C5’s Class of 2013 were accepted into the following colleges and universities:

Andrew College

Armstrong Atlantic University

Atlanta Intercontinental University

Brenau University

College of Coastal Georgia

Columbus State University

Cornell University

Georgia Southern University

Georgia State University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Jacksonville State University

Kennesaw State University

Lagrange College

Mars Hill College

Mercer University

Michigan State University

Morehouse College

North Carolina State University

Oglethorpe University

Ohio Northern

Oklahoma State University

Paine College

Reinhardt University

St. Johns University

Syracuse University

Tennessee State University

Texas A&M University

Tuskegee University

University of Alabama

University of Florida

University of Georgia

University of North Florida

University of Pittsburgh

University of South Carolina

University of West Georgia

Valdosta State University

Here’s how we do it.

Every day is a special day at C5, and we make each interview day special for the group of students who have applied to be in our program. At each school, C5 staff and volunteers meet students and help them keep the three promises they make at the beginning of interviews.

First, students are asked to have fun—something we do very well. Beginning with a group juggling session aimed at learning names and being as loud as we can, and ending with special team challenges, fun is a part of the selection process that we all—students and staff alike—certainly have perfected.

Second, students are asked to be themselves. We personally interview every student who applies to be in the program, so it’s important that we get to know exactly who each and every one is.

Finally, students are asked to continue to take advantage of any and all opportunities that come their way. Because we can only select 36 boys and 36 girls each year, C5 will not be the right opportunity for many applicants, but since someone has recognized leadership skills or qualities within them, we know that they should not stop here.

While our students come in all shapes and sizes; from different backgrounds and with different ideas of what a leader is, they all have some things in common: they’re ready for the challenges we have in store for them, and they all leave an impression. We wish every one of the students we met during this year’s selection period the best of luck.

On February 18, Speakeasy—a communication development company dedicated helping people connect with audiences—hosted a handful of our students for an eight hour class in communication designed to give participants an honest assessment of their communication strengths and weaknesses and explore ways to enhance their comfort and effectiveness.  Students were videotaped and coached to look and feel more in charge of crucial speaking situations, including college or job interviews, community service and student or community leadership.

Through this exercise, Speakeasy hopes that each student will gain:

• A deeper understanding of how they are perceived by others
• An awareness of the fundamentals required to create a positive impression
• An introduction to their personal style of delivery
• Basic tools to feel more relaxed and in-charge when speaking
• An awareness of the importance of effective communication
• A framework to support and encourage ongoing communication development

“Speakeasy believes strongly in giving back to the community through the gift of enabling young adults the ability to communicate more effectively,” says company representative Alexandra Weiss. “Our partnership with C5 provides a perfect opportunity for us to make a difference in this regard.”

Many of our students felt it was one of the best classes they had ever taken.  As Deaunte Whitehead put it, “I thought I was a good speaker before.  Speakeasy helped be aware of the basic skills I need to practice to become a great speaker.”

April 24^th is a very special day. On that day, C5 Georgia will graduate its 4^th class of leaders primed and ready to meet the challenges continuing education, work and life will bring them. Again this year, 100% of our students have been accepted into college or military service—and we couldn’t be more proud.

For our part, we’re so honored to have been a part of these students’ lives. They are first generation scholars, and many are already receiving great scholarship opportunities to attend many of the nation’s best schools, including Brandeis, Cornell, Georgia Tech, Howard, Morehouse, Michigan State, Syracuse, Texas A&M and the University of Georgia among others.

As for our ceremony this year—an elegant meet and greet we’re calling “An Evening with Graduates”—we are honored to once again have MeadWestvaco serve as Presenting Sponsor.  In the words of Dwayne Irvin, Director of Sales, “MeadWestvaco is excited to support the great, young men and women who are graduating C5 Georgia with the leadership skills that will help make the world better for us all.”  Also joining MWV as lead sponsors are Delta Airlines, Ball, Inc., UPS, CSM Bakeries, and Habif, Arogeti & Wynne.

We’ve also secured a fantastic keynote speaker: Kat Cole, President of Cinnabon.  Kat, who grew up in similar circumstances to many of our C5 students, is a model for success in business and the community.  We’re excited she’s agreed to share her story with our students and guests.

