Channel 3 is proud to present “Positively Kids: Transforming Cleveland’s Future” on Wednesday, October 24th at 8pm. This hour long special investigates Cleveland’s present economic health and shows a city that came back from recession earlier than most of the rest of the country and that has one of the nation’s lowest unemployment rates. The program also highlights that the same energy and commitment of people, banks, the philanthropic community, business and educational institutions is now being used to bring the Cleveland Metropolitan School District out of the doldrums. New leadership at the District developed a Transformation Plan that has unprecedented support from Cleveland’s Democratic mayor, Ohio’s Republican Governor, the Ohio House, the CMSD’s teachers union and many religious leaders. The Transformation Plan will require the backing of Cleveland’s voters to pass a levy that is on the November ballot.
This program fairly radiates optimism. From the city proper, to outlying suburbs; from city schools, to charter schools; from the world of business, to foundations, Cleveland is alive and well. And because of the quality of students shown in programs such as Youth Opportunities Unlimited and the Green Corps, the oft-maligned inner city youth emerges as someone who, when given a chance, becomes a winner.
The organization “Positively Kids” was founded by community leaders Ilana Horowitz Ratner and Mary Beth Cooper and is a year-round initiative that utilizes television specials and exciting new platforms to create greater awareness and encourage community support of programs serving children throughout Northeast Ohio.
“Positively Kids: Transforming Cleveland’s Future” is produced and directed by Emmy award winning documentarian Dennis Goulden, and it is the fifth in a series of programs on education that have been sponsored by Positively Kids and WKYC TV3. The first four - which aired between 2004-2008, raised awareness for children and their success stories from birth through workforce development.
