G.I. City Statistics

Clearly I'm sure you all could tell that I have G.I. on the brain. I was just in town a week ago and was SHOCKED at what I saw. I didn't think the city could possibly get any worse, but it's looking pretty bad. So in my research, I've found some statistics from city-data.com. I'll continue to find more up-to-date stats because in my opinion, I really think it's gotten worse - especially with my generation of young adults - it's sad. Truth is I'm doing nothing to help, just like everyone else who moved away and now claim to be from "Chicago" come on now, I've got to do better.

Population (year 2000): 102,746
Population (year 2006): 97,715 (-4.9% change)

Median household income in Gary: $25,496 (was $27,195 in 2000)
Median household income in state of Indiana: $43,993

Median house/condo value in 2005 in Gary: $63,000
*note Gary, IN is about 30 miles (or less) from Chicago, IL
Median house/condo value in the state of Indiana: $114,400

Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2005: 34.2%

Races in Gary:
Black 84%
White (Non-Hispanic) 10.1%
Hispanic 4.9%
Other Race 2%
Two or more races 1.7%
American Indiana .7%

For population 25 years and over in Gary
High School or higher: 72.7%
Bachelors degree or higher: 10.1%
Graduate or professional degree: 4.0%
Unemployed: 14.9%
Mean travel time to work: 26.1 miles

Gary compared to Indiana state average:
Median house value below state average.
Unemployed percentage above state average.
Black race population percentage above state average.
Hispanic race population percentage above state average.
Foreign-born population percentage below state average.
Percentage of population with a bachelor's degree or higher below state average.

Can you interpret anything from these statistics? The goal is to translate these statistics into action. However, who knows where to even start? I've always thought that at the root of our problems is a lack of a solid educational foundation, not to mention lack of parental involvement for various reasons. However, it will take a huge effort to resurrect our school system. Students, parents, and faculty are all more than a bit disillusioned at this point. What can I possibly do to help?

I Need HELP!

Hello all - I'm at work so I'll be quick (excuse the typos). I've been in the process of writing a proposal for a government grant for a non-profit organization I'd like to start. To be honest, I'm generally pretty private about my personal business, but I need HELP! So, I'll give a little bit of background information.

I'm originally from Gary, Indiana (seen above), and went to an HBCU to study Computer Science. Throughout my studies, I noticed that there is a large disparity of African Americans (particularly African American women) studying within the fields of the Sciences and Mathematics (when compared to other races). As a prior member of an existing organization (known as the Louis Stokes Association for Minority Participation) I realized how helpful the organization was for young adults such as myself. Therefore, I decided to start a non-profit in my hometown that will provide students (grades 5-12) with an outlet to reach their dreams as well. There is a desperate need to get students more involved in their own education - specifically in areas of mathematics, science, and technology.

Ok, moving on...I won't get into all of the specifics, but I could really use a mentor to help not only with my grant-writing process, but also with helping me to get the organization off the ground and running. I need an entire business plan, some commercial office space, a board, etc. I must admit that it's a lot of work for someone who works full-time and is in the process of pursuing a technical certification for work (sucks). But this IS my passion and I want to make sure that my ideas are translated into an AWESOME non-profit center that may make a difference in the lives of a few kids in my hometown. HELP!! If you know of anyone who may be of assistance please respond with any references you may have. Thanks in advance, you have no idea how much I appreciate it.

Peace.