Join us in celebration: The C5 2013 Evening with Gradates is selling out quickly.  If you’d like tickets, please contact Stephanie Davage, C5 Development and Special Events Manager at sdavage@coca-cola.com

C5 Georgia presenting sponsor GDF SUEZ is pleased to announce the graduation of the C5 Georgia 2011 class. Join us Thursday, May 12 in the Goizueta Auditorium at the Coca-Cola Company Headquarters.

When GDF SUEZ spokesperson, Suzanne Childre, was asked about GDF SUEZ’s decision to support this year’s graduation she responded saying, “GDF SUEZ commits to solidarity and social integration by helping children in need and associations advocating the social integration of young people in difficulty. We have chosen to partner with C5 Georgia because it is a prime example of an organization that is making a difference in the lives, careers and communities of bright young people growing up in economically-disadvantaged environments.”

C5 Georgia Director of Development Rebecca DeYarman said, “GDF SUEZ’s continued support over the years has made events like Graduation 2011 possible. The company shares our commitment to serving high-potential students in need of our support. Our board, staff and students are all greatly appreciative of their involvement.”

As graduation approaches, Executive Director, Jeff Cohen reflected on the accomplishments of the Class of 2011 saying, “We are extremely proud of our Medallion students’ accomplishments over the past five years. In the final weeks leading up to their graduation, we are looking forward to the culmination of these students’ community outreach ‘Medallion Projects.’”

Recently three students–Vy, Julia and Vesselina–completed their ‘Medallion Project,’ which addressed the important issue of teen pregnancy. The event was supported by faculty and staff. The cafeteria was filled with fellow Cross Keys High School students. The format was a panel discussion featuring teenage parents.

Other initiatives led by Class of 2011 students include the student-run newsletter The Frontrunner.

For more information about graduation 2011 please contact Rebecca DeYarman at rebeccad@c5georgia.org.

Keynote speaker Atlanta City Council President, Ceasar Mitchell, fellow board members Cyril Turner and Robert Farrar, Executive Director of C5 Georgia Jeff Cohen and Medallion student Vy Tran addressed the crowd. They spoke about the philosophy behind the five-year intensive leadership program, the successes of the program and what to expect in the next year.

If you were unable to attend but want to learn more about C5 Georgia, visit our new Web site or like us on Facebook. Those interested in ways to support C5 Georgia donate here or click here to find out how your company can become a Leadership Lunch host.

Presenting sponsor GDF SUEZ is proud to announce that X C5 Georgia students will graduate the five-year leadership program Thursday, May 12. The commencement ceremony will be held in the Goizueta Auditorium at the Coca-Cola Company Headquarters. C5 Georgia students will emcee the event and Genevieve Bos, global entrepreneur and founder of Pink Magazine, will give the keynote address.

Of the Class of 2011, 23 students have been accepted to 49 colleges, to date, despite low graduation rates in many Atlanta high schools. Some Atlanta schools have graduation rates as low as 44 percent.

To compound the challenges many of these students have faced, growing up in the Atlanta Public School System battling to maintain its accredidation, young people from low income homes have a drop-out rate six times higher than that of higher income students. All C5 Georgia students come from homes with $10,000 of annual income per household member.

These students; however, are not only graduating high school and receiving college acceptance letters, but collectively they have earned $X in college scholarships. Several students have also earned full-scholarships to institutions such as Stanford University, Brandeis University, the U. S. Military Acadmeny (West Point) and the University of Florida.

As graduation approaches, Executive Director, Jeff Cohen reflects on the accomplishments of the Class of 2011 saying, “We are extremely proud of our Medallion students’ accomplishments over the past five years. In the final weeks leading up to their graduation, we are looking forward to the culmination of these students’ community outreach efforts with their ‘Medallion Projects.’”

Recently three students completed their “Medallion Project,” which addressed the issue of teen pregnancy by hosting a panel discussion. The event was supported by faculty and staff and the cafeteria was filled with fellow students. The panel featured teenage parents at Cross Keys High School. The project generated so much interest that the C5 Georgia students in charge of the project have been asked to present their project again for another audience.

When GDF SUEZ spokesperson, Suzanne Childre, was asked about GDF SUEZ’s decision to support this year’s graduation she responded saying, “GDF SUEZ commits to solidarity

and social integration by helping children in need and associations advocating the social integration of young people in difficulty. We have chosen to partner with C5 Georgia because it is a prime example of an organization that is making a difference in the lives, careers and communities of bright young people growing up in economically-disadvantaged environments.”

