Book Drive to Help Students Pass GED Exam

Jobs For Youth/Chicago collects books to encourage teens and young adults to read

CHICAGO, IL. (October 27, 2008) – Passing the GED exam is often said to be harder than graduating from high school. Students often struggle through the math and writing sections of the exam. As a result, Jobs For Youth/Chicago (JFY) has embarked on a new initiative to help their students pass the exam. JFY is encouraging students to read books and needs the community's help. JFY is holding a book drive throughout the remainder of 2008.

"When service organizations like JFY and members of the community come together to address the needs of our young people, we achieve lasting positive change," said JFY's Executive Director Robert Barnett. "It is our hope that by encouraging our students to read anything, it can help them with the grammar and writing section on the GED exam."

Upon completing a book, students are asked to write a short essay on the book. For every 100 pages, students are rewarded with 100 points. For every 500 points, students will receive a $25 Border's gift card.

The goal of the book drive is to encourage students to read; consequently, JFY is looking for a variety of books that will appeal to wide range of interests that JFY's students have. Books can be dropped off Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Jobs For Youth located at 17 N. State Street, 6th Floor, Chicago. Tax receipts will be given to those who donate.

To donate books, please contact Maya Ashwal at 312.499.4778 x148 or
mashwal@jfychicago.org.

 

About Jobs For Youth/Chicago, Inc.

Jobs For Youth/ Chicago, Inc. (JFY) helps young men and women from low-income families become a part of the economic mainstream; and, in the process, provides the business community with motivated job-ready workers. JFY offers pre-employment training, GED preparation and job placement services to youth that are between the ages of 17 and 24. Established in 1979, JFY has made over 26,000 job placements and had 964 students receive their GED (since 1987). More information is available at www.jfychicago.org, including a short video about JFY programs and services.

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