SEED DC Stays Social with the NXTLevel Acceleration Academy

Pictured above, Mr. Bellido, student life dean at SEED DC, showed our scholars how to make penne pasta with turkey sausage meatballs on Facebook live.

The shift to full-time online learning has brought sudden change and challenges to classrooms across the country. Many teachers—understandably so—are attempting to focus on the academics and how to handle lost learning hours. But at SEED, we know that the relationships, social interactions, and support networks our students build outside of the classroom are also key to their success.

To keep our students engaged, the staff at The SEED School of Washington, D.C. (SEED DC), launched a new program called NXTLevel Acceleration Academy. Through the NXTLevel Acceleration Academy, students attend sessions focused on wellness and self-care. The goal is to ensure our students leave with a clear understanding of how to incorporate healthy habits into their daily schedules.

“The NXTLevel Acceleration Academy, developed by Mr. Daniel Bellido, student life dean at SEED DC, was formed to offer our students social and emotional learning opportunities during distance learning programming,” said Ms. Randee Grant, student life morning director at SEED DC.

Mindfulness for a Sound Mind is one of the classes offered. This class, which is led by Ms. Grant, teaches students new breathing techniques and mindfulness strategies to remain calm and focused while learning from home. SEED DC Eats is another class our students can take. Mr. Bellido held a cooking class on Facebook live and showed our scholars how to make penne pasta with turkey sausage meatballs. Four additional staff members joined in on the fun and also shared their dinner recipes. Check it out!

At SEED, we have always put nurturing, caring, and outstanding educators at the center of our work. The NXTLevel Acceleration Academy is just one way we continue to foster a love for learning through enrichment programs, social and emotional supports, and authentic experiences.   

Visit SEED DC’s Facebook page to see more creative and engaging courses being offered.

Where Are They Now? Cordell Mimms (SEED DC ’11, Morehouse College ’16) Finds Creative Ways to Stay Engaged

The coronavirus pandemic has changed life as we know it, particularly in ways we learn, unwind, and work. For performing artists, who are used to being in front of an audience, this is an especially challenging time. 

You may remember Cordell Mimms (SEED DC ’16) who performed at The SEED Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Celebration in 2018. Since graduating from Morehouse College, Cordell has had a successful career performing all across Washington, D.C. and teaching, during the summer, at the University of Hong Kong’s Center for Talented Youth program. He also serves as a voice and music theory coach for aspiring artists. We spoke to Cordell about his time at SEED and adjusting to life during this pandemic.  Learn more below.

What college or university did you attend? 

I attended Morehouse College and I majored in music and vocal performance and minored in cinema television and emerging media. I chose these majors because of my interest in and passion for both fields—music and film. It was a perfect fit! 

How was your transition from SEED to college? 

Honestly, my transition was a bit challenging. SEED provided me with the foundation I needed to excel in academics, but when it came to my musical training, I did have to step it up once I got to Morehouse. 

I’m thankful for Mr. Bagley’s performing arts classes at SEED because it gave me the tools that I needed to carry myself with confidence and set a baseline for me. It also helped me to become a well-rounded person. Through his class, I began to clearly see the path I needed to take; he gave me a glimpse at what the rest of my life could look like.

Did you stay connected to SEED while in college? 

SEED’s College Transition and Success team provided the moral support that I needed while I was at Morehouse. They helped me to stay organized and constantly pushed me to maximize my opportunities to gain resources. 

Once I graduated from Morehouse, I became a graduate ambassador. I think it is important for me to give back and be present. I mentor current SEED students and volunteer wherever needed.

How did your experience at SEED impact you?

I didn’t have all the financial resources I needed to be successful, but SEED helped me understand how to ask for help and how to advocate for myself. There were plenty of times when I was not sure where my next scholarship dollar would come from, but because I had SEED as my foundation, I felt like “no” was not an answer. That may sound stubborn to some, but I’m thankful for this mindset—SEED taught me how to create the life I want to live. 

How has your career been affected by COVID-19?

This transition has been kind of difficult. As a musical performer being present is important. But I’ve been focused on keeping my spirits up and finding creative ways to still engage. SEED taught me how to create opportunities for myself and get the resources I need. I have been finding ways to combine production and composition, working with video apps, and doing virtual lessons and song writing sessions. 

I know that if I put in the work and am diligent, I will continue to succeed. I keep telling myself these times will make for some great music!

Deborah “Debbie” Omoniyi (SEED MD ’20) Gains Acceptance to her #1 Choice - Spelman College

Last year, we featured Deborah (affectionately called Debbie), a stellar scholar at The SEED School of Maryland (SEED MD) in our back-to-school highlights. Since enrolling at SEED MD, Debbie has developed an impressive resume. She’s joined over 20 different clubs, organizations, and committees, and she currently serves as president of the SEED Maryland Student Government Association.

