15th Anniversary Gala, Amazing Night!
Saturday, Oct. 22nd was an amazing night celebrating 15 years of remarkable impact on the education of Black students. We honored individuals including board members, strategic advisers, research legends, partners, ambassadors, friends and investors who since our founding in 2001 to today have been critical to our success. Check out the video we unveiled at the Gala which highlights our Scholars and the culturally rich and cutting edge STEM work we do to prepare them for success in college, career and life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9oHH9LdLsc&sns=em
More images, information and inspiration from the Gala is on the events page.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9oHH9LdLsc&sns=em
More images, information and inspiration from the Gala is on the events page.
Executive Director’s Corner
Disruption as a Moral Duty
I grew up with privilege. While my parents were far from wealthy and were blue collar workers, they still managed to give us many opportunities that other Black, White, Asian and Latino families did not have when I was growing up in the 1960’s. Every summer for about 7 years, we took a major trip either to Yosemite, King’s Canyon or Sequoia national parks in California or across the country by car to New York (twice) and once even into Canada.
We camped! My parents moved to a middle class suburb (Pomona, CA) when I was 7 years old and I attended local public schools there through 12th grade and had all White teachers who were my cheerleaders and champions. Two high school ones (Mr. Lahar and Mrs. Brink) were the American Field Service (AFS) advisers who nominated me for study in France for one year. I won that scholarship and had a life-changing experience. Upon return from France, I attended a local community college (Mt. SAC) for two years, earned an AA in English, transferred to Pitzer College, earned a BA in English, then earned my first MA degree at Stanford through its Teacher Education Program (STEP).
Why am I sharing all of this?
Looking back on my early life, I realize that I was far from rebellious or disruptive of the status quo. While Watts burned less than 40 miles from where I lived and I had cousins who actually lived there during the riots, I was still largely sheltered from the conditions that caused my people to erupt in rage.
A few days ago, I read a powerful article entitled “When Oppression is the Status Quo, Disruption is a Moral Duty” written by Bree Newsome, the woman who climbed up the flag pole and pulled down the Confederate flag in Columbia. I realized that I have been a Disrupter all of my adult life, even though I grew up with privilege. In this column next month, I will share more details.
I grew up with privilege. While my parents were far from wealthy and were blue collar workers, they still managed to give us many opportunities that other Black, White, Asian and Latino families did not have when I was growing up in the 1960’s. Every summer for about 7 years, we took a major trip either to Yosemite, King’s Canyon or Sequoia national parks in California or across the country by car to New York (twice) and once even into Canada.
We camped! My parents moved to a middle class suburb (Pomona, CA) when I was 7 years old and I attended local public schools there through 12th grade and had all White teachers who were my cheerleaders and champions. Two high school ones (Mr. Lahar and Mrs. Brink) were the American Field Service (AFS) advisers who nominated me for study in France for one year. I won that scholarship and had a life-changing experience. Upon return from France, I attended a local community college (Mt. SAC) for two years, earned an AA in English, transferred to Pitzer College, earned a BA in English, then earned my first MA degree at Stanford through its Teacher Education Program (STEP).
Why am I sharing all of this?
Looking back on my early life, I realize that I was far from rebellious or disruptive of the status quo. While Watts burned less than 40 miles from where I lived and I had cousins who actually lived there during the riots, I was still largely sheltered from the conditions that caused my people to erupt in rage.
A few days ago, I read a powerful article entitled “When Oppression is the Status Quo, Disruption is a Moral Duty” written by Bree Newsome, the woman who climbed up the flag pole and pulled down the Confederate flag in Columbia. I realized that I have been a Disrupter all of my adult life, even though I grew up with privilege. In this column next month, I will share more details.
CAAAE Highlights
CAAAE Launches a Black Male Initiative!
On January 28, the CAAAE hosted its first-ever Beyond Mentoring Day at Mt. Pleasant High School in San Jose.
Approximately 150 high school and 50 middle school Black boys attended and were treated to an amazing few hours of African drumming, spoken word, advice on how to deal with police encounters, and a Black history immersion experience.
On January 28, the CAAAE hosted its first-ever Beyond Mentoring Day at Mt. Pleasant High School in San Jose.
Approximately 150 high school and 50 middle school Black boys attended and were treated to an amazing few hours of African drumming, spoken word, advice on how to deal with police encounters, and a Black history immersion experience.
The highlight of the day was a riveting presentation by the brilliant Tony Browder. As a result of that day, the CAAAE has partnered with Oriki Theater to offer a 10-month Rites of Passage program featuring Mr. Browder. Melody Hames will offer a companion program for Women of the Village and Keith Hames will offer a companion program for Men of the Village.
Invest In The Future
Make A Difference Today For The Next Generation of STEM Leaders
The CAAAE is always seeking ways to encourage others to give to our important work. Your generous donation will help support our Dr. George Washington Carver Scholars Program in the economically-depressed Bayview-Hunter's Point neighborhood of San Francisco. This is a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) initiative.
Your generous gift will also support Project WORD (Working On Refining our Destiny), an intervention program for African American students located at Oak Grove High School in San Jose. The program provides academic tutoring and a regular place where students can find emotional support in a nurturing and culturally informed environment.
The philanthropic investment you provide makes a difference in the lives of the students we serve and prepares them to succeed in the classroom and in life. The next generation of STEM leaders will be ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow because of your commitment today. Thank you for investing in their future!
The CAAAE is always seeking ways to encourage others to give to our important work. Your generous donation will help support our Dr. George Washington Carver Scholars Program in the economically-depressed Bayview-Hunter's Point neighborhood of San Francisco. This is a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) initiative.
