Launching Educational Assistance Programs Forward

(Scholarship Program) - We awarded 57 scholarships with $60,000+ expended to deserving students. Held an in-person Scholarship Reception, our first since the pandemic. The celebration program was held at a local church to a standing room only audience and Dr. Annica Wayman Associate Dean for UMBC Shady Grove Affairs delivered the dynamic keynote address. The Bowie State University Gospel Choir provided entertainment. We invested in a scholarship website and applications were able to be processed through this tool. (www.leapforwardscholarships.org). We invested in a communications and database tool (Network for Good) that has allowed us to operate more efficiently. The tool is being used for communications with our scholars. In 2023, all the recipients received a minimum of $1,000 and school materials in backpacks were distributed to incoming college first-year students. Thirty students are pursuing STEM majors, including nursing. We were entrusted with five additional memorial scholarships for Patterson, Costley, Boyd, Bell, and the Mastermind Group were all awarded in 2023. We now manage thirty-five scholarships. In 2023, we added four more memorial scholarship families (Sealy, Hicks, Gray and Martin). Throughout the year, students were informed of internship and other scholarship opportunities.

(C.A.S.H. NSBE Program) - Continued facilitation of the Pre-College Initiative membership program in collaboration with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) for 80+ underrepresented ethnic youth exposing them to careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and technology (STEM), the Youths were provided: (1) In-person STEM monthly sessions; (2) Exposure to the Southern Maryland Autonomous Research and Technology facility and laboratories (3D printing, electrical and mechanical engineering); (3) virtual Math tutoring; (4) Exposure to Guest speakers representing diverse STEM Fields such as NOAA where students built and tested remotely operated vehicles. (5) Participated in STEM competition teams including FIRST LEGO robotics, Kidwind (wind energy), coding, and math competitions; started aerial drone teams and resumed our participation in the TEN80eduation.com race car competitions (Won first place in the DMV challenge). (6) Returned to the NSBE national conference in Kansas City and participated in numerous competitions. Prepared to also compete at the national conference in Atlanta. Utilized staff at the SMART building and other STEM professionals, the students participated in 4-month project to design windmills. Several students also took advantage of an opportunity to participate in a flight training program. With seven graduating seniors, five pursued STEM majors. Held a successful 10-year anniversary banquet and celebrated the accomplishments of the students. Sponsorships provided over $17,000 in additional revenue. The anniversary was featured on the news by anchor Allison Seymour who served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Several popcorn fundraisers were also held to increase revenue.

(LEAP Forward, MHHA Historical Exhibits, & Destined4Success Program) - Continued offering educational services for disadvantaged and underrepresented ethnic youth that included the following objectives: (a) Promoted the awareness of career opportunities in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; (b) Provided access to college planning assistance; (c) Provided mentoring and tutoring service; and (d) Increased cultural awareness of African American history and contributions. Objectives were implemented by the following activities: (1) Provided cultural awareness to over one thousand students at 5 high schools (Huntingtown, Calvert, Northern, Thomas Stone, Suitland and 1 middle school - Milton Somers). Exhibits were also provided at community events and a local church. Expanded the display to include the rich history of local Calvert County residents in our Local History Makers and Local Living Legends exhibit. At three of the high schools, we conducted an essay contest that allowed the student body to view over fifty pieces of Art and were asked to select their favorite piece and write a short essay about their reflection. Responses were so uplifting as we believe students gained new knowledge and insight. We gave $1180 in awards. (2) Recipient of the Maryland Shine operational grant for the second year in a row to continue overall nonprofit operation. Funding allowed for the procurement of marketing and IT tools as well as other needs such as zoom, text and call system, management system, storage, and professional services. Our Destined4Success girls mentoring program continued virtually and in person with diverse workshops and support. The lunchtime mentoring programs, at Calvert High School, continued to thrive and supported sixteen underrepresented female students to include 6 graduating seniors. Sessions held this year included presentations on the teaching profession, resume and essay writing skills, college planning, goal setting, budgets and financial planning and a visit by the Calvert County Superintendent of Schools. Destined4Success led the school's African American History presentations by providing morning video highlights and served as ushers for the exhibit.