Debbie is known for her big smile and positive spirit, which remains intact despite the current challenges our nation is facing. With the clear direction set by our SEED MD leaders, Debbie has seamlessly adjusted to virtual learning.

“Adjusting to virtual learning has been pretty easy! My teachers have taught me tricks to stay focused and productive. I was having a challenge with managing my dual enrollment classes online, but SEED provided me with the resources and support I needed.”

In addition to staying on top of her studies, Debbie has kept in touch with her SEED college counselor, so she is aware of any changing deadlines and financial resources available for incoming college students.  

“I still regularly meet with my college success advisor to discuss my college decisions. I also check in with my student life counselor to talk about whatever I may be feeling that day. Overall, SEED has done everything possible to help me.”

Debbie’s persistence and dedication has paid off. She received The 2020 SEED Foundation Scholarship, which provides up to $12,000 in funding over four years to exceptional SEED scholars. She has been accepted to great schools, such as Temple University and was recently accepted to her top choice—Spelman College! Check out this video of Debbie. 

We look forward to seeing the impact she has on our community!

Meet Our Students: Zoe Leader (SEED Miami ’21) Recipient of the 2020 Carson Scholarship

Zoe Leader (SEED Miami ’21) is a high academic achiever who has been an honor roll student every year since she enrolled at The SEED School of Miami. She began her journey with SEED as a sixth-grade student and was immediately drawn to our Sparks program—an afterschool program where students have an opportunity to join various clubs and discover their passions and hidden talents.

As a member of the Mock Trial Spark, Zoe participated in simulated trial competitions and gained a deeper understanding of the key elements of the U.S. judicial and legal system. She even had the opportunity to debate other students at a competition held at Florida International University! This experience has inspired Zoe to pursue a degree in criminal law. SEED Miami board member and civic trial lawyer, Tom Culmo, has also supported Zoe in her journey to becoming a lawyer. As Zoe’s mentor, he shares words of encouragement and wisdom he’s gained during his career. Upon graduating from SEED, Zoe plans on enrolling as a pre-law major at Stanford University.

“Mr. Culmo’s words and insight as a lawyer were motivational, especially for someone like me looking to pursue a career in law.”

One of Zoe’s greatest accomplishments is receiving the 2020 Carson Scholarship. The Carson Scholars Fund awards college scholarships to students in grades 4 - 11 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities. Scholarship recipients are awarded a $1,000 scholarship and receive a medal and a trophy for their school. Zoe was also accepted into the University of Miami Summer Scholars Program. Through this international program, Zoe will spend her summer gaining college experience and college credits.

“Participating in this program will bring a multitude of opportunities for me, like networking, connecting with like-minded peers, and providing me with the foundation needed to flourish during my college journey.”

We’re so proud of Zoe’s accomplishments and look forward to following her journey to high school graduation, college, and beyond!

What’s Data Got to Do with It?

It may sound strange, but in addition to supporting our scholars with college-prep academics, college visits, and college matching and financing, SEED also empowers them through the use of data. We spoke to Kendra Johnson-Tesch, data analyst at The SEED Foundation, to learn more about her role at SEED and how SEED schools use data to help our students achieve their academic goals and get to and through college.

Kendra, can you tell us a little about yourself, your role, and why you came to SEED?

I have a background in math, data, and statistics, but I also have a master’s degree in education policy. I see myself as a steward of all data used by the SEED network.

I was drawn to SEED because of the opportunity to be on the line with students and make an impact. I enjoy being part of the SEED community and working with folks across the network. Through data, we are learning unique insights about our students and schools. Data helps us to improve our programming and instruction based on student feedback and performance. It also gives us the evidence we need to enact school-based policy changes.

How does SEED use data to improve student learning?

We conduct interim assessments three times a year to gauge students’ academic performance, using a tool called MAP (Measures of Academic Progress). MAP is unique because it helps us to track the academic achievement and growth of our scholars during their time at SEED. Learning how and if students are growing academically helps us to respond in real time and adjust our teaching. It also helps us to predict student performance on critical state assessments, for example PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) and MCAP (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program). 

What subjects do we assess?

MAP is administered to SEED students in sixth to tenth grade and assesses their growth and proficiency in mathematics, reading, and language usage. We don’t administer MAP to SEED scholars in eleventh and twelfth grade because they take college entrance exams. 

How is MAP data used by school leaders and teachers?

