$2 Billion Overhaul of 911 System Complete
Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the completion of a major overhaul of New York City’s 911-call system that began in 2004. For the first time in the city’s history, police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) call takers work side by side and use the same technology.
An onscreen map shows the caller’s location, emergency response vehicles now have automated vehicle locator technology, and call center and backup system infrastructure has been upgraded for greater dependability. The new system can handle 50,000 calls per hour—nine times more than the peak call volume on Sept. 11, 2001.
$19 Million in Scholarships to NYC Teens
Founded in 1989, The Posse Foundation finds youth that are “overlooked by traditional college selection processes,” and gives them the funds for a four-year degree. It also groups students into multicultural, supportive teams—or “posses.”
On Thursday 140 posse scholars received their awards. They were selected from more than 3,000 students in over 300 New York City schools and 100 organizations. Tsihai Hanson of the Posse Foundation explained how the organization finds students that may not be admitted to colleges through the traditional application process.
“We look not only at academic achievements, but also at the motivation to succeed,” explained Hanson. Colleges usually take students in the top 10 percent of their class from preparatory and private schools, and they may not reach students in some urban areas or look in depth at their personal achievements or community involvement as Posse does.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC Recruiting
Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC (BBBS) joined Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro on Thursday to declare January Mentor Month on Staten Island. BBBS started its 2012 mentor recruiting for 3,000 plus New York City youth that participate in the program each year.
Recruitment efforts include workshops, service projects, fundraisers, and the upcoming Tournament of Champions Pong on Jan. 26 at Grand Central Terminal.
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