C5 Georgia Director of Development Rebecca DeYarman said of GDF SUEZ’s involvement, “GDF SUEZ’s continued support over the years has made events like Graduation 2011 possible. The company shares our commitment to serving high-potential students in need of our support. Our board, staff and students are all greatly appreciative of their involvement.”

C5 Georgia teen Ajai Scott accepted a full scholarship from the Posse Foundation to Brandeis University worth more than $200,000 Thursday evening in the Georgia-Pacific Auditorium.

Both C5 Georgia and the Posse Foundation’s missions are to support high-potential students from risk-filled environments. Posse focuses on supporting college students from urban areas while C5 Georgia is a year-round leadership program focused on high school students whose families earn less than $10,000 a year per member.

After Thursday evening’s awards ceremony, Scott reflected on her transformation from a shy middle-school student to a character-driven, community-focused, challenge-ready, college-bound and committed-to-a-better-future student. Smiling she said, “It was the whole C5 Georgia family that really inspired my transformation. Because of their love, support and care, I’ve blossomed. The first day [of the C5 Georgia program] I thought ‘OK, I’m about to start a new chapter in my life. I’m about to step out of my comfort zone.”

As Scott continued to speak of her plans to earn her Bachelor’s degrees in business from Brandeis, it quickly became clear that she was not just interested in the money and notoriety such an education could bring to her. She spoke at length about her desire to spread success to the other people in her community by providing resources and encouragement. Scott was adamant that she planned to open local rescue missions and tutoring programs targeted at those in need.

Scott said “It’s unbelievable. I see myself as a successful, young African-American woman who has in many ways blossomed throughout the C5 Georgia program and will continue to blossom in college with the Posse Foundation’s help.”

C5 Georgia students Vy Tran, Donald Brown, Colin Neubauer, Naja Mix, Julia Ngai, Earl Puckett and Clifford Banks have also received early notification of their acceptance in university programs.

Tran has been admitted to Stanford University through Questbridge. Questbridge is a scholarship program, like the Posse Foundation, that matches high-potential students from low-income households with selective colleges and provides full scholarships to those selected.

Brown, Neubauer, Mix, Ngai, Puckett and Banks have been accepted to New York University, the University of Georgia, Louisiana State University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University and Auburn University respectively.

ATLANTA, GA — On July 30, 2010, popular soul singer Musiq Soulchild visited young campers at C5 Youth Foundation of Georgia’s annual summer camp. Spending time in the warm, July afternoon at C5 Georgia’s Cloudland, GA retreat, Musiq took time to sit with youth participants, talking about his background, his music career, and the importance of staying optimistic, focused and motivated. This visit is the latest in an ongoing series of celebrity and industry professionals to support C5 Georgia’s year-round efforts, including renowned jazz guitarist Earl Klugh, and touring members of Edwin McCain & Freddy Jones Band and the Jonas Brothers.

C5 Youth Foundation Georgia teaches kids to be strong contributors to their home, school, and entire community, with signature experiences like a residential summer camp, hiking, college tours and community service. Skills learned during camp are reinforced with year-round programs. The C5 Youth Foundation of Georgia adheres to the same principles of education and community service that are consistent throughout C5 Youth Foundation programs in other cities, and applies them to the personal needs of metro Atlanta’s young people.

“C5 provides kids with the skills and attitude it takes to become strong contributors to their community by educating them and equipping them with the confidence to execute the many optionsthat are readily available to them,” says Musiq. “I feel that this will continue to motivate them to become better communicators, better problem solvers, and overall better people in our society, and in their personal lives.”“

After attending a C5 Youth Foundation of Georgia graduation event, Musiq Soulchild was drawn to the organization’s impact on participants. His experience inspired him to contribute to C5’s efforts, resulting in last month’s camp visit. It’s no wonder Musiq Soulchild has shown an interest in an organization that instills young people with an early sense of motivation and dedication to goal-oriented achievement–as an adolescent, the musician was intensely focused on developing his musical skills and taking professional steps.

“C5 Youth Foundation of Georgia greatly benefits from visits by inspiring individuals,” explains Executive Director Jeff Cohen. “Our youth are highly-motivated people who happen to have circumstantial obstacles to overcome. It does wonderful things for these youth to visit with successful, thriving people who worked hard to achieve their goals. And by volunteering his time here, Musiq Soulchild is also reinforcing something we are committed to teaching our youth–the importance of giving back to your community.”