Schools have several goals for MAP testing. First, as mentioned above, MAP can predict student performance on state assessments. Schools are accountable for reaching certain metrics on the year-end state assessments. In order to prepare students for these exams, schools use MAP data. Second, our schools use MAP data to track their performance on their school improvement plans. Finally, schools use MAP data to provide teachers with the information they need to modify and customize instruction based on students’ growth and skill gaps.

Do students use MAP data to improve?

At the end of each MAP assessment, our students receive their scores. They can see how their current score compares to where they need to be to reach their growth goals. This is a motivating factor for many students. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

We’re doing a lot with data at SEED to help our students and schools improve. There are some projects in the pipeline that should really help us at the network level. It’s exciting!

Where Are They Now? Anscia Buck (SEED DC ’12, St. John’s University ’16 & ‘17)

Through SEED’s 24-hour learning environment, our students are pushed beyond their comfort zones. They learn to navigate sharing a room with a peer, travel the world to gain a global perspective, and intern at local businesses to get work experience.   

Anscia Buck (SEED DC ’12) credits SEED for helping her to build a large community of friends and supporters. “Because of SEED, I learned that community isn’t always defined by what you know, but the similarities that make us bond.”

Today, Anscia is a social media marketing associate in San Francisco and a marketing mentor for several organizations. She is a great example of how building networks beyond your backyard can lead to a successful career.

Anscia is also helping to bring The SEED School of Los Angeles to fruition. She is working with the SEED LA team to increase the visibility of the schools’ capital campaign. Read more about Anscia’s journey after graduating from SEED. 

What college or university did you attend?

I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in marketing from St. John’s University in Queens, New York.

How was your transition from SEED to college?

My transition from SEED to college was smooth. I lived in a suite-style dorm my freshmen year of college, which was similar to the way I lived in the dorms at SEED. I was so comfortable that I was able to help my roommates adjust to living in a new environment away from home.

My biggest adjustment was getting used to the Big Apple’s melting pot, but I was open-minded and loved every second of it. It was similar to my experience traveling to Greece with SEED’s Experiential Learning & External Opportunities program. 

Did you stay connected to SEED while in college?

Yes! I loved making visits to The SEED Foundation during my college breaks, attending the SEED Graduate Institutes to learn more about professional development, and being a SEED Graduate Ambassador. 

What are you doing now that you have graduated from college?

Currently, I work as a social media marketing associate in the financial technology sector in San Francisco. Additionally, I serve as the communications director for the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of ColorComm and as a marketing lead and mentor to a few community service organizations in Washington, D.C., and the San Francisco Bay Area.

How did your experience at SEED impact you?

My experience at SEED challenged me to see the world differently. I lived in dormitories with people I’d never met, built lifelong friendships, traveled to Greece (my first big trip outside of the US without family), and tried different foods. All these experiences inspired and encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and try new things.

Five SEED DC Students Win the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

In November, five students from The SEED School of Washington, D.C., received support from an $85,000 grant awarded to the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) by Cedar Realty Trust. These students received stipends to help pay for college and have access to the JRF Impact Program—JRF’s newest initiative.

The JRF Impact Program offers substantive modules on strategies for college success to students across the country and is hosted by JRF scholars, education experts, and other professionals and special guests. Our students were selected to participate because of our partnership with JRF through Ivo Philbert, Vice President of External Relations & Special Projects for JRF.

Mr. Philbert was introduced to The SEED Foundation by our chief growth officer, Vincena Allen. They met at a workshop held during the College Board’s A Dream Deferred conference, which brings together professionals working to make a difference for African American students. “At the conference, I attended “Bridging Student Support,” a workshop facilitated by Vincena Allen,” said Mr. Philbert.  “Immediately we connected, as our missions aligned. I later attended The SEED Foundation’s breakfast in New York City titled “College Access and Success: Key Factors in Advancing Educational Equity.” I knew then that we had to work together.”

Mr. Philbert knows how important it is to provide underserved students with the resources to gain a valuable education and earn a college degree. He believes that our College Transition & Success team is doing what’s necessary to help our scholars navigate college, which can be foreign and unwelcoming.

“SEED is doing the work! I believe in SEED’s philosophy, commitment, and approach. Any organization that is committed to the success of students, and particularly students of color, has my support. In the words of Jackie Robinson – ‘A life is not important, except in its impact on other lives.’ The people at SEED are impacting lives.”

Learn more about the Jackie Robinson Foundation’s Impact Program.

Learn more about our College Transition & Success program.

Dakara Da’Costa (SEED DC ’18, Union College ‘22) Connects with a Mentor at Union College

Left, Deidre Hill-Butler, an associate professor of psychology at Union College, right, Dakara Da’Costa, a recent graduate of The SEED School of Washington, D.C.

