Walk across Manhattan!

As many of you know, I have spent the past 10 months as an AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America, working for an after-school program in New York City. During my time here, I have been both shocked by the poor quality of education many students have access to here, and strengthened in my resolve to help combat that inequality. Studies have shown that education plays a pivotal role in releasing individuals from the cycle of poverty, but when the quality of education is this low, even that glimmer of hope can seem bleak.

So here's my idea: On July 24th, my 23rd birthday, I am going to walk the length of Manhattan, bottom to top, taking pictures of various schools and educational facilities to share in a photo blog. I will highlight the fact that although Manhattan is relatively small geographically, there is a huge difference between the opportunities and resources some students have, compared to others only a few miles away. We tell all students to do their best and reach for the stars - but how can we expect them to succeed if they don't have the resources, materials, curriculum, high quality teachers, etc.?

I would love for you to be involved in my journey! There are three ways you can do so:
1. Follow my blog! You can suggest educational facilities for me to visit during my walk, or just check out the pictures once it is all said and done. Here is the link to the blog: www.allisontemnick.tumblr.com.
2. Support me! I would love for you to support me on this walk. You can donate here, and all the money that is raised will go to support Operation Exodus Inner City, the nonprofit organization I have been working with this year to help combat educational injustice, specifically for Dominican students in New York City.
3. Last but not least: Pray that this effort will be effective in shedding light on the poor quality of education that many students are faced with, and that together we can provide them with the keys to a brighter future!