First annual student premiere & awards presentation

Paul Haaga of The Capital Group Companies accepts ICI’s Public Service Award

Inner City Industry (ICI) hosted its First Annual Student Premiere and Scholarship Awards Presentation June 6th 2004 at California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). The Student Premiere was hosted by Telma Hopkins of UPN's Half and Half along with Lamman Rucker of daytime soap As the World Turns. The duo honored Paul Haaga Executive Vice President of The Capital Group Companies with ICI's Public Service Award and Dr James. E. Lyons President of (CSUDH) with ICI's Community Service Award. This annual fundraising event was created to celebrate the achievements of disadvantaged youth in the inner city. The Student Premiere is a culmination of discussions through ICI’s Therapeutic Behavioral Mentoring Program in which students in focus group sessions address issues of peer pressure, anger management, labeling and identifying support groups.

Dr. James Lyons President of Cal State University Dominguez Hills accepts the organization Community Service Award

Participants of the program then write short stories based on personal experience during the Educational Enrichment Program. Student’s personal experiences are brought to life through artistic expression. “ICI’s Academic Achievement Initiative teaches responsibility through creative arts and encourages students to become leaders in their community” states Bruce Wheatley, President of the organization.

Inner City Industry has implemented a logical and productive after-school program that is sure to assist the organization in accomplishing its mission to inspire students toward academic excellence and to promote successful change within the community they reside, by each one teaching one. ICI programs are non-threatening and embrace the desires of today’s youth culture. Finally there is a system in place that will celebrate the accomplishments of today’s youth and truly bridge the gap between Hollywood and the Inner City.