The Pueblo African American Concern Organization, also known as PAACO,
is a grassroots, non-profit, diversified, organization that has been in
existence since the Fall of 1992. Our purpose is to provide
scholarships, mentoring, and tutoring to minority students in the
community of Pueblo who have these needs.
Our name reflects our origin. We were in 1992, and we remain in 2008-
concerned. We are concerned about the decisions too many of our children
are making. Decisions that often forever negatively impact their lives.
Decisions that may not be undone, and at best, may only be partially
remediated. We are concerned that too many of our children are not
achieving academically: concerned that too many are engaging in
behaviors which they are not cosmologically, emotionally, socially, or
economically prepared.
We are especially concerned that there are too few African American
students achieving in our current school system. And, as a result, very
few are enrolling in colleges and universities. We regularly remind
ourselves that when our children fail-we fail. Not only do they pay for
their failures, but we, the parents, the grandparents, aunts, uncles,
neighbors, businesses, the community. and ultimately, the taxpayer- we
all pay for their failures
PAACO is trying to interrupt what we perceive
as "counterproductive behaviors." We recognize that we cannot address
everything--but we are determined to address what we can.
We
are trying to provide options for the students in this community who
avoid behaviors which are self-limiting: options for the students who
are willing to apply themselves and stay in school: options for those
motivated to pursue a higher education if they had an identifiable
support system.
PAACO,
for nine years, has been one of those support systems. Our volunteer diverse group meets monthly to review how we can meet three potential needs in our children's lives Those needs are scholarships, mentoring and tutoring.
Since our inception in 1992, we have awarded more than 125 scholarships. In 1993 PAACO
awarded two (2) scholarships. We have increased the numbers each year.
This past spring we awarded thirty-one $1000.00 scholarships.
These scholarships were awarded to those students who succeeded in
avoiding those self-limiting behaviors, who remained in school. and who
maintained a G.P.A. of 2.0 or better. Our scholarships are awarded in
increments of $500.00 per semester.
If a student continues to meet the academic criteria and demonstrates a
financial need, we will continue to support them through graduation. PAACO total commitment to the student could amount to $4,000.00.
PAACO
appreciates the growing support we continue to receive from our
community. As you can see, your contributions have and continue to make
a difference in the lives of focused and motivated students.
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