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Special Initiatives

The following BSAP programs and tools are in place to help students at the secondary level achieve.

Academic Transition Assistants

These full-time school-based staff serve several unique roles for black students in middle and high school.

• Academic case managers
• Academic support specialists
• Consultants to staff
• Resources to parents and the community.

Academic Transition Assistants are placed in all county high schools and five middle schools; Cradlerock, Wilde Lake, Patuxent Valley, Murray Hill and Oakland Mills.

Academic Mentors

Contracted, temporary school-based staff serving several unique roles for black students primarily in the transition grades of 6, 8, 9, 10 and 12. They serve as

• Academic case managers
• Academic support specialists
• Consultants to staff, and
• Resources to parents and the community.

Academic Mentors are placed in two high schools - River Hill and Howard.

BSAP Student Advisory Council (SAC)

Proactive countywide, student leadership organization that serves in support of the mission of the Black Student Achievement Program by promoting academic achievement, dignity, and service. Student delegates represent the HCPSS high schools.

• Monthly meetings
• Develops and practices leadership skills
• Guest Speakers
• The “Apprentice: HS Style!” - Small group research presentations which cover:
  • Sharing Positive African Americans in the News
  • Examining Unusual Careers
  • Resolving Conflicts in a Positive Manner
  • Completing College Applications
  • Building Racial Relations
  • Researching Historically Black Colleges and Universities

BSAP Parent Advisory Council

Monthly meetings featuring information and support on critical issues that impact the academic achievement and personal, social and cultural development of Black students and their parents. Call the BSAP office for additional dates, times, and topics.

Saturday Math Academy (SMA)

The Black Student Achievement Program Saturday Math Academy (BSAP-SMA) has been in existence since 1992. The concept began from a need voiced by parents in the community who wanted their children to receive that "extra push" regardless of their math level. Parents also felt their children needed a more intimate setting for them to receive mentoring and assistance on identified skills from certified teachers. At the same time, parents requested opportunities to meet other parents and learn strategies to help their children with math at home.

The BSAP-SMA is designed to accelerate academic achievement in mathematics in a unique setting. Certified teachers assist and mentor a diverse population of students that are on, below or above grade level in mathematics. Parents and students identify mathematics goals upon registration; the teachers review the goals and plan accordingly. Students are expected to bring class work, homework, books, tests, and questions each Saturday. The instruction is individualized as much as possible.

The Saturday Math Academy is open to all students in grades 4-12 in Howard County. The BSAP-SMA has two sessions, fall and spring, which meet on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m.-12 noon at Oakland Mills High School. On-site registration is required and enrollment is limited.

Parents of enrolled students attend Parent Information Meetings where they are introduced to a variety of math and community related topics.

Rising Scholars Banquet

For those "Rising Scholars" who have met their academic goals.

Academic Celebrations

Quarter, semester, and end-of-year recognition of students who have made the Honor Roll

Cultural and Historical Field Trips

Field experiences to various sites such as The Great Blacks in Wax Museum, The Howard County Center for African American Culture, Maryland Museum of African American Art and The Ellicott City Colored School. Call the BSAP office for details.

School-based Initiatives

Initiatives include Peer Tutoring, Brother-to-Brother Meetings, Sister-to-Sister Meetings and BSAP Teen Summit.