The Thurgood Marshall College Fund to Hold Civic Responsibility Conference, February 15 - 17, 2011

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Thurgood Marshall College Fund's (TMCF) Civic Responsibility Conference (CRC) is a national program designed to empower public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students to succeed in the legislative process. From Tuesday, February 15th through Thursday, February 17th, TMCF Scholars will introduce Members of Congress to the scholarship, programs, and policy/advocacy initiatives TMCF will propose to the 112th Congress.

For 3 days, TMCF Scholars will gain a deeper understanding of the Constitution's design for democracy, and the rights of every citizen to bring concerns about the laws of our country before the three branches of our government.  Scholars will participate in workshops on how citizens exercise their First Amendment rights, as well as attend legislative meetings with congressional representatives and/or their staff.  "I am excited to provide our TMCF Scholars an educational experience about the function of our Constitution and their role as citizens within our democracy. To bring TMCF Scholars before Members of Congress is something I know Justice Marshall would approve of," said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., Thurgood Marshall College Fund President & CEO.

TMCF realizes that "Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders" involves more than just the classroom – it involves practical real life experience.  Through the Civic Responsibility Conference, TMCF provides its Scholars with the opportunity to not only see Congress at work firsthand, but to be a part of the legislative process.  It also allows Congressional members to meet with TMCF member school students to hear the importance of the role public HBCUs play in educating our nation's future leaders.

ABOUT THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Inc. (TMCF), named for the U.S. Supreme Court's first African American Justice, was established in 1987 and represents the nation's 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities, 6 law schools (HBCUs) and the 235,000 students matriculating on their campuses. With TMCF member schools educating approximately 80% of all students attending HBCUs, the organization's work is critical to guaranteeing our country a robust and diverse pipeline of talented workers and future leaders. TMCF achieves its vision of Changing the World . . . One Leader at a Time by focusing on three areas: Scholarships, Capacity Building & Programmatic Support, and Public Policy & Advocacy.

TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable organization.  For up-to-the-minute information about TMCF and its initiatives, visit www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org.

SOURCE Thurgood Marshall College Fund