2012 State Of The Union Address

Pictured from left to right: Vice President Joe Biden, President Barack Obama, and Speaker of the House John Boehner

This past Tuesday, January 24, 2012, United States President Barack Obama presented the 2012 State Of The Union Address the United States Congress. The State Of The Union Address is the President's opportunity to present his/her plans for the upcoming year.


Below is a video of the State Of The Union Address. At Upward Bound - Avila University, we encourage our participants and families of the project to the take a minute to watch it if you haven't already and learn more about the President's agenda as he move's forward into 2012.


  

Occupy Wall Street: A Generation Of 20-Somethings Airs Its Grievances, Its Frustrations

In the last several weeks, you have probably turned on the news or read the newspaper and have seen something about Occupy Wall Street. You may or may not know exactly what it is, but you know that it is the buzzword around the United States.


The Huffington Post's Amanda M. Fairbanks takes a look at what Occupy Wall Street means, how it affects people nationally and what does it mean moving forward.


To read the article, check it out here.

The 45 Most Powerful Images Of 2011

As the year comes to a close, BuzzFeed.com takes a look at some of the most powerful images of events that took place in 2011. From the tsunami in Japan to the Occupy movement riots, some of these images have a great impact on our society. To view the images, click here. 

World Aids Day: About World Aids Day

What is World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.


Why is World AIDS Day important?

More than 90,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK and globally an estimated 33.3 million people have HIV. More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. But despite this, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV. World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.


What should I do on World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for you to learn the facts about HIV and put your knowledge into action. If you understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today - you can use this knowledge to take care of your own health and the health of others, and ensure you treat everyone living with HIV fairly, and with respect and understanding. Click here to find out the facts.

You can also show your support for people living with HIV on World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness.

World AIDS Day is also a great opportunity to raise money for NAT and show your support for people living with HIV. If you feel inspired to hold an event, bake sale or simply sell red ribbons, click here to get started. If you'd like to see what other events are taking place — click here and find out more.


But what about after World AIDS Day?

Although World AIDS Day is a great opportunity to get the public talking about HIV and fundraise, we need to remember the importance of raising awareness of HIV all year round. That's why NAT has launched HIVaware— a fun, interactive new website which provides all the information everyone should know about HIV. Why not use what you have learnt on World AIDS Day to Act Aware throughout the year and remember, you can fundraise at any time of year too — NAT is always here to give you suggestions and ideas.

Information in this post was taken from http://www.worldaidsday.org/

Penn State Controversy

In the past week, there has been plenty of coverage of Penn State University and their football team about alleged abuse of young boys. The CNN Student News video below goes into detail who are the main people involved and what's going on. 

MLK Memorial Dedication

This past summer, Upward Bound - Avila University had the opportunity to visit our nation's capital, Washington D.C. We were able see sights such as the Lincoln Memorial, The White House, Howard University and the National Holocaust Museum. Unfortunately, the Martin Luther King Memorial wasn't finished for us to visit.


Below is the dedication to the Martin Luther King Memorial.

Kansas City, Missouri School District Loses Their Accrediation: What Does It Mean?

Lately in the news, we've heard plenty about how the Kansas City, Missouri School District lost their accreditation. For many of us, we don't know what that means or how it impacts us or our schools. Below is a brief description of what's happening and who is affects:

• The State Board of Education voted unanimously on Tuesday (9/20/11) to strip the district of its accreditation on January 1.
• Kansas City hit only 3 of the 14 marks required by the state to achieve accreditation. Only one other school system in Missouri had equally poor marks.
• The district now has two years to improve its academics. If there is not enough progress to satisfy the state, the law provides the state can move in and take control. That happened several years ago in St. Louis. That district remains under state control.
• The Missouri State School Board also placed the accreditation ranking for the Hickman Mills School District on hold for another year during Tuesday's meetings.
• The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will work with the district to re-evaluate and intensify an ongoing joint turnaround plan and report new plans to the state school board in December.
• Starting Jan. 1, state law enables families in unaccredited school districts to seek enrollment in other districts, with the unaccredited district bearing the cost. That law currently is tied up in a court case out of the St. Louis area but could have a significant impact on Kansas City and its neighboring districts.

For more information about KSMSD losing their accreditation, view the video.
 

Health Issues, Conflicts in Libya and Yemen, and U.S. Hispanic Voters

Lately in the news, we've heard plenty about President Obama speaking on health issues, conflicts in Libya and Yemen, and how the upcoming elections can be heavily influenced by U.S. Hispanic voters. CNN Student News takes a look at how they all impact our lives nationally and globally.

September 11, 2011 - Ten Years Later

Ten years after the 9/11 attacks, CNN Student News remembers those lost by visiting commemorations in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania.

CNN Student News - Osama bin Laden

Lately in the news, we've heard plenty about Osama bin Laden and how his death has had an impact nationally and globally. Below is a video that explains the history behind bin Laden and his significance.