ATLANTA, GA — Write2Market, a national B2B public relations and content development company headquartered in Atlanta, announced today their partnership with C5 Youth Foundation of Georgia, a Georgia non-profit organization that services high-potential students in risk-filled environments across the state through a multi-tiered leadership, education and professional development program. Write2Market’s support of this organization marks a continued effort to invest in the future growth and advancement of Georgia’s economy and businesses.

The C5 Youth Foundation of Georgia adheres to the same principles of education and community service that are consistent throughout C5 Youth Foundation programs in other cities, and applies them to the personal needs of metro Atlanta’s young people. The goal is to teach kids to be strong leaders through signature experiences like a residential camp, hiking, college tours and community service, and reinforce those skills with year-round programs.

“C5 Youth Foundation of Georgia is having great success in helping our kids navigate challenging circumstances and go on to college,” explains Director of Development Rebecca DeYarman. “Our youth are remarkable individuals that are dedicated to individual and community betterment and we are grateful for the opportunity to share their successes. We are very excited to partner with Write2Market in our public relations efforts.”

As a B2B communications leader, Write2Market’s primary focus is turning its client base of Fortune 1000 companies into the most recognized leaders in their industry via innovative, fresh public relations services and flawless, engaging content development. But Write2Market also knows that putting their public relations power behind an organization that fosters a generation of future business leaders means an investment in their clients’ futures as well. An educated youth population and thriving local communities mean economic and business growth both now and in the future. Write2Market views their partnership with C5 Youth Foundation of Georgia as a way to help realize the potential of Georgia’s youth, while simultaneously ensuring the future vitality of their clients.

“Our work with the C5 Youth Foundation of Georgia is a perfect opportunity to strengthen our involvement in the Atlanta area,” says Jason Crain, Write2Market’s liaison to C5 Youth Foundation of Georgia. “Write2Market is dedicated to generating results for clients. This partnership is our chance to generate results for Atlanta’s youth, for Atlanta’s future. We’re helping send more kids to college, and with the leadership skills it takes to succeed in school, in business, and in life.”

To find out more about C5 Youth Foundation of Georgia, please visit c5yf.org

About Write2Market
Write2Market is a results-driven marketing agency with distinct practice areas in public relations, web content development, and social media. Write2Market has been cited by The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Inc. Magazine and BusinessWeek for its innovative approach to driving business through better communication, and praised in the local Atlanta Business Chronicle for its effective and low-cost approach to public relations. Find out more at www.write2market.com.

C5 Youth Foundation, the nonprofit organization that takes high-potential teens from risk-filled areas and gives them the support and training they need to excel at home, at school, and in life, is proud to announce that their annual Golf Classic, held in conjunction with Coca-Cola Refreshments USA and partnering companies, raised nearly $640,000 in funds to support the organization for yet successful year.

The sold-out golf event took place over two days at Atlanta’s prestigious East Lake Golf Club was attended by 300 golfers, donors and guests. While this event has consistently been the premiere fund raising event for C5 Youth Foundation, reaching almost $640,000 in donations means that the Golf Classic is now one of the premier fund raising events in the Atlanta area. Donations were made either as corporate contributions, or from live and silent auction proceeds.

“We’re thankful and humbled by the impact this event will have on our program operations for the coming year. We desperately need these funds and more, in order to continue turning teens into community leaders” said C5 Georgia Executive Director Jeff Cohen. He added that “without the corporate donations and attention we receive during the annual Golf Classic, our comprehensive five-year program would be impossible.”

In addition to Atlantic Packaging, the presenting sponsor for the event, C5 Youth Foundation and Coca-Cola Refreshments USA partnered with a wide variety of companies, including:

• GDF Suez Energy Resources
• True Sales
• ITW Hi-Cone/Hartness
• Mead Westvaco
• True Sales

Contributions from these and other corporate sponsors directly fund the year-round program activities of the national C5 organization. Locally, C5 Georgia uses the funds to run a yearly leadership program at North Georgia’s Camp Adahi. Contributions will also fund initiatives that keep students engaged in educational and leadership programs, and community activities such as volunteer and community service efforts, college tours, and C5 Georgia student workshops.