Juvenile Justice Commission and Rutgers University host Education Summit on March 20
- Special Guest to include Michael Strahan, Defensive End for the NY Giants
and the Rev. Dr. Randall Lassiter of Passaic Community College -

NEW BRUNSWICK/PISCATAWAY, N.J. - About 425 youths who attend Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) Day Programs or are residents of JJC Residential Community Homes are expected to attend the third annual Statewide Educational Youth Summit Thursday, March 20, on the Livingston Campus of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

The all day summit will take place at Beck Hall on Avenue E in Piscataway. Hosted by the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission and Rutgers' Paul Robeson Cultural Center, the summit is designed to empower the state's adjudicated juveniles to make better life choices. This year's summit theme is "Education: The Greatest Investment." The summit will include workshops on topics ranging from school and gang violence to self-esteem.

Members of the press are invited to attend the afternoon portion of the event to be held in the auditorium beginning at 12:45 p.m.. The keynote address will be delivered by Rev. Dr. Randall Lassister of Passaic Community College. At 2:45 p.m., special guest Michael Strahan, defensive end for the NY Giants, will speak.

"We are pleased to co-host an event that has great potential in making a difference in countless lives, not only those of the juveniles, but their families, friends and communities," said Prosper Godonoo, director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and one of the organizers of the event. "This summit will provide the fuel and direction these youths need to recapture the productive life path they began after a brief detour."

"Education is the foundation of the Juvenile Justice Commission. Nothing is more important than reading, job readiness, vocational education, skill training and SAT preparation. It is these tools that will help our young people succeed back in their communities," said Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director of the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission. "The JJC is pleased to have Rutgers University partner with us to accommodate this annual event."

The summit participants are from Juvenile Justice Commission Residential Community Homes throughout the state. The community homes serve adjudicated and probationary youth who do not require a secure setting, providing a less restrictive environment for youth who demonstrate the ability to accept additional responsibility. These juveniles participate in supervised programming outside of the facility, including community service projects, and educational and vocational training.

EDITOR'S NOTE:
If you plan to send a representative, please confirm your attendance with
Sharon Lauchaire, Public Information Officer, JJC at (609) 530-6674.
Photographers will be admitted, however, all photographs must be taken from behind and cannot include juveniles' faces as directed by State laws that protect juveniles' confidentiality. Select juveniles who have waived their confidentiality rights will be available to speak with members of the press. Staff members will be available to guide you to these students.

For more information on the JJC, please visit www.njjjc.com