the road to a better way of life.

www.jlowe-racing.com

UYRS Founder Anthony Martin to Sit on Panel Of USSG Symposium on STEM Dec. 3rd

admin — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:30:52 +0000

LOCAL GROUP RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA’S CALL FOR GREEN JOBS BY DEMANDING BETTER MATH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION FOR INNER CITY CHILDREN FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE: Philadelphia, Dec. 2, 2008: The achievement numbers for minority students in math and science are dismal but the hope is not. As American students in general continue to slide in international math and science comparisons, a regional group has joined forces to focus on turning around decades of neglect in the region’s urban schools. The Urban STEM Strategy Group (USSG) is part of the Pennsylvania PA STEM Initiative. President-elect Obama’s call for investment in green jobs resonates with USSG group leaders. The USSG will hold a symposium Wed. December 3, 2008 at the Franklin Institute featuring world renowned math and science learning expert Dr. A. Wade Boykin, from Howard University. “The challenge is clear, states Dr. Boykin We must close achievement gaps while raising achievement for all students. This won’t happen substantially until we shift the schooling paradigm, and base teaching and learning on the solid evidence of what works. The evidence is clear that changing how learning happens will lead to optimal learning outcomes”. There will also be a panel of experts which include Dr. Steven Cox, Project Director, Philadelphia AMP, Drexel University; Dr. Stephen Jones, Associate Dean of Students, Villanova College of Engineering; Robin Hightower, College Career Technical Education, SDOP; Anthony Martin, Founder - Executive Director, Urban Youth Racing School; Dr. Moses Williams, Director of Physician Scientist Training Program, Temple University School of Medicine. “Pennsylvania is an oasis for STEM innovators. We are assembling to discuss effective strategies that engage our youth and make science, technology engineering and mathematics programs more appealing.” Velda Morris, USSG Co-Chair. “The poor math and science learning of America’s children is not an inner city problem. It’s a national problem. My son is in the 12th grade and had a Spanish teacher teaching his physics class for three months. We can’t sustain our quality of life if we don’t aggressively address this issue. Fortunately there’s a lot of good information for parents and advocates in this region.” Jamie Bracey, USSG Co-Chair. When asked to make the connection between science, math and careers, both Morris and Bracey point to the importance of a new kind of literacy. “A green job means a child who wants to be a good chef should understand chemistry. A student who wants to repair hybrid cars needs computer and robotic technology skills. Future environmentalists need earth science. Manufacturers need people who can use today’s technology to machine new parts, read computerized specs, put solar panels together. In fact, a lot of parents could use the training right now” About USSG The USSG is an advisory and advocacy coalition of representatives of the Regional STEM compact who have committed to strategically increasing the participation of minority children and adults in the region’s various STEM pipelines. USSG members include parents, current and retired engineers, corporate trainers, robotics and science educators, teachers, workforce leaders and policy advocates. They share a common belief that tech savvy kids in urban schools are an untapped natural resource. USSG Contacts

Jamie Bracey Velda Morris

610-223-6641 215-400-4031

Jamie.bracey@temple.edu vmorris@philasd.org

TEEN DRIVING SAFETY SUMMIT AT UYRS-DC

admin — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:13:26 +0000

TEEN DRIVING SAFETY SUMMIT

AAA Mid-Atlantic, Urban Youth Racing School Will Have Frank Discussion With Teens About Risks They Face On The RoadDuring Forum At the IDEA Public Charter High School in DC Should officials raise the teenage driving age to 17 or even to 18? Should greater restrictions be placed on rookie drivers? Should the District of Columbia require students to take driver’s education? Each year, young drivers and their passengers represent a disproportionate number of the persons killed and injured in traffic crashes, the leading cause of death among teenagers. AAA Mid-Atlantic, the Urban Youth Racing School (UYRS), and the Dover International Speedway will hold a teen driving safety summit in Washington tomorrow in the hope of instilling a better appreciation of the need for responsible driving. UYRS students talking about their driving experiences and how it relates to teen driver safety. Thirteen teenagers lost their lives in automobiles crashes in the Washington metro region shortly after the start of school last fall. 12 of the 13 fatalities occurred on suburban roads. Nationwide, more than 5000 teenagers – including 1000 16-year-old drivers - die each year in car crashes. The reason? Too little experience, too many passengers, too many distractions, and too little oversight. Are more safe-driving initiatives warranted?

AAA NASCAR DRIVER DAVID RAGAN AT UYRS SEPT.18th FOR TEEN DRIVING SAFETY TALK

admin — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 01:45:43 +0000

AAA Brings NASCAR Driver David Ragan to Urban Youth Racing School in Philadelphia

Teen Driving Safety Talk

One Month Before National teen Driving Safety Week

AAA Mid-Atlantic is bringing David Ragan, NASCAR driver of the No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion, to the Urban Youth Racing School in Philadelphia to deliver a teen driving safety message to students.

