(New York, NY- January 28, 2025- I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program today announces the Attendance, Academic, & Athletic Incentive Program (AAA). This initiative aims to empower New York City’s youth by rewarding excellence in school attendance, academic performance, and athletic engagement.

This Partnership addresses critical challenges like chronic absenteeism while fostering a culture of achievement, engagement, and resilience. This program will empower youth to achieve success by promoting consistent attendance, academic growth and athletic participation through encourangement, recognition and rewards, ultimately creating school environments where these elements are championed as interconnected pillars of student success.

The AAA Program features a unique school-based point system where students earn points for consistent attendance, strong academic efforts, and participation in extracurriculars. To combat truancy, the program includes mentorship opportunities, interactive events, and celebrity guest visits by figures like Jim Jones to motivate students and highlight the value of hard work. The initiative will launch in Harlem as a tribute to Jones’ dedication to his community and will expand to select New York City schools, blending mentorship, motivation, and engaging activities to inspire academic and personal excellence.

“Harlem is my heart, and the youth here deserve every opportunity to shine,” said Jim Jones, founder of VampCares. This program is about investing in our kids, giving them tools to succeed, and showing them that their efforts will always be celebrated.”

Renowned for hosting the largest annual youth empowerment event in New York City, the I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program has 20-year proven track record of fostering academic success, personal growth, and resilience in student. through a combination of mentorship, skill-building workshops, educational support, and community engagement, I WILL GRADUATE empowers young people to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. With a commitment to improving attendance, academic performance, and overall well-being, the program has positively impacted thousands of students. Its partnership with, Reebok, Nautica, Vince Camuto and VampCares will further expand its mission, bringing invaluable resources to schools in need and extending its reach to new audiences, ensuring even more students benefit from I WILL GRADUATE’S transformative impact.

“I am grateful to be partnering with Reebok, Nautica, Vince Camuto and VampCares on this initiative, said Tonya-Lewis-Taylor, Executive Director of I WILL GRADUATE. “Empowering our youth is at the heart of the work we do, and this collaboration will provide students with the tools, mentorship and resources they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are committed to continuing our work to ensure they have the support and encouragement to reach their fullest potential.”

The AAA Program is more than an initiative-its a promise to uplift, inspire, and transform the lives of New York City’s youth. By combining the influence of global brands, passionate leaders and community-driven programs, the partnership aims to create a brighter future, one student at a time.

About the Entertainers For Education Alliance, Inc./I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program

Entertainers 4 Education Alliance, Inc./I WILL GRADUATE (E4EA-IWG) headquartered in New York City, is a 501 (c)(3) founded by Tonya Lewis-Taylor and her husband, J.P. Taylor, have dedicated over 15 years to serving and empowering students, families and the community through their youth development programs, arts-in-education, college and career guidance, mentoring, parent engagement, school and community workshops, exciting events, and the use of multimedia platforms. We also enlist the talents, and resources of the music and entertainment industry along with prominent high-profile individuals to stress the importance and coolness of being educated- “Smart is the New Cool.”

About Jim Jones & VampCares

Jim Jones is a Hip Hop Icon, television star, entrepreneur, and entertainment mogul, best known as a founding member The Diplomats. With chart-topping hits like “We Fly High” and “Pop Champagne,” Jim has expanded his influence into business, including ventures like VampLife Clothing, Vamp Fit, and his wellness brand. As the founder of VampCares, he is deeply committed to giving back to inner-city youth and fostering positive change. Jim’s most recent music projects include Back in My Prime and collaborations with EMPIRE, consistently earning critical acclaim. @jimjonescapo. VampCares is the philanthropic organization founded by Jim Jones, dedicated to empowering underserved communities. VampCares focuses on youth development, education, wellness, and mentorship initiatives. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and hands-on engagement, the organization works to uplift inner-city youth and provide resources that foster academic, personal, and professional growth. VampCares is committed to creating lasting change and inspiring the next generation to dream big, work hard and achieve greatness.

About Reebok

Reebok is an iconic and irreverent sports culture brand with a rich and storied fitness heritage dating back 1895. Founded on athletic footwear that changed the direction of sport, Reebok continues to introduce innovations that propel the industry forward. Today, Reebok sits at the intersection of active lifestyle and sport, offering high quality and modern styles that are adaptable for every occasion. The brand strives to deliver every athlete, from professionals to enthusiasts, with the opportunity, products and inspiration to reach their full potential. Reebok currently operates in 80 countries with approximately 400 freestanding stores around the world.

