New York, NY (February 1, 2006)—Magazine Publishers of America (MPA) has formed a partnership with A. Philip Randolph (APR) Campus High School at City College in New York City through the Adopt-A-School program, it was announced today by Shaunice Hawkins, Director of Diversity Development, MPA.  The program entails a multi-layered, mutually beneficial commitment between the magazine industry, which will provide mentoring and support, and the school, which will implement a program for both printed and digital magazines. 

Our participation in the Adopt-A-School program is part of the magazine industrys efforts to inspire high school juniors and seniors of color to seek careers in magazines, stated Ms. Hawkins.  Were investing in what we hope are tomorrows leaders at magazine companies.

Several professionals from magazine companies are already scheduled to participate in the program in a variety of ways:

• Editorial and business executives from Teen People and People en Espanol will host a power breakfast for the students, discussing building a career in the magazine industry, the importance of higher education, the impact of mentors, and more
• Sherry Bitting, Senior Public Relations & Marketing Manager, Complex; Richard Clark, SVP, Investor Relations & Global Communications, Readers Digest; Stephanie Scott, Beauty Contributor, Rave*SQ; and Mariama Todd, Strategic Pricing Manager, Meredith Group Sales; will provide classroom instruction to journalism students
• Charlotte Barnard, Deputy Editor, Country Living, and Ivis Fundichely, Production Manager, Ziff Davis, will participate in workshops during a career expo

In addition to receiving exposure from professionals from the magazine frontlines, the APR students will be trained in reporting, journalistic writing skills, editing, marketing, production, advertising sales, consumer marketing and other areas.  They will, in turn, see their work showcased in the APR magazine, Paw Prints: The Official Magazine of the APR Cougars, to be published June 2006.

A. Philip Randolph Campus High School at City College of New York in West Harlem, NY, is one of the city's leading college and career preparatory high schools.  APRs students are selected for their high academic achievement in intermediate school. Under the auspices of the City College of New York, APR offers a rigorous academic program, with advanced placement courses in all subject areas. The student population (55% Hispanic, 42% African American, 3% Asian, 2% Caucasian) numbers over 1,600.