Our award-winning African American Scholars Project (AASP) supports identity development, emotional well-being, and college readiness for students from the African diaspora in suburban communities.

Through AASP, students move from isolation to belonging. They find their voice. They begin to see themselves and their future—more clearly.

Over the past 10 years, AASP has served 1,100+ students, with an 85% college-going rate.

Why It Matters

Many Black students in suburban and predominantly white schools experience racial isolation—having limited access to peers, teachers, curriculum, and leadership that reflect their racial identity. For some students, this means being one of the only Black students in a classroom, honors program, or extracurricular space.

While Black students made up approximately 15% of U.S. public school enrollment in 2022, many still attend schools where representation, cultural affirmation, and belonging are limited.

Research shows that low racial representation in schools can increase feelings of isolation, stereotype threat, and emotional stress, impacting how students experience learning and community. UCLA’s Civil Rights Project also found that suburban schools across the U.S. are becoming increasingly segregated despite growing diversity.

That’s why AASP exists.

We are creating oasis communities where Black youth feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Your donation helps more Black students feel affirmed, equipped, and inspired to pursue their dreams every single day.

E.M.E.R.G.E is a year-long leadership and mentorship experience for Black high school students in California. This program is designed to help students grow in confidence, cultural identity, and community.

As students move through middle and high school, many continue navigating racial isolation, limited representation, and environments where they may not always feel seen or supported. E.M.E.R.G.E builds on the foundation of belonging created through programs like AASP by giving students continued mentorship, leadership development, and culturally affirming spaces during some of the most formative years of their lives.

Through mentorship, community-building, and hands-on learning, students strengthen the skills and self-efficacy needed to navigate college, career pathways, and leadership opportunities with confidence.

Why It Matters

Black students in predominantly white and suburban school districts often carry the emotional weight of being “the only one” in classrooms, leadership spaces, or advanced academic programs. Without intentional support systems outside the school system, these experiences can impact belonging, confidence, and long-term opportunity.

E.M.E.R.G.E exists to change that.

We are creating oasis communities where Black youth are affirmed in who they are, connected to mentors who reflect their lived experiences, and empowered to envision futures rooted in excellence, joy, and possibility.

Your support helps sustain transformative programs that ensure Black students are not just surviving educational systems—but thriving within them.

Through the Sisters Employment & Empowerment Network (SEEN), we create intentional spaces for mentorship, professional development, and sisterhood.

This work is rooted in care, connection, and opportunity. We are supporting Black young women as they navigate education, career pathways, and leadership.

Why It Matters

Research from the Economic Policy Institute found that Black women experienced some of the sharpest employment losses in 2025. Black women with bachelor’s degrees saw a 3.5 percentage point drop in employment rates, larger than any other education demographic.

This data is a reminder that higher education alone does not protect Black women from systemic workforce inequities and barriers to opportunity.

That’s why SEEN exists.

Through mentorship, community, and career support, we are helping young Black women build confidence, expand their networks, and envision futures where they can thrive personally and professionally.