At SEED, we believe it’s important to build a core group of people around our scholars to support their college dreams. That’s why our College Transition & Success team forms relationships with educators, college counselors, and financial aid advisors at colleges and universities across the country to help guide our students’ journeys. It was one of these efforts that brought together Dakara Da’Costa, a recent graduate of The SEED School of Washington, D.C., and Deidre Hill-Butler, an associate professor of psychology at Union College.

Dr. Hill-Butler was introduced to The SEED Foundation in 1994 by our chief growth officer, Vincena Allen. For over two decades, they have sustained a friendship and a professional relationship. When Dakara enrolled at Union College as a psychology major, Ms. Allen was sure to put them in touch. Since then, Dr. Hill-Butler has remained a consistent supporter of Dakara. “I have attended many of Dakara’s performances with the Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir. She recently performed at the Founders Day celebration for Union College. Dakara gave an elaborate solo. It brought the house down!”

With guidance from Dr. Hill-Butler, Dakara has found her niche and is thriving. She learned about COCOA House, an organization founded by a Union alumna committed to building an environment that helps young people in the area become critical thinkers and lifelong learners. “My experience with COCOA House has been great. I enjoy mentoring and tutoring young students,” said Dakara. Now in her sophomore year at Union College, Dakara is thankful for the relationships she’s built at SEED and the bond she’s developed with Dr. Hill-Butler. “Though I haven’t taken one of Dr. Hill-Butler’s classes just yet, she continues to support me at all of my events and helps me navigate Union.”

Dr. Hill-Butler has worked at Union College for 19 years. Throughout her tenure, she has provided support to young Black female students in need of safe spaces to engage in fellowship and decompress. We’re thankful for the support that Dr. Hill-Butler has provided to Dakara and for the relationships Ms. Allen and other members of the College Transition & Success team have built to ensure greater success for our graduates.  

Where Are They Now? Talia Harris (SEED DC ‘08, Trinity Washington University ‘16) is a Keen Advocate for the Environment

Getting to and through college is tough! Our team understands that unexpected events can derail a student’s plan for college completion.

According to Great Schools, cost, lack of academic preparation, lack of counseling support, and improper fit are the top reasons students don’t secure their college degrees. To ensure that our students don’t fall prey to these pitfalls and to unexpected challenges, our College Transition & Success advisors are hard at work throughout the year. Talia Harris (SEED DC ‘08) briefly took a break from her college studies, but her determination led her to seek support when deciding to re-enroll. Thanks to the individualized attention and expert advising she received from her college success advisor, Talia is now a college graduate, with a fulfilling career in the nonprofit sector.  

“When I decided to continue my studies, SEED was my first stop. I wanted to make sure I got it right. My advisor helped me to reenroll and helped me get an internship at The SEED Foundation.”

Read below for more on Talia’s journey.

What college or university did you attend? 

I earned my bachelor’s degree in political science from Trinity Washington University, in Washington, DC.

How was your transition from SEED to college? 

My transition from SEED to college was exactly what I needed it to be—seamless. I was equipped academically, and I had the tools to continue growing personally.

At the start of my college career, I felt prepared to understand, promote, and debate political arguments; author well-written research and position papers; confidently convey my thoughts and ideas verbally; and, think critically about political theory, international relations, comparative politics, and more. I graduated summa cum laude, was inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

Did you stay connected to SEED while in college?

I did not stay connected with SEED during my transition phase. I took some time away from school because I needed to refocus. However, even when I wasn’t reaching out, my college success advisor never stopped reaching for me.

When I reenrolled in school, I also began interning at The SEED Foundation. Since graduating, I have made sure to stay connected to SEED. I have participated in visioning exercises for the SEED Network, attended fundraising events, served as a SEED Graduate Ambassador, and more.

What have you done since graduating from college? 

I have worked at two nonprofits. At Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, I served as a program associate for the Economic Mobility project. (Check out a final report that I helped produce.) I am currently at Earthjustice, where I am serving in a dual role—lobbying manager and project and administrative manager.

In addition to my official roles at Earthjustice, I founded and lead an affinity group for Black staff at Earthjustice. Aside from work, I volunteer regularly as a coach/mentor with high school students as part of For Love of Children’s college and career readiness program.

How did your experience at SEED impact you? 

My experience at SEED impacted me in many ways—some of which didn’t become apparent until well after I graduated. Through SEED, I was provided many exposure opportunities, and I grew as a result of it. I'll always remember and be thankful for SEED, as it played a part in making me who I am today. 

