Small academy makes big difference

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Ruth White insists that Cedar Rapids is a place where closing student achievement gap is doable.

And for 22 years, The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success, which she founded to benefit African-American high school students, has worked to help close that gap - and more. “Our broader goal is developing people for dealing with life. The gap doesn't need to exist ... but test scores are not the full measure either,” she told us recently, while preparing for the academy's fifth annual benefit tribute, set for Thursday at the African American Museum of Iowa.

A salute to the academy and its efforts also is in order.

With an annual budget of under $80,000 for its six-week summer run, the academy's limited staff hasn't tracked long-term data. Still, the program, supported by the public school district, foundations and corporate sponsorships, has doubled its participation to about 50 each summer. And there are mighty results among its 700-plus alumni.

Several grads from the early years told us of the academy's effectiveness. Improved academic discipline. Deeper understanding of culture and history. Challenges to pursue higher goals. More parental involvement.

“You got a sense of pride and a feel for you history, not just when Africans arrived in America in shackles but ... the history of Africans long before the shores of America,” said Karl Cassell, Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission director.

Stephanie Bowers, director of the Iowa City Human Rights Commission, recalls historical field trips to Chicago that “motivated me to pursue my goals” of going to law school and becoming an attorney, which she did.

Jason Edwards, a counselor at Jefferson High School, said his experience at the academy, where the teachers are African-American with expertise in culture and their academic disciplines, “helped me connect, especially as an African-American male.”

He's encouraged Jefferson students to consider the academy and says it remains relevant. “A lot of color lines have been crossed in today's kids. But academically, some stereotypes of blacks still exist on both sides. ... The academy helps challenge them to not just settle. It's about doing your best.”

The academy added cultural lessons for elementary students a few years ago. Some would like to see the program expand into the regular school year, perhaps as an evening option. White understands but wants to be sure the impact isn't diluted.

Making a difference for each student is the admirable priority.

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