The Delta Grassroots Caucus (DGC) is a broad coalition of grassroots leaders in the eight-state Delta region. DGC is also a founding partner of the Economic Equality Caucus,
which advocates for economic equality across the USA.

Delta Students Make Very Special Educational Trip to New York, June 3-6, 2013

Posted on June 03, 2013 at 10:48 AM

We are relaying this message about a very special educational experience that is taking place for a group of young people from Clarendon in the Arkansas Delta who are making a trip to New York. Thanks to Dean James “Skip” Rutherford of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service for bringing this to our attention. Delta Caucus board of directors

(NOTE: To be placed on the Delta Caucus email list, contact Lee Powell, executive director, at (202) 360-6347 or by email at leepowell@delta.comcastbiz.net.)

Introduction from Dean Rutherford of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service:

“This Monday (June 3) a special educational experience will be happening for some young people from one of the nation’s most impoverished regions—the Arkansas Delta. I hope you will share this academic achievement/New York trip release with others… Clinton School students have worked on projects in Clarendon and with other communities and organizations in the Arkansas Delta. Thanks.” James “Skip” Rutherford, Dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.

Impossible Dream Coming True: Clarendon Students To Visit New York

For additional information: Jeremy Rogoff, 610-256-1004 or jgrogoff@gmail.com

Twenty eight rising 11th grade students from Clarendon High School will be visiting New York June 3-6, thanks to community efforts and the donations of over 200 donors from all over the country. The supporters contributed over $42,000 to make the trip possible, according to teacher Jeremy Rogoff, who organized the trip.

“This idea began as an impossible dream for our students,” Rogoff said. “But it’s living proof that with the help of others impossible dreams can come true.”

Clarendon is in Monroe County, one of the 100 poorest counties in the United States.

“These students have performed exceptionally well on their math state achievements tests and are now afforded the opportunity to explore an area of the country they have never visited as a tribute to their academic achievements,” Rogoff said. “The purpose of the trip is to expose them to the cultural richness, historical landmarks and educational opportunities New York City has to offer.

Most of the students have never even flown on an airplane or been to another state before.”

Flying from Memphis, the Clarendon students will be visiting Columbia University, New York University and Barnard College; attending a Broadway show; visiting the Clinton Foundation offices; going to the “Today” show; and visiting the 9/11 memorial, The Statue of Liberty, Greenwich Village and Harlem.

“It’s a packed schedule for three days,” Rogoff said., “But I’ve never seen a group of young people more excited about the opportunity. For many of them it will be a life-changing experience.”

Rogoff, 25, a Philadelphia native and Washington University in St. Louis graduate, has been teaching at Clarendon High School since 2011 with Teach for America.

This summer he is moving to Washington D.C. where he will continue teaching within the KIPP charter school network.

“These students and Clarendon will always be part of my life,” Rogoff said. “I may be moving to a different location, but I am still only a phone call, text message or email away. My expectations for the students are high. They are special. and I will always be one of their biggest advocates going forward.”