What We’re Learning: Dual Enrollment Can Close the College Access Gap

Our goal at SEED is simple—to help more students from low-income communities get to and through college and thereby close the college access gap.  One of the ways we achieve this is by empowering our scholars to participate in dual enrollment.

Dual enrollment is the practice of taking and earning credit for college courses while in high school. According to Jobs for the Future, 

“States and school districts have been searching for ways to raise rates of college readiness and success among students, and particularly among groups that are underrepresented in college. Providing students with the opportunity to take college courses in high school, known as dual enrollment, is one promising strategy.”

This year, four scholars at SEED DC will earn college credits while still in school by taking courses at University of Washington, DC, and Catholic University.  With 25 scholars eligible to enroll in dual enrollment next fall, we look forward to even more students earning college credits.

To learn more about the role of dual enrollment in closing the college enrollment gap for low-income students, check out this great video from The Education Trust.

Our Impact: The SEED Foundation Presents to School Leaders of Color in Las Vegas

On February 7, Keniq Coney, our chief schools officer, and Jubria Lewis EdD, director of school improvement, presented to over 1,000 educators at the School Leaders of Color Conference in Las Vegas. The School Leaders of Color Conference is an annual event hosted by The Collective, which is Teach for America’s national association for alumni of color.  

Titled Resilient Leadership: Moving Beyond Surviving to Thriving, the conference was designed to support Teach for America alumni who serve as school leaders. This year’s attendees learned how to create and implement effective school systems to empower their staff and achieve results.

Ms. Coney and Mr. Lewis’s workshop, How to Catch ’Em, Keep ’Em, and Grow ’Em: The Secret to Systems Development, highlighted the frustration many school leaders experience when obtaining ineffective and inconsistent results with their current school systems. As subject-matter experts on school systems development, they believe that the key to building transformational systems and processes is personnel development. In their session, they discussed how to identify weaknesses in current systems. They also shared best practices and resources on how to build effective systems through high-performing teams. Participants walked away with techniques and tools to reframe their current systems in order to better serve their school populations. 

 “The School Leaders of Color Conference is a safe-space platform for school leaders of color to address challenges that we often face working in education. It allows participants to retool, reenergize, and lean on the collective power of others who want to engage in disruptive leadership to challenge the status quo of the educational system,” said Mr. Lewis.

Meet Our Students: Ny’Tierra Hobbs (SEED MD ’20) Is Charting a Path to a Career in Cybersecurity

When Ny’Tierra Hobbs (SEED MD ‘20) enrolled at The SEED School of Maryland, she had no idea that SEED would truly feel like home. The bonds she built with her SEED peers and faculty became key a couple of years into her SEED journey.

At 13 years old, Ny’Tierra suffered the loss of her mother. “My mom passed away in 2015. I considered leaving SEED, but I didn’t because it felt like my second home. If I went to a different school, I wouldn’t have gotten that same support.”

With guidance and support from her friends, teachers, and counselors, Ny’Tierra was able to refocus on her studies and to seek outlets to help manage her grief. “I decided to join the track and field team. Running helps me clear my thoughts and process whatever I may be feeling at the time.”

Now, in her senior year, Ny’Tierra has made the most of every opportunity. This dedication led to her being the only SEED student selected to attend the Yleana Leadership Academy last year, hosted by Colgate University in upstate New York. During this residential summer academy, Ny’Tierra learned vital SAT exam skills to boost her SAT score.

Ny’Tierra’s drive is unmatched! She has already been accepted to eleven colleges and universities across the country. Though she has not yet made her final choice, she has developed an interest in cybersecurity that is helping to guide her decision. This interest comes at the perfect time, as SEED MD recently opened its InfoArmor Cyber Lab, the first cyber lab in the SEED Network.  “I’m currently taking my first cyber lab course, where we learn basic coding, how to access encrypted information, and the consequences of hacking. It’s really interesting!”  

Ny’Tierra is eager to begin her college career and to join a collegiate track and field team in the fall. She’s particularly interested in Xavier University and McDaniel College, but she’s currently keeping her options open. We’re certain Ny’Tierra will continue to succeed in her college career and beyond.  

What’s It Like to Be a Sixth Grader at SEED?

Chozen Edwards (SEED Miami ‘26) is a first-year SEED student who dreams of using her voice to connect the world.

At just eleven years old, Chozen is passionate about earning a college degree. She decided to come to SEED because she wanted a precollege experience that would prepare her for the future. Yet when the school year began, Chozen faced some challenges. She has a very tight-knit family and was nervous about moving away from home. Now that Chozen has built close bonds with some of her schoolmates and educators, she’s certain that SEED is the school for her.

