Young Professionals
L.I.F.T. Conference
The LULYP hosted its 6th annual Leading and Impacting Futures Today (LIFT) Conference for middle and high school students. Through partnership with Transylvania University, the LIFT conference was designed to address student needs as they prepare for college and the workforce. This year, LIFT assisted more than 300 youth in obtaining the skills necessary to overcome obstacles and pursue higher education. A free laptop was given to a deserving participant as well as a book scholarship to a high school senior who submitted an essay outlining their personal commitment toward community service. Syntesa Harris, Scott County High School senior, was this year’s LULYP $500 book scholarship recipient.
State Farm M.A.D.D. Project
With the support of State Farm Insurance Co. and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization, LULYP trained seven Lexington youth to create and host workshops about the dangers of drinking and driving. Made possible through grant funding, the workshops were geared toward other youth ages 12-18 and designed to teach peers how to say no to drinking and driving. Five training sessions were held in Fayette County, one of which occurred at the LIFT Conference.
YMCA Black Achievers
Each year, members of LULYP partner with the YMCA of Central Kentucky to serve as community mentors and role models for youth enrolled in the Black Achievers program. Black Achievers is designed to expose youth to educational and career opportunities, instill traditional values and learn to make positive life choices. Several LULYP members volunteer with the Black Achievers program serving as cluster leaders, volunteers, and guest presenters.
VITA Tax Site
For the fourth consecutive year, the Lexington Urban League Young
Professionals have served as a host for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is a program that offers free income tax filing for low-to-moderate income families. LULYP prepared taxes at the Lexington-Fayette County Urban League’s Community Technology Center and VITA volunteers were able to file tax returns electronically. In 2009, certified volunteers prepared 124 tax returns with more than $100,000 in refunds.
Voter Registration
The presidential election cycle is always a passionate time in the United States. The 2008 election cycle was definitely one for the record books! LULYP assisted in the race to the White House by registering voters in Fayette County. Together with the Lexington Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, LULYP set up a voter registration booth at the 25th Annual Roots and Heritage Festival. More than 60 citizens of Fayette County, several under the age of 40, registered to vote that day.
National Urban League Young Professionals Conference
In July 2009, several LULYP members joined thousands of other Urban League Young Professional chapters for the 10th Annual Conference in Chicago, Ill. For three and a half days, LULYP members joined corporate, government, and philanthropic executives, academic and research stars, leading recruiters and other committed urban professionals for a series of conferences about Black America. Attending sessions that discussed key issues in America such as “How to Recession Proof Your Job,” “The Path to Power,” and “Innovation in Education: What is the Right Model?,” attendees returned to Lexington refreshed and with new ideas for improving LULYP and the community.
National Day of Service
The Lexington Urban League Young Professionals participated in the National Day of Service which focused on teaching economic concepts to youth ages six to 18. Students learned how to count money, balance a checkbook, invest and save, and this year the topic was Understanding Your Credit. They also discussed the current American economy and its affect on the job market home and globally. With limited class sizes, youth were encouraged to ask questions and teach the concepts they learned to family and friends.
2009 American Diabetes Association Walk
Diabetes Mellitus (type II) is a major issue in the African-American community. LULYP supported research to find a cure for diabetes when several members joined the multitudes at the 2009 walk at Keeneland Race Track. With the support of family members and business associates, LULYP raised more than $1,000 for the American Diabetes Association.
Tayshaun Prince Basketball Camp
The Lexington Urban League Young Professionals were proud to partner with Detroit Piston Tayshaun Prince and Old Spice™ to once again host a youth basketball camp in Lexington. Open to boys and girls, the three day camp was held at the Kentucky Basketball Academy and featured expert instruction on basketball fundamentals. This year, 100 inner city youth received $20,100 in grant-funded scholarships to attend the camp. Participants received a complimentary t-shirt and autographed camp photo.
Off the Rack Project
The Off the Rack clothing drive was designed to collect new or gently used business attire for the men and women of the Lexington Hope Center. LULYP partnered with Community Trust Bank who agreed to use its four Lexington banking locations as designated clothing drop off centers. More than 800 articles of clothing, including business suits, pants, skirts, shoes, ties and purses were donated to the Hope Center.
Grape Expectations Wine Tasting
In early 2009, LULYP teamed with the Lexington Young Professionals Association and the University of Kentucky Young Lawyers’ Association for a wine tasting event. The event, called Grape Expectations, raised money to support Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, a nonprofit dedicated to the impediment of mistreatment of children in the Commonwealth. Geared towards young professionals, attendees had the opportunity to taste more than 100 wines, bid on silent auction items and enjoy a live band. The event was held at Art’s Place and more than $10,000 was raised to support Prevent Child Abuse of Kentucky and its programs.
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