At SCORE, we believe that education is the cornerstone of community transformation. That’s why we were honored to attend the 4th Annual Black Education Congress, hosted by the BLU Educational Foundation at San Bernardino Valley College. This vital gathering brought together educators, students, parents, and community leaders, all focused on one shared mission: to improve the educational experiences and outcomes for Black students across our region.
A Unified Effort Toward Change
The event saw the participation of key institutions committed to supporting Black students and advancing educational equity, including:
- Colton Unified School District
- Fontana Unified School District
- Rialto Unified School District
- UC Riverside
- San Bernardino Valley College (Host Institution)
Each organization shared updates on their current efforts, successes, and the challenges they face in building equitable, inclusive, and supportive learning environments for Black students. The conversations were inspiring, and the dedication shown by these institutions proved that collective action is key to meaningful change.
Breakout Sessions: Focused on Action
Throughout the day, attendees took part in powerful and thought-provoking breakout sessions that covered a wide range of critical topics, including:
- Academic Success
- Black History Integration
- College and Career Success
- Effective Teacher Practices
- College Graduation Rates
These weren’t just passive discussions—they were work sessions, where participants developed concrete goals and strategies to move these conversations forward into action. This approach ensured that the energy from the event would not dissipate but would instead translate into tangible results for students, educators, and families.
Engaging Conversations and Resource Sharing
The event also provided a platform for engaging Q&A sessions, where students, parents, and educators could ask tough questions, share innovative ideas, and find meaningful connections with other institutions. These sessions fostered an open dialogue and provided attendees with valuable resources to support their ongoing efforts in advocating for Black students.
As an organization, SCORE was able to participate in these conversations, listen to the needs of the community, and share our vision for educational equity. We recognize that effective change requires the collaboration of all stakeholders—students, families, educators, and community leaders—and this event exemplified that unity.
Community and Connection
The Congress concluded with a delicious lunch catered by Island Breeze of Colton, California, providing a chance for attendees to connect, reflect on the day’s discussions, and share their final action plans. The room was filled with energy and optimism, as participants committed to doing the real work necessary to drive change and improve the educational landscape for Black students in the region.
SCORE's Commitment to Educational Equity
At SCORE, we understand that highlighting educational equity efforts is not only important—it’s essential. This event was a reminder of the immense work being done by educators and community leaders to support Black students, and we are proud to be a part of this collective movement.
We are committed to amplifying initiatives like the Black Education Congress, ensuring that these vital conversations continue, and keeping the focus on building pathways to success for Black students. Education is the key to unlocking opportunity, and we will continue to support and advocate for efforts that ensure every student has access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Stay tuned for more updates as we work to drive change, uplift community voices, and build stronger pathways to success for all students. Together, we can make educational equity a reality.
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