PUSH

PUSH is an experimental digital library: and epicenter to foster and nurture urban youth creativity.

The Problem:

Approximately 60% of youth living in poverty conditions will drop out of school. This rate is 6 times that of youth living in middle to high-class households. -National Center for Education

In the government housing communities serviced by essential2life, education is less valued. At risk youth are not exposed to environments that stimulate their creativity and desire to learn. They are not given educational opportunities and investments that reinforce their commitment to bettering themselves and stepping out of a life of poverty.

essential2life stands as a bridge, connecting urban youth with the resources needed to face a hopeful future without poverty.

essential2life has established a Visualization center, a state-of-the-art computer lab, equipped with the latest in computer and video technology equivalent to current industry standards. This center will house the PUSH program.

PUSH is structured to instill marketable skills in youth from low-income areas. These skills enable the youth to pursue careers in fields that they would not have been exposed to due to the lack of opportunities present.

essential2life has launched Phase One of PUSH in the Spring of 2008. With a 4 day inaugural seminar exposing at-risk youth to the digital media industry, resulting in a digital gallery, open house, and poster design competition while learning from the top creative talent of Atlanta.

PUSH will:

• Raise awareness of the issues faced by urban youth through digital media, giving them a "voice"
• Expose the business community to the skills of urban youth, thereby promoting one of the city's under-served populations
• Empower at-risk youth to create comparative campaigns (digital media, music, radio, animation, etc)
• Bridge the gap between urban youth and creative career opportunities