PROJECT SANKOFA

African american scholars project

OUR MISSION

The African American Scholars Project (AASP) is the cornerstone of Project Sankofa, a 501c3 non-profit organization. AASP is an award-winning, school-based educational program designed to address identity development, emotional wellness, and college preparedness for students from the African diaspora in suburban communities.

OUR GOAL

Our goal is to increase the percentage of students who matriculate into community colleges and four-year universities and create an environment to improve feelings of belongingness in suburban high school communities.

BECOME A SCHOOL PARTNER

The AASP Approach

FOR US . BY US. TO Us. THrough US.

PROJECT SANKOFA'S AASP PROGRAM IN SCHOOLS


Founded in 2016 by Dr. Maisha Beasley and Ashley Carter, M.A., the African American Scholars Project (AASP) was created to support African American students within the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District. Since then, AASP has expanded its reach across Northern California. 


In 2021, AASP became a signature program of Project Sankofa, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to helping African American students thrive. Recognizing the critical need for Black educators in racially isolated areas, Project Sankofa is committed to research, education, and resource provision for students and families."


We are evolving AASP to address current needs, including developing a pipeline for Black teachers through our Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW) program, in partnership with University of the Pacific's Benerd College. 


AASP offers culturally relevant curriculum adaptable for ELA or Social Studies, alongside family programs, wellness workshops, and college/industry visits. We seek partnerships with schools and districts committed to bringing student teachers through our NBEW program, ensuring comprehensive support for African American students.

What is the Next Black Educator Workforce?


We're committed to empowering both Black educators and students. Our program focuses on recruiting and retaining aspiring Black teachers—who currently make up just 6% of the U.S. public school teaching workforce (2020-21 data)—equipped to support all students with a multicultural curriculum and pedagogy. 


We also cultivate the agency of Black middle and high school students through relevant ethnic studies curricula and create pathways to college and career success with immersive experiences. Ultimately, we aim to build a sustainable student-to-teacher pipeline within our partner schools and districts.


NBEW's approach involves:

  • Building a pipeline of Black educators in 6th-12th grade schools 
  • Empowering educational leadership that positions Black educators as leaders in educational change.
  • Addressing systemic issues: Tackling challenges like urban planning's impact on education and rebuilding educational pipelines in underserved Black communities.

The organization's programs include:

  • High school Ethnic Studies courses: Taught by Black educators.
  • Credentialing and graduate studies opportunities: Enabling educators to become credential teachers while earning a master’s degree.
  • Social science and English Language Arts programs: Focused on critical thinking, equity, and justice.

LEARN MORE

"BLACK &..."


Project Sankofa builds an ecosystem of support for Black students in racially isolated communities through AASP, led by credentialing teachers from our NBEW program. Partnering schools receive:


  • Access to culturally relevant "Black &" curriculum
  • Facilitated workshops
  • Educational field trips

Implementation requires dedicated class time for curriculum integration and school commitment to supporting communication, programming, and field trips. While Project Sankofa oversees NBEW teachers, schools must provide on-campus support by pairing them with an administrator or teacher.

Family Engagement & College/Career Readiness


  • College & Career Exposure: AASP students gain exposure to and begin building connections with colleges and local industry sites that will assist in the formulation of their plans post-high school.
  • Wellness Support: An onsite counseling or social work professional is available to support AASP students' well-being through one-on-one, small groups, and on-call support.
  • Family Workshops: AASP facilitates quarterly workshops for the entire family. The workshops include a variety of opportunities and resources around community engagement and college awareness. 
  • Community Restorative Circles: Provide safe space for students to build, strengthen, and restore relationships through equal opportunity sharing and listening.

The Challenge

There is a misperception that the majority of African Americans are still living in urban city centers. Yet, more than half of all African Americans identify as living in a suburban community.


This means that in these communities, African Americans are often overlooked, marginalized, and under-resourced.


In schools, staff, teachers, and administrators are not reflective of, nor prepared to work in these increasingly diverse communities.

→ 54% of African Americans identify as living in a suburban community (2020).

OUR IMPACT

603

AFRICAN AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS


5

SCHOOL DISTRICTS SERVED

IMPACT SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE
  • An increase in academic achievement (i.e. GPAs and AP course enrollment)
  • 
  • A decrease in disciplinary interactions among AASP participants
COLLEGE READINESS

  • An increase in CSU/UC requirements met


  • An increase in college and university visits, as well as expanded workforce exposure opportunities, including job shadowing
ENHANCE CLIMATE & CULTURE
  • An increase in positive interactions with teachers, administrative, and staff
INCREASE SELF-EFFICACY & MOTIVATION
  • An increase in self-esteem & identity development



AASP was awarded in 2021 a Golden Bell award from the California State Board Association for its work in equity and access within the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD).



college & university partners

AASP is proud to partner with local colleges and universities who've invested in the success of our scholars by hosting campus visits, family programming events, providing workshop panelists, and more!

Check out our AASP Student Podcast

Graphic promoting the Spotify podcast, Black in the Burbs

The good, the bad the suburbs

Black & the Future

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Check out our Life After High School Series and other videos about AASP and Project Sanofa!

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