Urban Scholars Program

Program Overview

Our Urban Scholars programs are focused on addressing the literacy needs of youth of color in urban schools. More specifically, our premier programs, the Black Male Youth Academy and Janrah, both work to improve the academic outcomes of African American youth as well as help them develop critical consciousness, social awareness, physical health and well-being. Furthermore, we offer college preparation courses and programming (including college tours) to students throughout the community.

Improving Literacy through Action Research

Because we recognize the importance and value of literacy in education, we have decided to focus on improving literacy using innovative practices that engage youth in an exciting learning process.  In more simple terms, we help youth look at the world around them, figure out what can be made better and then teach them the tools to improve their community while they prepare for their own future.  This is why we are embedded in the school’s academic program and why we incorporate research as a tool within the educational experience.  When students want to figure out how to make their community better, we help them assess the problem (evaluate theory), seek input  (interview), document their learning process (documentary filmmaking) and propose solutions (PowerPoint presentations).  Through this process, students learn how to become better writers, gain skills as documentary filmmakers and engage in academic activities at the college level.  This type of engagement also links their activities to what they learn in their other classes such as mathematics, English, science and history.  Finally, we then help them develop a research plan that they present to potential collaborators to implement their ideas for change.  Click on our Research in Action tab to see what our youth are up to.

Our program coordinators are at the high school teaching our curriculum in partnership with certified teachers who also become research experts and community leaders.  It is represented by the following diagram:

Preparing Youth for College

We support our in order to help prepare them for college or to pursue post-secondary opportunities.  By learning how to conduct research, our youth demonstrate the capabilities need to be successful beyond high school. Additionally, our academic support efforts include:

• Academic preparation courses
• Individual academic planning
• Study habits development
• Technology access and training
• Basic academic skills development and tutoring
• Opportunities for civic engagement
• ACT/SAT test preparation
• Financial aid application assistance and scholarship opportunities
• Completing college applications, developing personal statements
• College tours

Our Academic Support Strategy

Our Academic Support Strategy focuses on monitoring student’s grades, assessing their academic need and providing the appropriate intervention strategy.  It is represented by the following diagram: