ADOPT A SCHOOL PROGRAM

Purpose

Maryland State Department of Education writes that, “the underperformance of our Black boys and young men is not a recent phenomenon. The overwhelming national, state, and local data regarding the underachievement of black boys is a historical concern and requires intentional and unapologetic action.“

VISION

As one of 14 AAEEBB (Achieving Academic Equity and Excellence for Black Boys) pilot
schools during the 2021-22 school year, Longfellow Elementary created various initiatives to create lasting change focusing on two specific recommendations:
Recommendation 1.3
Coordinate structured mentoring programs (adult male and/or peer mentoring) tailored to meet the social and emotional learning needs for identified Black boys in grades K-5
Recommendation 3.1
Provide professional learning to support the implementation of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy/Culturally
Responsive Teaching and Anti-Bias practices in classrooms and schools

Building on Our Mentoring Program

2021-2022 School Year

• 3 virtual and 6 in-person mentors participated in our program
• 18 students from grades 3, 4, and 5 participated
• Students participated in a myriad of activities including listening to keynote speakers, college visits, a weekly breakfast, bi-weekly karate instruction classes, etc.

2022-2023 School Year

• We would like 15-20 in-person Mentors
• 35-40 students from 3, 4, and 5 (A majority of students will be from 3rd grade)
• Additional activities could include walking groups, greeting groups at arrival and
  engaging our students at recess and/or lunch
• Increased emphasis on providing keynote speakers/presenters from the community on various topics of interest.

Career Planning and Mentoring Programs

In an effort to promote academic achievement, the KAPSF sponsored several Career Planning and Mentoring Programs for Howard County youth. KAPSF worked closely with the Howard County Public School System in planning these programs.

The objectives of these programs were to provide freshman and sophomore high school students with an overview of the various available career opportunities, the requirements for these careers, and the importance of planning for the future now. The themes for the first and second programs were “Prepare for the Future Now, Don’t Get Left Behind – Do It” and “Building Blocks for Tomorrow”. The Program consisted of a series of panel discussions and workshops, which provided students with information on various professions and business career options. The workshops offered gave students the opportunity to interact with experienced professionals in the fields of law, medicine, health sciences, engineering, education, computer science, information technology, business/finance, vocational/technical, public and government services, and the armed forces. University personnel also gave presentations. 

How to Pay for College Seminars

The KAPSF sponsored seminars that were held in the high schools in the evenings which afforded the parents the opportunity to attend. The seminars were very well attended by parents and students. The seminars which were open to the public at no charge, featured college admissions and financial aid counselors and were in keeping with our goal of furthering educational opportunities for Howard County youth. They featured panel discussions on various financial aid programs that are available to students interested in furthering their education. Representatives came from state and community colleges, public and private universities, proprietary schools, military academies, scholarship services, foundations, financial institutions, and other government agencies to offer information about post-secondary programs. Seminars educating families about financial assistance are extremely beneficial and highly successful. 

Guide Right Youth Mentoring Program – Kappa League

The KAPSF provided financial support and guidance to the Guide Right Youth Mentoring Program, the Kappa League, administered by the Columbia, MD Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. The Kappa League provides opportunities to young black male students in the 6-12 grades with leadership development, community service, post-secondary and career exploration, life skills training, and exposure to professionals that provide them with individualized support within a group mentoring setting. The seven phases of the Kappa League include Self Identity/Purpose, Training, Competition, Social Awareness, Health Education, Economic Empowerment & Education, and College & Career in its content and purpose.