“I really like being at SEED. This experience has helped me become less of an introvert and has brought me out of my comfort zone,” she says.

Since coming to SEED, Chozen has grown close to her student life counselor (SLC), Eboni Pierre. SLCs serve as parent figures for SEED students while they are on campus. They troubleshoot issues in the dorms and create a sense of family for their residents. “I appreciate the way my SLC speaks to us—she treats us like young adults and tries to help us reach for our dreams and goals.”

Chozen especially values the variety of courses and extracurricular activities SEED has to offer. Her classes are not only preparing her for college but also giving her the opportunity to discover new talents. From the classroom to volleyball practice to the beauty club, Chozen doesn’t think she would have had these kinds of experiences at a traditional middle school.

Upon graduating from SEED, Chozen plans to study human behavior and language as a linguistics major. She dreams of traveling the world—and, one day, becoming the CEO of an international firm that assists developing and underserved communities.

When asked what advice she would give to next year’s sixth graders, Chozen says:

“Just relax. If you work hard and take advantage of what is around you, you’ll do great.”

We look forward to following Chozen during her journey with SEED!

SEED LA is on the Way!

In order to accelerate our impact and serve more students, we will be opening our fourth public boarding school in 2022, in Los Angeles. SEED LA is being developed through a public-private partnership involving The SEED Foundation, Los Angeles County, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro), and Los Angeles–based education nonprofit ExED.

To date, SEED LA has secured $10 million annually for 15 years to cover boarding costs and student services. Thanks to the efforts of ExED, SEED LA has also secured $50 million in New Markets Tax Credits for development costs. The SEED Foundation is now leading a capital campaign to raise $30 million to construct the SEED LA campus.

To learn more about this important project, listen to Sophia Echavarria (SEED DC ‘04, Princeton University ‘09) share her reflections on how SEED empowers young scholars to escape the challenges that home life may bring and provides them with the support they need to reach their full potential.

SEED Miami Breaks Ground on Permanent Campus

On December 30, 2019, SEED Miami broke ground on its permanent campus. Check out the video below to watch our new building grow! The three dorms will provide residential space for 320 students and 12 staff members next school year.

Learn more about SEED Miami.

SEED Gives Thanks. Donor Spotlight - Meggie Sheehan Helps to Make a Connection

At SEED, we firmly believe that all young people—regardless of their financial circumstance—should have the tools and support they need to realize their dreams. So, when we meet community members who are also passionate about educational equity, we get really excited! (Who doesn’t like connecting with someone who has a shared interest and passion?)

We recently spoke with Meggie Sheehan, who learned about SEED last year after doing an online search for educational programs in the DC metro area. She found SEED on Charity Navigator and was impressed by SEED’s rating. Since that search, Meggie has been a friend of SEED, and she has connected us to her co-workers at StellaPop, a management and creative consulting company where she works.   

Thanks to Meggie, StellaPop included SEED on its holiday list of charities they support and provided $1,000 in metro cards to SEED DC students to help them get to and from their dual-enrollment courses. StellaPop employees are also planning to teach our graduates how to build their personal brands as they prepare for the professional workplace. Check out our recent conversation with Meggie.

Why do you support SEED?

I think investing in helping young people succeed is so important. I also feel it’s important to give a leg up to youth who could potentially fall behind.

As a child, I benefited from being busy and being provided with a lot of material to study and learn from. I often think about how my life would be different if I went to another school that didn’t invest in me. I see that SEED invests in its students, and that’s why I have chosen to support SEED.

What attracted you to SEED?

I was impressed by SEED’s statistics. The number of SEED graduates that go on to complete college is inspiring. I also remember receiving a newsletter that highlighted a student who was able to travel abroad because of SEED’s support. It made me really happy to read about the opportunities that are available to SEED students.   

Can you tell me a bit about how StellaPop helps the community?  

This holiday season, we chose twelve organizations to support over twelve days. We call it the twelve days of Christmas. Our goal is to help local charities in a variety of ways. Examples include delivering turkeys to individuals who are homeless and donating comfort cases for children living in foster care.

StellaPop started this campaign in order to give back to the community and to highlight organizations who are making a difference. A few of the charities we support include the Virginia Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, Inc. (VCPEA), StillBrave Childhood Cancer Foundation, and SEED.

Is there anything else you want to add?

When looking for an organization to support, I wanted to ensure my dollar went far. Because SEED has a good score, I felt comfortable with making a gift and telling my co-workers about SEED.

I look forward to volunteering with SEED and being more hands-on in the future.

