Duval County has again been recognized for its inclusion in the National Academy Foundation. A. Philip Randolph (APR) was chosen as one of three schools in Florida to pilot the NAF Health Science Program. The National Academy Foundation (NAF) was created as a partnership between educators and business leaders to better prepare students for successful professional careers.

“It’s exciting to be included in the pilot to develop the NAF Health Science Program,” said Angela Collins, instructor and lead teacher at A. Philip Randolph. “NAF currently operates four academies – finance, engineering, information technology, as well as hospitality and tourism. Only 17 schools nationwide are included in the planning stages, as NAF develops this national academy of health sciences.”

APR’s vision for the academy is to create a national model academy that will prepare students for success and excellence in all of their post secondary endeavors.

“This program will mirror the mission of A. Philip Randolph,” said Principal Kenneth Reddick. “Our students complete a rigorous curriculum to graduate from high school, qualified to compete at the college level without remediation, and ready to enter the work force or military with the skills necessary to succeed.”

The key components of NAF academies are curriculum validated by industry and educational experts, internships, cohort scheduling and advisory boards. Chris Force, director of career and technical education for DCPS, was instrumental in the selection of APR for the pilot program. In accordance with the NAF Health Science Pilot Proposal, this planning year will focus on three critical elements: strengthening the advisory committee, cohort scheduling and increasing the number of students earning health industry certifications.

Students who complete the program are eligible for the Florida State Nursing Assistant certification exam and the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam.

Today, Senate Republicans are set to go on record that they don't support putting Americans back to work when they vote against President Obama's American Jobs Act . By casting a 'No' vote, they also will oppose middle-class tax cuts and will refuse to ask the nation's millionaires to pay their fair share. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has vowed that not a single Republican will vote for the jobs bill that would quickly put hundreds of thousands of Americans back to work rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. With Democrats holding just a 53-seat margin, the bill will fall short of the 60 votes needed to break the Republican filibuster. Please call your senators toll free at 1-888-659-9401 right away. We'll give you info and connect you with your senators' offices. Here are some reasons why you and your senators should support the American Jobs Act: It will create nearly 2 million jobs and prevent 280,000 ...continue reading

Greetings Friends! Please share the following information with people you know who would be interested in actions to help stop the execution of Troy Davis in Georgia, now scheduled for next week. If you can do nothing else, please be sure to click here to learn more and sign the petitions! Friday, Sept. 16 is the Global Day of Solidarity to help stop the execution of Troy Davis. In solidarity with the major march and rally happening in Atlanta, folks from the DC region will gather at 6pm at Tivoli Square, 14th & Park NW (Columbia Heights Metro Station on the Green/Yellow line).  At 7pm there will be a march to St. Stephens Church where there will be a program of speakers (TBA) - meet us there if you can't make it in time for the march! Additional details will be posted as we get closer to Friday. If you would like to help, please e-mail Jiva .If you are too far from DC and want to organize something locally, please click here . See below for info on one ...continue reading

“Our brothers and sisters who are federal employees are being attacked with an intensity that parallels what’s been going on at the state level.  The House has already voted to eliminate collective bargaining rights for airport screeners, cut 200,000 jobs, and freeze pay for five years.  And the vital services that our families rely on are being cut beyond the bone – from OSHA and MSHA to labor law enforcement, food inspection, education, community safety, and other services that keep our communities safe and secure.   Perhaps the biggest threat and fight is happening at the White House where Vice President Biden is negotiating a deal on the debt ceiling with a bipartisan group of lawmakers.  Sources have told AFGE that there is tentative agreement on significantly increasing what federal employees pay for their pensions – essentially what amounts to a 6% pay cut per pay period.  They won’t tax the rich and big ...continue reading

I regret to inform you that our State President, Mary Montford is experiencing the grief of the loss of a brother. Mr. Eldridge Leon Hill, passed away from cardiac arrest. He was 56 years old. The Montford family has requested that in-Lew of flowers. That donations be made to the N.C. State A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) in his honor.   Checks can be sent to:  1408 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27605.   Our Charlotte member, Kim Ratliff, also is grieving over the loss of a cousin, Mr. Kenneth J. Hubbard. Mr. Hubbard was said to have succumb from a bee sting. Kim can be emailed at kratliff48@yahoo.com with condolences. Please keep both of these families in your prayers as they struggle with their loss. ...continue reading

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is an annual observance to promote the benefits of immunizations and to improve the health of children two years old or younger. NIIW is part of a broad global initiative with the World Health Organization Regions of the Americas, European, Eastern Mediterranean, Western Pacific, and Africa to promote vaccination through education and communication activities. Since 1994, local and state health departments, national immunization partners, health care professionals, community leaders from across the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have worked together through NIIW to highlight the positive impact of vaccination on the lives of infants and children, and to call attention to immunization achievements. 2011 NIIW This year’s NIIW, set for April 23-30, 2011 will be held in conjunction with the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA). Hundreds of ...continue reading

On March 31, 2011 a news conference was held in conjunction with the A. Philip Randolph Institute at The Concourse Hotel. The A. Philip Randolph Institute moved its national board meeting to Madison to show solidarity for labor in Wisconsin.  The news conference highlighted 'taking Madison's energy all over - why Wisconsin matters to us all.'  Remarks were made by Dian Palmer of SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, Sheila Cochran of AFL-CIO Milwaukee, Clayola Brown, National President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Sen. Spencer Coggs (D-Milwaukee, 6th District), and George Gresham, President of SEIU 1199 of New York.   ...continue reading

The Durham Chapter of APRI officially formed an APRI Youth Chapter on December 9, 2010. Wayne G. Bostick, President of the Durham Chapter, had the youth to pledge an oath to become active members of the newly formed youth organization. In total, seven young people took the pledge and, since then, two more have joined giving the Durham Youth Chapter a total of nine members in their youth organization.  The State APRI Chapter President, Mary Montford, and Executive Director, Melvin Montford, were also there too meet and congratulate the new youth members.   ...continue reading

On Wednesday night, President Obama spoke in Arizona to memorialize and honor the victims of Saturday's shootings. His speech was moving and called on each of us to reach for our best selves and help build a better and stronger democracy. Watch it here, and then share it with your friends. ...continue reading

The A. Philip Randolph Institute would like to congratulate Peaches Whalen, of the UAW, on her appointment to the Board for the "Port of Wilmington" by the Governor. Ms. Whalen also was appointed to the Board of Adjustments for Land Use and is still serving on the Board of United Way.