2023
SANKOFA SCHOLARS A Community Project Of The Athens AME Church Cluster, And Our Partners
Sankofa is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. The literal translation of the word and the symbol is “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.”
OUR MISSION AND PURPOSE Test results from the latest Georgia Milestones Assessment test indicates Athens/ Clarke County middle grade students are below state averages in language arts and math. 43% of our middle grade students were below reading level, compared to the state average of 29% with similar results in math and science. Students are more than test scores; and it is important to note that these scores should be interpreted in context due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Purpose The purpose of the Sankofa Scholars is to bridge the gap with a target group of middle schoolers in four areas: 1)academic enrichment, 2)civic engagement, 3)exposure to career opportunities, 4)travel, and adventure.
Mission Our mission is to fetch and engage a target group of middle schoolers who are at risk of being left behind. Working with them in a number of yearround activities designed for holistic development for the scholars and their families.
SANKOFA SCHOLARS C U R R I C U L U M Four Areas Of Focus
Academic Enrichment
Small-group instruction in math, science, and reading.
Civic Engagement Exposing scholars to the working of government.
Exposure To Career Opportunities An early look at opportunities in business, the public sector and entrepreneurship.
Travel And Adventure Sankofa Scholars will be infused with an adventurous spirit. Our DNA is to explore the world both near and far.
s r a l o h c S a f o k San
p m Ca
June 1-July 31
$250
For the entire summer! Scholarships Available
Academic Enrichment, Civic Engagement, Exposure To Career Opportunities, Travel, and Adventure.
For Middle School Students Grades 6,7,8
BUDGET AND FUNDING SOURCES Unrestricted Funding Unrestricted Funding $20,000 10,000
Individual Scholar Scholar Sponsorship Sponsorship 72,000 $72,000
Curriculum Investment Curriculum Investment 100,000 $100,000
TOTAL: $242,000
Camp Sponsorship Camp Sponsorship 50,000 $50,000
INDIVIDUAL SCHOLAR SPONSORSHIP
72K
We will seek people, companies, and organizations to sponsor a scholar at $3,000 per year x 24 = $72,000
CURRICULUM INVESTMENT
100K We will seek funding for each element of our curriculum at $25,000 per element. $100,000
CAMP SPONSORSHIP
50K We will seek contributions and inkind services to our summer camp combined with grants and other funding. We project to raise $50,000 for the 2023 camp.
UNRESTRICTED FUNDING
20K We will seek $20,000 in unrestricted funding for Sankofa Scholars efforts.
Project Scope Meeting on 11/28 Items to discuss: 1. NAME OF OUR EFFORT (Sankofa Scholars is currently the working title.)
2. ARE WE A SUMMER CAMP OR YEAR-ROUND EFFORT? Funding, curriculum, staffing would be different however, this is not an either-or choice.
3. SCHOLAR SELECTION 24 Scholars 12 boys, 12 girls four scholars each from grades 6,7,8. We will develop selection criteria.
4. BUDGET Proposal is included 5. Organization and liability 5. ORGANIZATION AND LIABILITY
Greater Bethel is launching a nonprofit to conduct community activities of the Maddox Center. Starting in 2023, the nonprofit will conduct a capital campaign to raise funds for the restoration of the historic Maddox Center Building. Additionally starting in 2023 the Maddox Center will kick off various community service programs in coordination with “Chess In Community” and other organizations in Athens/Clarke County. The Maddox Center nonprofit would welcome the opportunity to embed Sankofa Scholars into the nonprofit as one of its programs starting this summer. This adoption would provide Sankofa Scholars with community oversite, fundraising capabilities, staffing, liability insurance, and a physical location when the Maddox Center building restoration is completed by 2026.