Developing Tomorrow’s Professionals (DTP) was founded in 2006 by Dr. Stephen Hoag, Connecticut State Department of Education.  DTP is a program of instruction, training, support, leadership and mentorship designed to address the needs of young men of color (Black and Latino) and prepare them for academic success from high school to college.  DTP was developed on the premise that mentoring and academic support aids in the development of Black and Latino youth while ensuring their high school and college success and matriculation. 

 After competing against students from various high schools in Connecticut to fill 50 slots, the following six Eli students were chosen to participate in the DTP program:  Eric Cannon, Wayne Hammond, Dontrel Latta, Joel Suarez, Erik Vazquez and Elliot Velazquez.  These young men have completed a ten week phase of academic skill building at Southern Connecticut State University during the summer. 

On September 15 a recognition celebration was attended by DTP students along with Mrs. Becton, Eli Whitney DTP coordinator and Vanessa Sosa, Eli Whitney staff member.  The celebration honored DTP students, academic mentors, professional mentors and the DTP leadership team. At the ceremony each of the students were given a free laptop for use in their classes.  One of the program expectation is that the students use their computers in class for the purpose of engaging in the Cornell Note Taking System. 

Eli Whitney's DTP Students expressed the following about being part of the program.

Dontrel Latta:  (Through DTP) "I feel that I am a few steps ahead of the rest of the students at my school.  This ensures the possibility of me being valedictorian of my class as well as scholar athlete."

 Wayne Hammond:  "The DTP Principles of a Man have already been integrated into my life, especially becoming a man of discernment.  I have already begun to rearrange my life using the time management skills, putting my time into overdrive.  Time is lost daily and we can’t take it back so I must manage my time to its greatest benefit and to help me achieve my goals.  Hoag touched us and made us realize what we are, and what we can become.  I want to grow up and become a great father."

Eric Vasquez:  "Leadership includes constantly trying to improve something for the good of other people.  A leader must be committed and of strong faith are committed to what they are doing.  A man of faith will not be defeated easily, standing up for other people in every situation.  Leaders always challenge themselves mentally, physically, and emotionally; and they always have victory in their mind."

We congratulate our Eli Whitney DTP students and look forward to a continued partnership with the DTP program.