Gary Payton To Address High School Graduates At YouthBuild Charter School of California

Online, June 26, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Gary Payton, a former NBA basketball player, will be the keynote speaker for the YouthBuild Charter School of California graduation this year. Congresswoman Diane Watson has been invited to attend YCSC's graduation ceremony as well. The graduation ceremonies will take place on June 29 at the McCarty Memorial Church in the West Adams district of Los Angeles at 4103 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, 90018. Ceremonies begin at 5:00 PM.

YCSC is a public charter high school that works exclusively with students who have not been successful in traditional school settings. These students come from the Los Angeles area and range from the ages of 16 - 24. Students with few or no options come to YCSC and are able to return to high school to earn their diploma, and to receive direction and support for their future plans in life.

Phil Matero founded YCSC in 2008 in hopes of giving at-risk youth a second chance at an authentic, engaging educational experience. The school implements a project-based approach to earning credits and relies heavily on progressive, research-based techniques to student-centered learning. In just 2 years, YCSC has grown to a total of 11 sites throughout Southern California and Fresno. YCSC is projecting continued growth in the coming years due to the alarming number of young people who are eager for the opportunities and services that YCSC provides.