Our Impact: SEED Maryland Launches the SEED Network’s first Cyber Lab for Students

Did you know that the median salary in cyber security in the United States is $95K? And, cyber security jobs are in high demand.  According to UMBC, “There are over 209,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the U.S. and 2 million worldwide.”

That’s one of the reasons that SEED MD recently launched the InfoArmor Cyber Lab, with the generous support of a local Baltimore family. The goal of the cyber lab is to provide SEED students with greater access to this burgeoning field.

In November, we spoke to Andrew Pham, director of the InfoArmor Cyber Lab to learn more about SEED MD’s cyber lab and his exciting new role.

Welcome to the SEED community!  Can you tell us a little about your background?

Before joining SEED, I spent ten years with Baltimore City Public Schools. Most recently, I was building makerspace experiences for students with special needs. I came to SEED to build an excellent cyber lab where students will be exposed to cutting-edge technologies and have opportunities for internships and higher education in the tech field.

What is the goal of SEED MD’s cyber lab?

Our ultimate goal is to prepare students for careers in cyber security and other high-tech fields. Our students are already using technology for fun. Through our cyber lab, we are transitioning them from “Computers are for playing games and watching videos” to “I can use technology to design my own media.  I can create things.”   

How does the cyber lab work?

When we are finished, we will have a fully functioning SOC (Secure Operating Center) makerspace to teach students about 3D design and fabrication, coding, and robotics. We’re also aiming to partner with other departments at SEED to offer AP Computer Science, cyber security, networking, and other tech-related classes. Finally, we will have an after-school enrichment program focused on design, robotics, and cyber security.

Are students interested in the cyber lab? Which classes are most popular? 

Absolutely! We are still developing our curriculum, but 3D fabrication and coding are two classes that have gained the most interest. Additionally, we will be participating in the CyberPatriot's National Youth Cyber Defense Competition in 2020. Students are excited about that!

Is there anything else you would like to add that you want the SEED community to know?

This is a big endeavor that cannot come to fruition without work from all our stakeholders. For example, we recently formed a volunteer committee that is comprised of cyber security professors, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the industry who will help guide our programming and foster connections to high-tech companies in and around Baltimore. Together, we are building a lab that will be a model for high-tech urban education and change the trajectory of our students’ lives.

What We're Learning: Bridging the Gap Between Achievement and College Success

Our very own chief growth offer, Vincena M. Allen, was a featured panelist at the College Board Forum 2019, which brings together dynamic professionals, and thought leaders across disciplines to address the issues that challenge and inspire educators at all levels of the profession.

Ms. Allen was invited to this event by Dr. Jonathan Mathis, executive director at The Next Step Public Charter Boarding School. As the panel’s moderator, Dr. Mathis led four subject matter experts in secondary and post-secondary education in a conversation titled, Facilitating College Transitions for Students with Extraordinary Challenges, where they discussed the role of access, achievement, agency, and aspirations in advancing educational equity, for low-income, first generation college students.

“These four areas are driving forces in student success. In this panel, we looked at how systems and practices in these areas can be detrimental if negatively implemented and approached,” Ms. Allen said.

Tasked with defining achievement in college success, Ms. Allen discussed how SEED’s approach to college fit and match equips our scholars with the information and tools they need to enroll in a “right fit” college/university, based on their specific needs. She also discussed SEED’s method of intrusive advising, where students are coached by their college success advisors to learn to make academic, financial and personal decisions proactively, to ensure success in college, and in their professional careers. Lastly, Ms. Allen highlighted SEED’s college transition classes which are designed to educate SEED seniors about navigating college life. “It’s important that our students are informed consumers when searching for the right colleges and setting themselves up for success. SEED is making its mark in education for public boarding education and college success,” said Ms. Allen.

Ms. Allen is adamant about eradicating the notion that students are challenged; she believes they face challenges because of inequitable systems. Through SEED’s external capacity building efforts, SEED is better positioned to play a role in helping educators across the country be appropriately informed about how to successfully work with students to and through postsecondary success.

“As educators, we must ask ourselves, what are we doing in our own work that is expressing implicit bias towards the students we serve.  A deficit approach and our own biases can create barriers for the students we serve,” said Ms. Allen.

When asked what the future of college access looks like for low-income, first-generation college students, Ms. Allen shared:

“In addition to accessing the right fit colleges, students are faced with more challenges than ever when it comes to college affordability. We have to take a more intentional approach to teaching financial literacy and advocating for change in higher education so that students don’t graduate with crippling debt.”

Learn more about the work our College Transition & Success team is doing at SEED.

Happy Holidays from SEED!

As we prepare to spend some quality time with family and friends this holiday season, we are also taking time to reflect.   

