Youth in Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) overwhelmingly experience the effects of concentrated and, most often, generational poverty, coupled with limited exposure to opportunities, which is compounded by discriminatory treatment in and out of school. Approximately 85% of City Schools’ students live in poverty and over 90% are students of color (81% African American, 10% Latino). Equitable education provides the most accessible egress out of the crippling cycle of poverty which is most readily achieved by removing prohibitive barriers and nullifying inequitable practices that push children out of school and into the school to prison pipeline. The Education Program seeks to ensure that all student groups are fully included in schooling and other opportunities that prepare them for success in adulthood. To accomplish these goals, OSI’s Education Program will advance four strategies:
Strategy 1: Implement and scale restorative and other complementary practices that improve school climate and address bullying.
Strategy 2: Assist City Schools in institutionalizing the High Value High Schools[1] model initiated by OSI
Strategy 3: Advocate for long-term, adequate school funding for Baltimore City Schools
Strategy 4: Advocate for policies and practices that include and protect marginalized student populations, including African American students, immigrant students, LGBTQ students, and students with disabilities.
[1] The High Value High Schools initiative was developed to create rigorous, supportive and accelerated high school options in Baltimore for the purpose of significantly increasing graduation rates and post-secondary success, particularly for Baltimore’s African-American male students.
For more information, email Education and Youth Development Program Specialist Jennifer Kim, jennifer.kim@opensocietyfoundations.org
