Esquires for Education Inc.

Serving young African-American boys in Bertie, Hertford, Northampton, and Halifax County.

ESQUIRES FOR EDUCATION INC. CHARACTER AND COLLEGE PREP PROGRAM
The Character and College Prep Program is designed to ensure that young African-American boys follow a path that leads to college instead of crime. The young men that participate in our college prep program begin during the summer of their transition from 8th to 9th grade. We work closely with the young men to ensure that they are accepted and ready to attend college after high school graduation. Each year begins with a kick off retreat where we welcome the new participants and returning participants. During the retreat the young men get to know one another while participating in various workshops centered around college readiness. Throughout the summer the young men have an opportunity to visit various college campuses and explore various careers. Throughout the school year the young men meet monthly for round table discussions on various topics such as CPR Training, Etiquette, Attire and Hygiene, SAT/ACT Informational sessions, and Financial Responsibility. The young men are also given required reading material to complete throughout the year. The participant’s that satisfy the attendance requirements and remain actively engaged in the program have an opportunity to travel to a different city each year where they engage in various educational and cultural activities.

ESQUIRES FOR EDUCATION INC. READING READINESS PROGRAM
Third graders who lack proficiency in reading are four times more likely to become high school dropouts
In NC 45% of fourth graders are not proficient in reading
Only 31% of African-American children can read at grade level in the 4th grade
Only 45% of African-American men graduate from high school in the United States
The Esquires for Education Inc. Reading Readiness Program is designed to improve literacy and reduce the rate of young African American boys that become high school drop outs. In the program, volunteers work one on one with young boys in the 2nd and 3rd grade, twice a week utilizing guidelines and materials compiled by Esquires for Education Inc. with the goal of improving phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
There are currently Reading Readiness sites in Bertie, Hertford, and Halifax County.
“If you are not concerned about the alarming statistics as it relates to African-American men and education simply spend a day observing criminal court in your local courtroom,” says Esquires for Education Inc. founder, Attorney Tonza Ruffin Buffaloe. “We must be proactive about moving in a direction that focuses on education instead of incarceration.”
COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM
The Esquires for Education Inc. Community Outreach Program is designed to provide the community with valuable information regarding education. Through the community outreach program Esquires for Education Inc. provides motivational speakers, SAT/ACT Prep Informational Sessions, College Preparation Seminars, and College Fairs.