For more information, visit Reebok.com or for the latest news at News.Reebok.com. Discover Reebok on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

About Nautica

Drawing from the essence of the water and the currents of the world. Nautica is a global lifestyle brand creates style that’s iconic, yet modern and innovative in its fit, feel and function. Nautica is one of the most recognized American brands in the world, with over 70 categories including apparel, accessories and a home collection for men, women and children. Nautica is available in nearly 1,300 freestanding stores and shop-inshops in more than 30 countries worldwide, as well as on nautica.com.

Follow @nautica on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

About Vince Camuto

Vince Camuto is an aspirational lifestyle brand known for its signature craftsmanship and stand-out style. Sexy, bold and youthful, the acclaimed designer brand blends European styling with on-trend details and an element of sophistication. The brand has successfully transcended its distinctive women’s collections and today offers a broad range of products including footwear, apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as fragrance and home decor. The brand can be found in deparment stores and specialty retailers across North America and select international regions, as well as, on vincecamuto.com. Follow Vince Camuto on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:

For Jim Jones

Chanel Pettaway 917-690-0059 [email protected]

ForE4EA/I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program/Tonya Lewis-Taylor

Ayanna Camera 718-385-3133 [email protected]

The post I WILL GRADUATE Youth Development Program Introduces Attendance, Academic & Athletic Incentive Program appeared first on WE SPEAK MEDIA.

New York, NY — Today, Gotham Media Entertainment Network (GMEN), the music and entertainment subsidiary of Gotham Buds, proudly announces the release of its first original single, “Back In This Bitch” by Harlem-based rapper, Yezo Maybach. The accompanying visual masterpiece, Shot by Alex Schmoll, is now available on YouTube, marking Yezo Maybach’s impactful debut under the GMEN umbrella.

Reginald Yero Jones Jr., widely known as Yezo Maybach, has seamlessly woven his life’s musical tapestry into his unique sound. The son of a record shop owner and the nephew of Harlem’s own DJ Thoro, Yezo’s journey into music was inevitable. He refers to his dad as a musical encyclopedia who could identify the original samples of most modern songs. He recalls music being omnipresent during his upbringing, and his family provided the nurturing environment that laid the foundation for his musical prowess.

“There was never another plan but music for me,” says Yezo. “I want people to feel good when they hear my songs. Music has given me so much joy and love growing up, and I aim to bring back the feel-good music of my youth.” 

Dwayne White, the Head of Artist Relations at GMEN, talks about Yezo’s contribution to GMEN: “Yezo is a beacon of authenticity and talent. His dedication to his craft and his ability to infuse his personal journey into his music truly set him apart. We’re thrilled to have him join the GMEN family and look forward to supporting his artistic vision as he continues to make waves in the music industry.”

Experience the energy, passion, and undeniable talent of Yezo Maybach by tuning into “Back in This Bitch,” now available on YouTube. 

ABOUT GOTHAM MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK 

Gotham Media Entertainment Network (GMEN) is an entertainment and multimedia company headquartered in Harlem, New York. Established as a subsidiary of Gothman Buds, the first legal dispensary in Harlem, GMEN offers diverse audio entertainment ranging from radio broadcasts to podcasts to cutting-edge studio production. The company aims to support and promote emerging talent, nurturing them to become tomorrow’s icons. The roster is a constellation of flourishing talent, each with its voice and vision reflecting Hip-Hop’s evolving sound. For more information, visit www.gothambudsny.com/music-media. 

ABOUT GOTHAM BUDS 

Gotham Buds is the premier cannabis brand built by New Yorkers for New Yorkers. Located in the heart of Harlem, they offer one of the largest curated selections of homegrown cannabis and smoking accessories, luxurious apparel, and audio entertainment in NYC. Gotham Buds is committed to redefining the wellness landscape and making the transformative power of cannabis accessible. Learn more at www.gothambudsny.com.

PRESS CONTACT:
Kathleen Exantus, Gotham Buds
[email protected]
Bryanna Bell, GMEN
[email protected]

The post Gotham Media Entertainment Network Debuts Single from Yezo Maybach appeared first on WE SPEAK MEDIA.