At SEED, we have the pleasure of serving remarkable students who are defying the odds and charting their own paths towards college completion. Here’s just a small slice of what our scholars accomplished this year:

In our first issue of The SEED Spark, we featured Monae Scott (SEED DC ‘19), an exceptional SEED student, who was selected as a POSSE Scholar, earning a full scholarship to Sewanee: The University of the South. Monae also joined 14 other SEED scholars who received over $40,000 in SEED Foundation Scholarships in 2019.  The following month, we shared how the SEED Tax Prep Ambassadors, a cohort of scholars from SEED DC, assisted in filing taxes for low and middle-income residents in wards 7 and 8 of Washington, D.C. These scholars worked closely with their clients to schedule appointments, provide consultations, and input tax information. At the end of tax season, they had successfully helped residents claim $110,000 in tax credits to their community! It’s amazing to know that our scholars are learning life skills to help themselves and others.

Last spring, we highlighted SEED scholar-artists. SEED DC’s Falcon Theatre traveled to Sacramento, California, for the Junior Theater Festival, a musical theater adjudication festival that brings together over 2,000 students from 42 schools representing multiple states and countries. After several award-winning performances, our scholar-artists earned their second invitation to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the summer of 2020. SEED DC is now raising funds to ensure that the students can participate.

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing our scholars’ accomplishments showcased at high school graduation each year. In June, both SEED DC and SEED MD celebrated a 99% graduation rate, with alumni from the class of 2019 now attending colleges and universities across the country. As you know, their journeys with SEED don’t end there! SEED’s College Transition & Success team is there to support our scholars in college and beyond.

To close out the year, we’re proud to announce our new InfoArmor Cyber Lab opening at SEED MD! (Learn more below). Our scholars are excited to have new opportunities to learn about the tech industry and build high-tech skills to compete for 21st-century careers.

Looking Forward

2020 will be another year of firsts for SEED. The SEED School of Miami will welcome their inaugural senior class! We’re also continuing to garner support for The SEED School of Los Angeles, scheduled to open its doors in 2022. As our community grows, we’re reminded to stay true to our core values, Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance, Integrity, Compassion, Gratitude, and Growth, which bind us together.

Thank you for being part of the SEED community and providing our scholars with opportunities, resources, and community they need to achieve their dreams! None of our achievements are possible without you.

Meet Our Students: Jahzeel Smith-Gainey (SEED MD ’20) Builds Relationships Across the Globe

Jahzeel Smith-Gainey (SEED MD ’20) is the epitome of a well-rounded student, and his charming personality and love of sports journalism just might land him on ESPN one day. As a captain of SEED MD’s varsity basketball and soccer teams, Jahzeel has found a way to manage his passion for athletics along with his academics, outperforming himself in both areas year after year.

Before coming to SEED, Jahzeel hadn’t thought much about going to college, or what it took to get there. It wasn’t until he attended a clinic held by SEED MD’s admissions team that he became intrigued by the opportunities that a college-preparatory public boarding school has to offer.

“There were a few kids from my elementary school who enrolled at SEED with me. As excited as I was to start a new school, I was also nervous. It was comforting to know I’d see a few familiar faces when school started,” Jahzeel said. 

During his time at SEED, Jahzeel has always looked for ways to give back to those who are less fortunate. He’s had the opportunity to prepare dinner for children battling cancer at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Home, provide resources and supplies to young children in Jamaica, and visit Honduras twice with SEED MD’s Experiential Learning & External Opportunities program. When he first traveled to Honduras as a freshman, Jahzeel’s mission was to help build a school for local children.

“Honduras is a beautiful country that unfortunately has been plagued by violence. I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to see the country for myself and connect with the people there,” Jahzeel said. 

Jahzeel’s most memorable experience in Honduras was meeting a young boy named José, who sold jewelry in the market. José would wait for Jahzeel to return from the school construction worksite each day, and eventually he convinced Jahzeel to purchase one of his bracelets. When Jahzeel returned to Honduras two years later, to his surprise, José still lived in the same area. José ran to greet Jahzeel, saying, “Mi hermano, mi hermano!” meaning “my brother.”

Jahzeel is also a proud recipient of the 2020 SEED Foundation Scholarship, which is awarded to students who’ve demonstrated academic excellence and leadership. With the help of this scholarship, Jahzeel is very excited to begin his college journey.

“To be chosen for the scholarship is truly an honor because it shows that SEED believes in me enough to help pay for my college education,” Jahzeel said. 

Upon graduation, Jahzeel plans on majoring in journalism at Morehouse College or Syracuse University. We look forward to following Jahzeel during his senior year—and beyond!