Edward DeJesus

Biography

Edward DeJesus Edward DeJesus, a Bronx native, is one of the most sought-after experts in the youth services field. With more than 20 years of experience, DeJesus brings his love for research, practice and youth culture to youth organizations and the young people they serve. DeJesus has addressed more than 300 youth service organizations and community groups, as well as over 75,000 young adults. In addition to his direct service experience, DeJesus has blended practice with policy and advocacy by working with the National Youth Employment Coalition to conduct research on effective programs that help youth acquire and maintain jobs (PEPNet). Using his position as Chair of the New York City Youth Employment Consortium, he fought for job training opportunities for high school dropouts. As a member of the Sar Levitan Center for Youth Policies at John Hopkins University and serving on the Task Force on Employment Opportunities for young offenders for the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, he increased awareness among policy makers on the needs of out-of-school youth.

DeJesus is the President and Founder of the Youth Development and Research Fund, Inc. (YDRF), the leading authority on urban youth employment and educational issues. Through advocacy, research and training, YDRF educates and empowers youth, youth service organizations and policy makers on how to create options beyond the streets. A sampling of Mr. DeJesus’ recent projects include: helping the National Youth and Employment Coalition identify and disseminate best practices in serving the educational and vocational needs of juvenile offenders; developing and creating the guidelines for the Source Youth Foundation; working with the Annie E. Casey Foundation to provide TA for a family-centered youth development initiative; training youth professionals from across the country through YDRF’s National Institute for Survival and Economic Self-Sufficiency on how to use urban youth culture to promote education and workforce development; working with the Mott Foundation to research and disseminate school standards and their application to out-of-school youth ; and working with the Youth Opportunity Grantees as a personal coach. DeJesus is also the author of “‘Makin’ It.” “Makin’ It” draws on DeJesus’ findings in interviews and group discussions with nearly 200 at-risk youth across the nation who beat the odds to get an education, obtain and retain a job and attend college, and is a best-seller with youth programs and educators across the nation.

DeJesus is particularly known for his ability to reach and capture youth and adult audiences. NPR’s Tavis Smiley says: “DeJesus has found a way to reach youth with the message parents and educators have been trying to convey for years: education and work experience makes a big difference.” The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, The Miami Herald and Black Enterprise Magazine have all run features on Dejesus’ work.

DeJesus received his BA from Fordham University and a M.S. from the New School for Social Research. He is a graduate of Rutgers University’s Center for Strategic Urban Community Leadership Program and a W.K. Kellogg Foundation National Fellow. Among other awards and honors, in 1993, New York City Mayor David Dinkins bestowed DeJesus with the Eli and May Rudin Community Service Award for helping youth to acquire and retain jobs. In 2003, The City of Miami Board of County Commissioners and Mayor Alex Penelas declared October 12th Ed DeJesus Day, honoring his work with South Florida youth.

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About Edward DeJesus | Bio | Presentations & Publications

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