Community Partner Profile: The Black Parent Initiative

Committed to addressing challenges facing black families and children in the Portland area, the Black Parent Initiative (BPI) establishes strategic community partnerships, providing parents with the resources needed to encourage growth and success for their children. Perhaps the most vital of these community connections is their relationship with Concordia University in Northeast Portland.

Since 2006, BPI and Concordia have worked together to identify barriers that affect local families and address these needs by developing resources and strengthening assets.

The Concordia Teacher Corps, a program connecting Concordia’s College of Education students with opportunities to tutor K-12 students through after school programs, is a direct result of this relationship. A need was identified and community impact that changes lives ensued.

During the 2007-08 school year, over 340 K-12 students received support from Teacher Corps tutors at 16 tutor sites throughout North and Northeast Portland neighborhoods. While the impact on K-12 students and families is obvious, Concordia students also benefit from the opportunity to serve as tutors by “moving ideas out of the classroom and into the world.”

According to Gary Withers, Concordia University Executive Vice President and BPI Board Co-Chair, creating the Concordia Teacher Corps, in response to the needs of BPI students and families, has laid the groundwork for a strong a meaningful relationship. “We want to identify the challenges, craft the solutions, and become a part of the solution… to respect, honor, and support this diverse community.”

Another BPI program launched at Concordia, the Moses Harris Math & Science Academy, emphasizes the hands-on exploration of math and science concepts while promoting creativity, teamwork, and parental engagement in education.  In the Summer of 2008 the Academy introduced 19 local High School students to career and educational opportunities, provided support around completing and understanding math and science assignments, and connected students with insightful on-campus guest speakers.

Concordia’s Dean of the College of Theology, Arts, and Sciences Dr. Chuck Kunert, along with other Concordia Faculty, Staff and Students helped to make this program a success.  In the Summer of 2009, the program will return and expand.

Other BPI initiatives include Homework Help, a program aimed at helping students stay engaged and raising their self-esteem through assistance with homework assignments and adult mentorship, and support for parents to become early childhood and school-based neighborhood advocates.

Additional Information:

Link to Gary Withers, Concordia University Executive Vice President, External Affairs and BPI Board Co-Chair, speaking at the October, 2008 BPI Fundraiser

Link to Oregonian article written by BPI Executive Director, Charles McGee.

To get involved, visit The Black Parent Initiative Online.