Hall Pass Tour Gives Paterson Students Access to College

Organized by the Paterson Community Schools Corps AmeriCorps Program, the Hall Pass Tour is a series of high energy, after-school concerts presented by the national, non-profit organization College for Every Student (CFES). These concerts use music to advance access to and awareness of higher education to our youth by providing a creative space for communities to support their youth at underserved schools.

The Hall Pass Tour allows students to take the lead and perform alongside the Hall Pass headliners. This year, independent artists J. Renee, Scienze, and DJ Kraff Swagger performed at two schools with lyrical messages that spoke of the benefits of attending college. On December 8th, the Hall Pass Tour performed at School #5 and on December 9th, 2011, from 6pm—8pm it descended on International High School and Garrett Morgan Academy. Each event was hosted by a student and the concert included a dance performance from the International High School Dance Team and a vocal performance from a GMA student.

The goal of the Hall Pass Tour is to provide resources for students to gain access to higher education. The show’s message engages students in three high-impact practices—Pathways to College, Mentoring, and Leadership through Service. The end goal is to provide access to college for every student.

The event was a smashing success with over 100 students attending both events at School #5 and International High School. Four students won achievement awards and a GMA teacher was selected for an award for his commitment to the Great Falls Teen Center’s Mixed Martial Arts Team.

View Garrett Morgan Academy Hall Pass Tour photos.

View School 5 Hall Pass Tour photos.