Your generous gift will also support Project WORD (Working On Refining our Destiny), an intervention program for African American students located at Oak Grove High School in San Jose. The program provides academic tutoring and a regular place where students can find emotional support in a nurturing and culturally informed environment.
The philanthropic investment you provide makes a difference in the lives of the students we serve and prepares them to succeed in the classroom and in life. The next generation of STEM leaders will be ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow because of your commitment today. Thank you for investing in their future!
You Can Change The World
Preschool Initiative
A recent RAND study of who is attending high-quality preschool in California showed that only 5% of African Americans do (14% of Latinos, 13% of low-income children, 12% of children whose mothers have high school diplomas or less). High-quality preschool is one where teachers promote language development and higher-level thinking (in addition to being engaging and emotionally-supportive).
These indicators are linked to school performance. The RAND study has shown that California has a school-readiness gap. This gap is the difference between children who have the pre-reading, pre-math, and social skills that help them enter kindergarten ready to learn—skills that a high-quality program helps develop—and those who do not.
A recent RAND study of who is attending high-quality preschool in California showed that only 5% of African Americans do (14% of Latinos, 13% of low-income children, 12% of children whose mothers have high school diplomas or less). High-quality preschool is one where teachers promote language development and higher-level thinking (in addition to being engaging and emotionally-supportive).
These indicators are linked to school performance. The RAND study has shown that California has a school-readiness gap. This gap is the difference between children who have the pre-reading, pre-math, and social skills that help them enter kindergarten ready to learn—skills that a high-quality program helps develop—and those who do not.
Media Release: STEM Innovation Award Winners
SVEF Names Four Leading Organizations
SAN JOSE, CA. – The Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) has named four leading organizations that promote STEM education as winners of its 2014 STEM Innovation Awards. The recipients of the 4th annual awards are the California Alliance of African American Educators, Green Ninja Program in San Jose, Ravenswood Makerspace Initiative in Menlo Park and the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley.
The organizations represent the nation’s top programs in STEM education with the goal of preparing students for college-level learning and eventually jobs that demand top technology skills. All offer hands-on, computer-based projects and workshops that teach children everything from STEM-focused filmmaking and coding to “design thinking” skills and robotics. Each will receive $5,000 to reinvest in their programs.
SAN JOSE, CA. – The Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) has named four leading organizations that promote STEM education as winners of its 2014 STEM Innovation Awards. The recipients of the 4th annual awards are the California Alliance of African American Educators, Green Ninja Program in San Jose, Ravenswood Makerspace Initiative in Menlo Park and the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley.
The organizations represent the nation’s top programs in STEM education with the goal of preparing students for college-level learning and eventually jobs that demand top technology skills. All offer hands-on, computer-based projects and workshops that teach children everything from STEM-focused filmmaking and coding to “design thinking” skills and robotics. Each will receive $5,000 to reinvest in their programs.
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Notable Quotes from the Event
"Wonderful event! It was exciting to see the awe on so many faces when the announcer spoke about our scholars! I was asked many questions about GSP and many were surprised that we had been around so long!"
—Millicent Rhetta, GSP Parent over 12 years in GSP
“I was grateful to be in a room with people from the community and large organizations being recognized and honored for their diligence in supporting education for the next generation …..it was very heartfelt”.
--Christina Thompson
"We are very proud to be a recipient of the SV[e]F Stem Innovation Award. It was truly inspiring to see all of the great work that can be achieved with community and industry partnerships."
—Kelli Jones
" I was surprised at how big the event was and how many industry heavy hitters were willing to commit funds for the various education programs in our area. During this short event I think they raised over $1M in funding. I was also proud to be a part of the GSP program and the way the program was presented and received by the audience. I was sitting next to a CA State Senator and he was in awe when it was announced that 100% of the kids that graduate from the program go on to attend college."
—Maurice Eglin, GSP Parent
"We are proud to provide our youth a unique opportunity to experience STEM in action . It is wonderful to see Debra Watkins and Gloria Whitaker Daniels honored as recipients of the SV[e]F Stem Innovation Award."
—Gina Hendy
The Greene Scholars Program (GSP)
Dr. Frank S. Greene Scholars Program
Founded in 2001 by Debra Watkins to help youth of African ancestry successfully complete a rigorous and innovative STEM education curriculum and serve as positive role models and contributors to their communities. Named after Dr. Frank S. Greene, Jr., an African American pioneer in Silicon Valley. As a long-term K-12 initiative, the Greene Scholars Program is designed to develop 21st century leaders with strong science/mathematics backgrounds coupled with innovation, entrepreneurial/leadership and problem solving skills.
The GSP has closed the achievement gap. You read it right! GSP sends 100% of those who successfully complete the program to college. This means that ALL of our students have passed the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), met the University of California's 'A-G' requirements for college admission, and graduated from high school.
Founded in 2001 by Debra Watkins to help youth of African ancestry successfully complete a rigorous and innovative STEM education curriculum and serve as positive role models and contributors to their communities. Named after Dr. Frank S. Greene, Jr., an African American pioneer in Silicon Valley. As a long-term K-12 initiative, the Greene Scholars Program is designed to develop 21st century leaders with strong science/mathematics backgrounds coupled with innovation, entrepreneurial/leadership and problem solving skills.
The GSP has closed the achievement gap. You read it right! GSP sends 100% of those who successfully complete the program to college. This means that ALL of our students have passed the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), met the University of California's 'A-G' requirements for college admission, and graduated from high school.