Teen drivers are at high risk for crashes - more so than any other age group. Inexperience, immaturity, overconfidence, peer pressure and risky behavior contribute to most teen crashes.

This event is designed to raise awareness among young drivers that while driving can be fun; it can also be dangerous. We hope to instill a better appreciation among these young students of the need for responsible driving. No one is more aware of the need to drive with care and skill than a professional race car driver.

AAA has been instrumental in efforts strengthen teen driving laws across the country and to improve teen driver safety by raising awareness of the severity of the problem, bolstering driver education and improving the licensing process. AAA remains commited to helping teens survive the most dangerous period of their lives and that of their peers: learning to drive.

David Ragan, driver of the No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion

At 23 years of age, David Ragan has been racing on a track since age 11, long before he could legally drive. Originally from Unadilla, Ga., Ragan now stands 14th overall in points. He finished the 2007 season as the runner-up for the rookie of the year title, and has been driving the AAA car since October 2006

Ragan is in the Philadelphia area in preparation for the upcoming Sept. 19-21, 2008 NASCAR race weekend in Dover International Speedway.

AAA Mid-AAtlantic

AAA has been representing motorists and travelers for more than 100 years. One in three licensed drivers is a AAA uses motorsports activities to promote teen driving safety among young people. AAA was involved in auto racing at the first indianapolis 500 in 1911, sanctioning and keeping records for the race. This year, AAA Mid- Atlantic is the representing sponsor for the “Camping World RV 400 presented by AAA” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, September 21, 2008

Urban Youth Racing School

UYRS has been a vital source of support and strength for inner-city children between the ages of 8 - 18 for the past 10 years. With the help of supporters, UYRS will continue to build on its legacy by focusing on their commitment to exposing their youth to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) related career opportunities in motorsports and making diversity, education and youth issues a national priority. UYRS students make noticeable improvements in academic achievement. Programs include Build-A-Dream, Team Development and Engine Design. www.uyrs.com

UYRS NEWS ALERT: PILOTI PROVIDES DRIVING SHOES FOR ALL UYRS GRAND PRIX DRIVERS

admin — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:22:33 +0000

PILOTI sponsors urban youth racing school’s Grand Prix of Philadelphia III

Westlake Village, CA (September 5, 2008) Piloti Inc. announces its 2008 sponsorship of the Urban Youth Racing School’s (UYRS) Grand Prix of Philadelphia III being held in Downtown Philadelphia September 7, 2008. Piloti will provide driving shoes for all the UYRS student drivers and the celebrity drivers which include Pro Boxer Winky Wright, Hip Hop Star Beanie Sigel and NHRA driver Antron Brown among many others participating in this weekend’s event.

“I’ve known Anthony and Michelle for years after meeting at the SEMA show when both our companies were young,” said Kevin A. Beard, Piloti Founder and CEO. “We’re excited to work with the Urban Youth Racing School because we believe that the discipline they teach to succeed in motorsports applies directly to young people excelling in academics and life. The UYRS community outreach serves both the youth and motorsports by introducing one to the other, bettering both. We’re proud to be a part.” For more information on the UYRS Grand Prix of Philadelphia III please log onto www.uyrs.comPiloti is the motorsports and car culture footwear, apparel and accessories company. Our lines of athletic footwear are designed for professional competition, street-wear and fashion. The Piloti brand is based on competition forged authenticity, biomechanical functionality, advanced design and quality. Piloti’s mission is to design and develop exciting, innovative footwear to increase driver performance in motorsports. Our unique developments in construction, biomechanics, and style provide racers and enthusiasts alike with authentic footwear reflecting their passion for car culture. To learn more about Piloti or to find a dealer near you visit www.piloti.com.

If you’d like more informat.ion about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Kevin Beard, please contact Kristen Zabaglo at 494.0756 x113 or at kzabaglo@piloti.com.

About UYRS

The nationally acclaimed Urban Youth Racing School was founded by Sports Marketing expert, Anthony Martin in 1998. UYRS is currently headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, with a second program in Washington DC. The school is set to expand into other markets and exposes inner city youth to Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) careers within the Racing Industry. For more information please visit www.uyrs.com . The school is fueled by national sponsors like GM, Joe Gibbs Racing, NASCAR, Sears, Microsoft, AAA and many others, which enables the school to purchase the cars. The UYRS has received national media attention from Good Morning America, CNN, ESPN Network & Magazine, USA Today, NASCAR.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer, RPM 2Night, as well as ABC, NBC and CBS News. Contact: Kristen Zabaglo Tel: 805.494.0756 x113Cell Phone: 805.551-9977Email: kzabaglo@piloti.com

UYRS GRAND PRIX MOVED TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7TH BECAUSE OF HURRICAN HANNA!!!

admin — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:31:42 +0000

For the safety of our students and the community we have moved the UYRS Grand Prix to Sunday September 7th! The event will follow the same schedule, we look forward to seeing everyone come out on Sunday to support UYRS!