The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga honored Chattanooga State Community College, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy and U.S. District Judge Curtis L. Collier at the 2014 Equal Opportunity Day Breakfast and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday at the Chattanooga Convention Center, featuring Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam as the keynote speaker.
The theme of this year’s EOD breakfast—“Education: The Gateway to Opportunity”— recognized the importance of education in expanding opportunities for youth, improving quality of life and driving workforce and economic development. This year’s speaker, Governor Haslam, was chosen in light of his commitment to education which has contributed to Tennessee becoming one of the fastest improving states in the country in the area of academic achievement, said officials. His “Tennessee Promise” legislation is the only program in the U.S. to provide graduating high school seniors with the opportunity to earn a certificate or degree beyond high school, free of charge and under the tutelage of a personal mentor.
“Through the Tennessee Promise, we are fighting the rising cost of higher education, and we are raising our expectations as a state," said Governor Haslam. "We are committed to making a clear statement to families that education beyond high school is a priority in the state of Tennessee. This is a bold promise that speaks volumes to current and prospective employers, and it is a promise that will make a real difference for generations of Tennesseans.”
During the 2014 fiscal year, the Urban League served more than 13,000 people in the region through education and youth empowerment programs, workforce development initiatives, economic empowerment programs and health and wellness resources. As part of the organization’s commitment to academic success, the Urban League served nearly 900 youth in grades K-12 through its afterschool program, STEM Academy, Digital Connectors and National Achievers Society.
“Education is a cornerstone of the Urban League’s community vision and is one of the few tools that can empower individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds, to reach their personal and professional goals,” said Warren E. Logan, Jr., president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga. “Together as a community, we can use education to stimulate economic development and create valuable growth opportunities for our youth and adult population.”
The annual Equal Opportunity Day event provides an opportunity to engage the entire community in a celebration of inclusiveness and to present awards to individual, corporate and academic leaders who have championed equal opportunity, civil rights and social justice.
Chattanooga State Community College received the Inclusion by Design Award, which recognizes an organization that embraces inclusion through its business practices and community engagement activities. As the most comprehensive community college in Tennessee, Chattanooga State supports a variety of initiatives that are broadening access to post-secondary education, meeting regional workforce demands and supporting diversity and inclusion within the community.
The Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy was awarded the Community Impact Award, which recognizes an organization that has demonstrated a sustainable impact in elevating a community’s standard of living. CGLA has made a turnaround over the past two years, inspiring young women to achieve academically and supporting a long-term economic impact in the Chattanooga community as CGLA graduates move into college and future STEM careers.
U.S. District Judge Curtis Collier received the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award, which recognizes outstanding service by an individual for demonstrated leadership and commitment to the cause of justice, social consciousness and civic involvement. Judge Collier has been a dedicated leader, mentor and advocate for justice throughout his professional and civic life.