CEOS has been operational since August of 2009. However, its official launch took place on October 16, 2009 on the steps of the Department of Education on Maryland Avenue in the District of Columbia, first day of its first National/International Weekend of Hope and Inspiration. A representative group of planners, well-wishers and press gathered with posters as CEOS founder Bertram Melbourne outlined the proposed contributions, and his intended hopes and aspirations for the organization. Armed with the statistics on the dramatic decline of males in college in the US and around the world, Melbourne said he was pleased with the increase in female representation in college population but was disturbed by the dramatic decline among males. Thus, the objective of CEOS is to work on bringing males back to college campuses while continuing to encourage the gains being made by females. The intent of the organization is to begin a process of mentoring and motivation for boys at the elementary school level that would influence them to make graduation from college a life’s goal. This movement will include women who will be asked to pray for the boys and young men who are being mentored as well as for the men who are doing the mentoring.

                Reports on the activities that took place on the rest of the National/International Weekend of Hope and Inspiration for boys and young men suggest that it was successful in several locations. In the US and other countries of the world, people prayed on Saturday and Sunday that boys and young men would again take graduation from college seriously and make it a life’s goal. Additionally, some schools held activities on Monday October 19 to encourage male students with the objectives of the initiative. A CEOS litany was also read. We thank everyone for his./her support and cannot wait for the Second Annual National/ International Weekend of Hope and Inspiration. See you on Octobert 8 - 10, 2010.