an educational pledge for all the young people
“This project is dedicated to students in the inner-city public school system as well as young people incarcerated in juvenile and correctional facilities”
By Alberto O. Cappas, Author -- An Educational Pledge
 

Dear United States Community:

The future of our country is in jeopardy and in danger of moral and leadership decay. Our society is not investing sufficiently in the spiritual and educational infrastructure of our urban American youth. We are not sharing positive values and standards with our young people, and we are allowing this generation of young people to decay before our very eyes. If we don’t address this reality today, America is destined to become a third world country tomorrow. 

The future and stability of America begins in the heartbeat of our educational institutions. We need to ensure that our youth do not
continue to be processed as damaged products. We need to make a commitment to repair and put on course an American vision that mirrors the hard work and sacrifices that our youth must make in order to ensure a successful journey in their lives.  

Based on the above sentiments, “An Educational Pledge” is designed to assist the individual student become aware of his/her responsibilities in the process of becoming a productive member of the world, as well as learning the concepts of values and standards to help guide them in their life’s journey. 

An Educational Pledge was written in 1992 and has been widely utilized and adopted by many community groups and organizations in their work with young people. It has also been widely published in newspapers and magazines throughout the country.  

We need your help and support to make it available to families and students. The Educational Pledge is purely educational and it does not interfere with one’s religious beliefs or customs. The purpose of “An Educational Pledge” is to guide the young mind to understand positive concepts essential to his/her growth and development as a human being. 

By purchasing our Educational Pledge T-Shirts, you are making a commitment to share and spread the positive message and help us change the world by placing strong emphasis on the war against ignorance. 
In the near future, we hope to introduce you to other products featuring “An Educational Pledge.” Stay with us, support our products, and help us change the world ---- one person at a time. Contact us and share your ideas and suggestions.

Sincerely,

Alberto O. Cappas

A Few comments about Cappas’ work:

A great book for our youth -- Angelica Aquino
The educational pledge is a reflective tool to help anyone, both young and old. It allows one to take a step back to move on and to understand the impact of actions and omissions. Give someone the gift of self-empowerment and self-realization by sharing the questions and the ultimate answers that come with such quest. It is a life time gift, it truly transcends generations. I encourage parents, educators, young people and everyone to share the book with their friends and loved ones. I think this book makes a wonderful staff development and parent and pupil, student and teacher conversation facilitator. It is a conduit for personal growth. – Angelica Aquino, Attorney, Washington Heights, NY

A Challenging Book – Rafael Rodriguez
An Educational Pledge is a most read book for all. I truly recommend it, and Mr. Cappas insightful and clear message is one that will motivate everyone to start "thinking outside the box”. If you are looking for your next book to read or as a gift, this would be a great and lasting investment.  -- Rafael Rodriguez, President of the July 4th, 1899 Foundation, Queens, NY

I could feel the force of the waterfall in your words – Anthony Camacho
Words are the most constructive or destructive instruments to nurture or discourage the potential in every child. I really appreciate the gift that God has given to you to express this truth. I could almost feel the force of the waterfall in your words. I can relate to the feeling - so overwhelming."
Anthony Camacho, Educator, Higher Education Counselor, New York 

I’ve used the educational pledge on many occasions – Pedro Cordero
Cappas’ writing comes from the heart and the soul. Cappas truly captures the everyday people's hopes, dreams, and fears. I ’m fortunate to know him - as a friend and as a poet"
Pedro Cordero, Child Care Administrator & Educator, Bronx, NY 

Your writing is a reality check – Elaina Silva
You are a very deep and thought provoking writer - a reality check as well. Your talent shines through your work. I intend to read many more. Thank you!"
Elaina Silva, Writer, California 

Right Feelings into your words -- Beverly
"I'm a teenager in today's society. It's not easy to always keep your goals in front of you. I've lost touch with some of my goals; thank you for reminding me of them. You put the right feelings into your words. Keep it up!"
Beverly, Poet/Writer, from the starlitecafe.com website 

Writer’s Digest:
….I have seen first hand how many students fall through the public-school cracks and the best way to insure against this is to empower each student to become more accountable for his or her own education and commit to it well beyond the classroom. In essence, Cappas establishes a great deal of credibility in relating his own story and how he pledged himself not just to education and learning as a way of life, but the importance of balance, commitment, and courage as one of the surest paths to personal fulfillment…..