EDUCATION INNOVATION

By advocating for nondiscriminatory education standards and equitable allocation of resources, we champion a comprehensive educational experience for all students across Missouri from the classroom to the school board and beyond.

WHY WE FIGHT

Every child deserves an educational experience that supports their intellectual, physical and emotional well-being and bolsters their success. Unfortunately, income inequality, damaging legislation, and discriminatory treatment in the school system prevent many students of color from accessing that experience in Missouri.


To ensure that every student in the State has the opportunity to reach their full potential in the classroom and beyond, we must be steadfast in our commitment to address the systemic barriers intrinsic to modern education that hold our students of color back.


This challenge is not limited to calling out and eliminating racism and discrimination in the classroom. It extends to advocating for students, parents, staff, administrators, school boards, and other decision-making bodies in all educational settings across the state. It involves pressuring legislators to enact policies that protect the sanctity and stability of our educational institutions as safe spaces for learning, for developing, for curiosity, and for critical thinking. It includes taking legal action to protect our community from harms administered by schools and educational systems. And it requires a community.

WHAT WE'RE FIGHTING FOR

SCHOOL BOARD ADVOCACY


In addition to the biased experience Black children and other children of color face in classroom settings and in interactions with administrators, parents, teachers and community members have experienced opposition from school boards across Missouri when advocating for an end to school discrimination. We challenge school districts to embrace DEI, not eliminate it.

SUPPORTING CHILD DEVELOPMENT


The parents and children of our community deserve access to the resources and support they need to keep their families safe and healthy. A family and community that provide for and encourage the physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being of its youth contribute to stronger academic performance and better life outcomes.

COLLEGE & WORKFORCE SUCCESS


We support the progression of every student as they strive to fufill their dreams and pursue what matters to them. Whether they choose higher education or dive straight into the workforce, they deserve access to affordable pathways to continued education and vocational training. It is imperative that economic thriving and not be stymied by saddling students with educational debt.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

We are pleased to provide you with information about other organizations and programs working in the Education Innovation space. These programs are in full alignment with the values and goals of the Missouri NAACP, and we are honored to lift them up.

ALPHA PHI ALPHA HBCU TOUR

2024 Missouri NAACP President's Award Winner

We proudly recognize Don Maxwell and the organizers of the annual Alpha Alpha HBCU College and University Tour for their unwavering dedication to the future of young Black scholars. This award highlights not only the creation of a pathway for these scholars to matriculate into historically Black colleges and universities but also celebrates the opportunity for the brightest minds in Missouri and Kansas City to witness leadership at its finest.  Through the efforts of Alpha Phi Alpha and the men who strive daily to uplift our youth, a legacy of excellence is being built. These tours are more than just visits; they are moments of inspiration that encourage our young leaders to dream big and pursue higher education with a sense of purpose and pride.


We encourage anyone with a scholar in their household to look into the program. Let's keep our HBCUs strong.

SCHOOL BOARD ADVOCACY TOOLKIT

Advocating for yourself (or someone else) as a student  parent, a teacher or staff member, an administrator, or a school board member can be a difficult process to navigate. We are developing a suite of resources designed to assist you in that endeavor and ensure you have the necessary tools to interact with the educational system effectively.


Please check back soon to access these resources.

Dr. Ayanna Shivers

MEET THE EXPERT

DR. AYANNA SHIVERS

Education Committee Chair, Missouri NAACP

Assistant Professor of Education, Lincoln University

Director for the Center for Teaching & Learning, Lincoln University

MEET DR. SHIVERS
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