What We Do
Since 2018, we have led the effort to empower young men of color to graduate high school & pursue college degrees.
Our Mission
To mentor young men of color to become high achieving students who are well prepared and ready for life after High School.
Black Diamonds Academic Success, Inc. was launched for the sole purpose of fighting the academic achievement gap and helping young men of color graduate from high school on time.
Our program primarily addresses three critical areas in order to be effective in our quest to close the achievement gap: attendance, homework and behavior.
It is our core belief that if we can get students to work consistently and intentionally in these three areas, we have an enhanced opportunity to succeed at getting them to graduate. We further believe that evidence of success will enable us to also move on to developing their character and raise their expectations.
Our program consists of weekly meetings where we will have discussions related to personal identity, development, and responsibility. Occasionally, we will have guest speakers who will share their life stories related to education and professional choices. As an alternative to a meeting, the young men will sometimes take field trips that will expose the participants to various life lessons and experiences. Another critical component of the program includes college visits and connecting with student organizations on campus.
Participants in the program include grade 9 through 12 and its inclusive of all levels of academic achievement, ranging from high achieving students to students that are at risk of dropping out. It is important that we are able to monitor grades, attendance, any behavior issues, graduation rates and college/trade school acceptance.
The goal of The Black Diamonds Academic Success program is exceptional academic achievement and the building of outstandingly motivated young men that will be recipients of many awards and scholarships.
“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.”
— Nelson Mandela
What We’ve Achieved
100% of Black Diamond members graduate from high school on time and they’re well prepared for life after high school.
We currently have 16 members who are college freshman and pursuing bachelor degrees.
We offer enriching experiences & college tours.
BDAS members gain access to networking events and guest speakers at private workshops.
BDAS members build character, integrity as well as a sense of pride by simply being affiliated.
All members participate in mandatory community service work.
