Elementary school modeled after HBCUs opens in Jacksonville, Florida 

By Sheyla Fairley

The city of Jacksonville, Florida, opened a new elementary school inspired by historically Black colleges and universities in early October. Right now, the school is open to kindergarteners and first graders, but hope to add more grade levels each year until it reaches fifth grade.

As stated in a release, Becoming Collegiate Academy is a tuition-free “public-charter school uniquely positioned to mirror the experience of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) by providing a supportive, nurturing, and self-empowering environment needed for students to develop and affirm their cultural and academic identities.”

“Our focus is to create a community for all students to belong by focusing on building positive relationships, uplifting identity and culture, and preparing students for college and life,”shared Cameron Frazier, the school’s founder and executive director. “I whole-heartily believe that when every child feels seen, safe, and celebrated for the value they bring to the whole community they will develop into the best versions of themselves.”

Coppin State receives $3.7M Teacher Quality Partnership grant for its program

By Sheyla Fairley

According to an article, Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD, has received a $3.7 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education for its teacher-training program, Pathways to Professions (P2P), with the goal to “increase teacher diversity while also boosting student success in high-needs urban and rural schools across Maryland.”

“The Pathways to Professions Program builds upon the foundation of Coppin State University as a destination for training and cultivating quality educators, who then go on to shape the minds of our young people,” said Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D. “Through this program, we provide support and development opportunities for educators of diverse backgrounds, so they can, in-turn, help build brighter futures for their students, themselves, and their communities. We are developing a national model for how to prepare and retain great teachers by prioritizing their professional well-being. This is how we reverse the ongoing teacher shortage negatively impacting schools across our nation.”

Read the full article, here.

First female drum major at Norfolk State University

By Sheyla Fairley

Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA, senior and sociology major Quiara Jackson is the first female drum major to be crowned Cap ’N Soul of the university’s Spartan “Legion” Marching Band.

According to an article, being Cap ’N Soul gives Jackson “leadership over the team of about 250 staff and student musicians, dancers, and flags from states nationwide.”

“One of my main focuses when I was auditioning to be a drum major, I was telling people not only am I running for myself, I’m running to inspire other women to take on these positions,” she said. “We need more women in these leadership positions.”

For more information, read the full article here.

N.C. A&T creates courses for the MxD Learn Virtual Training Center

By Sheyla Fairley

North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC, and MxD Learn, the workforce development arm of MxD, a national digital manufacturing and cybersecurity institute, have partnered up to launch MxD’s Learn Virtual Training Center (VTC) with the courses developed by N.C. A&T’s Center of Excellence in Product Design and Advanced Manufacturing (CEPDAM).

According to an article, VTC is an “online platform where students, workers and employers can access a vast amount of information to assist with training, recruitment, content development and other professional development tools” while providing “remote and instant access to content in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning in digital manufacturing.”

“CEPDAM collaborated with A&T’s Extended Campus and other departments to develop cybermanufacturing curriculum toward a certification in smart manufacturing,” said CEPDAM Director Salil Desai, Ph.D. “MxD’s Virtual Training Center makes our courses like ‘Industrial Internet of Things’ and ‘Cybersecurity for Digital Manufacturing’ accessible to a national audience. This enhances our efforts to deliver cutting-edge education to the workforce.”

For more details, read the full article here.

Lincoln University senior serves as student liaison to the Jefferson City Council

By Sheyla Fairley

Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO, senior Octavia Ailsworth serves as the student liaison on the Jefferson City Council. With less than a year to graduate, she is currently studying chemistry and minoring in mathematics with her focus on being a nephrologist, a doctor that specializes in kidney care.

As stated in a release, Ailsworth attends “council meetings, which are held every other Monday, and provides information to update council members and the public on university events and activities.” She was actually asked by LU president John Moseley to “serve as liaison” after hearing her “speak at the Honors Convocation.”

“I pretty much focus on providing a bridge between the community and Lincoln University,” said Ailsworth.