Creating a Future of Opportunity for African American Students 

EOS partners with schools nationwide to increase academic opportunities and maximize career and college readiness. A major component of this work is opening access to advanced courses for motivated students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, such as African American students.

For Black History Month, we asked leaders on our partnership team:

1. What needs to be done in education to create more academic opportunities for Black students? 

2. How are you working on creating such opportunities for these students? 

Read their responses below: 

Dr. Stacey Brown, Director of Learning and Development 

The field of Education must be more open minded and welcoming to the strengths that African American students bring, especially in advanced coursework and leadership roles. Being laser focused on a student’s deficits, and not acknowledging their talents, causes teachers to overlook their strengths. Each student brings a unique set of attributes, strengths and experiences to the classroom, which contribute value to group discussions, projects and presentations.

Educators who build strong relationships with their students learn to recognize these strengths and use them to inform their curriculum and teaching practices, so that ALL student’s voices and perspectives are welcomed, and they ALL can thrive. 

I am working towards realizing this vision by leading our teacher training and innovation work, which empowers teachers to enhance their classroom community so that they get to know their students on a personal level, identifying their strengths and nurturing their growth and development, so that they are academically successful and become responsible democratic citizens who work to make our society a more welcoming place. 

Kristin Ward, Senior Director of Partnership  

Our students possess a diverse wealth of knowledge, experiences, and skills that traditional educational settings do not always acknowledge. African American students thrive in environments that recognize and utilize these experiences and skills as foundational elements for learning and demonstrating mastery. Our students should have the opportunity to shape the future they will lead, and it is our responsibility as the leaders of today to recognize their genius, provide them with guidance and the tools they need, and then step aside to let them shine. 

I hope to leave a legacy that honors both individual and collective genius as a people. In my work now with EOS, I continue to encourage educators to not only accomplish goals but ensure that their students find joy and connection throughout the journey, which is pivotal to the African American experience. 

Jacqueline Greer, VP of Partnership 

I often reflect on how, in my education experiences, my history felt particularly invisible. I think it is absolutely essential that students see themselves represented in school, and we equip them to critically interrogate information they are receiving. Our mission focuses on promoting students’ critical thinking skills through providing access to rigorous coursework, which is THE point of education. 

African American achievement and innovation IS American achievement and innovation. EOS’ work is rooted in opening doors for all students and African-American genius has led to the invention of so many things, from the three-way traffic signal (Garrett Morgan, 1923) to the mRNA Covid vaccine (Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, 2020). The next generation of innovators are out there. We can’t allow lack of access and information to keep them away from the opportunity to reach their full potential and change the world. 

In my own journey, I had supportive parents who never ceased to advocate for me, and I think we at EOS are an additional support for those who have talent but not access. I always think of how many other students were missing from the classes I took, and I want to ensure that we are maximizing capacity for students in the over 26,000 high schools in this country. 

Candice Morris, Partnership Director  

I believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Offering advanced courses like AP and Dual Enrollment is not merely about teaching content — it’s about affirming that every student has the potential to excel. This is especially important for African American students, who have historically faced barriers to accessing rigorous academic programs.  

In today’s political climate, where discussions about systemic disparities are more relevant than ever, ensuring equal access to academic opportunities is vital.

Advanced courses foster critical thinking, build academic confidence, and nurture a sense of purpose, empowering students to break through longstanding obstacles and prepare for long-term success. 

I strive to foster a legacy of understanding, acceptance, and perseverance in the face of adversity. I believe that forming personal connections with each student creates remarkable opportunities for learners’ academic experience and futures. By engaging in meaningful conversations and truly understanding the unique stories and perspectives of learners, students feel seen, valued, and become part of an environment based on trust. This fuels their futures and aspirations that lead to more opportunities for learners in the future. 

Read about how our partnership team drives impacts alongside school leaders.