State names two to prestigious MBK Fellow program

An initiative started by former President Barack Obama continues to provide City School District of Albany students with the tools and skills they need for future academic and career success.

The New York State Education Department selected Albany High School’s Chandon Bouyea and Themba Pieterse to participate in this year’s prestigious My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Fellowship program. The class of 67 fellows from across the state, all juniors, represent 22 districts.

MBK was created in 2014 and aims to expand opportunities and create pathways for success for young men of color through public-private partnerships. Throughout the next year, Bouyea and Pieterse will be connected to established mentors who will help them to engage in government, secondary education and business.

“This is an invaluable leadership experience for our students and we are fortunate, here in New York, that young men and boys of color are provided this opportunity that will benefit them academically, professionally and even personally for the rest of their lives,” said Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams.

“Congratulations to Chandon and Themba. We’re proud of what you have already accomplished and what you will accomplish in the future.”

In addition to the benefit of mentorship, MBK Fellows are required to develop and execute a service project during their tenure which ensures equitable access to education, expands prevention and intervention services, responds to institutional racism or engages families and communities.

2019 Fellows also participate in a New York City Fellows event in June, the MBK Fellows Retreat later this summer and the Obama MBK Foundation National Conference in February 2020.

The mission of the City School District of Albany is to educate and prepare all students for college and career, citizenship and life, in partnership with our diverse community. The district serves approximately 9,500 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.