WE ARE THE NATIONAL CHARTER COLLABORATIVE
THE ONLY NATIONAL ORGANIZATION
SUPPORTING TO SUCCESS OF CHARTER
SCHOOL LEADERS OF COLOR
THIS IS OUR STORY. OUR ORIGIN,
LEADERS, PROGRAMS AND IMPACT
HOW WE STARTED
Kim Smith and Trish Dziko met in 2013 on a shuttle ride from the airport to their very first Aspen Pahara Fellowship meeting. Little did they know then that they would co-found a nonprofit at the end of the fellowship.
As a project in the Aspen-Pahara Institute Fellowship. Trish and Kim wanted to explore why over 70% of charter schools closed in Washington, DC were led by leaders of color. Kim and Trish live on opposite coasts (and they each have demanding full time jobs), so they committed to meeting via video conference every Sunday until the project was fully shaped. They used their networks to conduct research and crystallize the project.
- Because 70% of charter school students are of color
- Because research is clear on the impact of leaders and teachers of color
- Because schools that embody communities are critical lifelines
An effective component of minority students academic success is a minority principal who serves as a role model for students
Students at schools with LOC score significantly higher on state test and are suspended at much lower rates (4.2% less likely)
Having just one black teacher in 3rd-5th grade reduced a black student’s probability of dropout by 29%; and by 39% for low-income black boy
“There is a brilliant child locked inside every student
– Marva Collins
OUR JOURNEY
Spring 2014
Kim and Trish Make NCC a Pahara Fellows Project
We always start the NCC story with "It started sitting by the fireplace with a glass of wine." And it's true. Once we decided we were going to work together for our Pahara project, that moment in time was pivotal in the creation of NCC.
Winter 2015
NCC Becomes Official
NCC Becomes a 501(c)3 and receives first round of funding from New Schools Venture Fund.
We set a MISSION: We build leader of color capacity to grow and sustain high-quality charter schools.
And we set a VISION: We envision an education system that centers and values Black and Brown student aspirations by enabling high-quality choice in marginalized communities.
Spring 2016
NCC Hosts Meet and Greet
We secured a space at the National Charter Schools Conference to host a workshop to introduce NCC and get time with as many charter leaders of color possible.
Spring 2017
NCC Hosts Workshop
We hosted a workshop at the National Charter Schools Conference in Washington, DC.
Spring 2018
First Annual Charter Leaders of Color Convening
We partnered with the National Charter Schools Association to host our first annual Charter Leaders of Color Convening in Austin, Texas. It was full of workshops including an exclusive session with key funders (New Schools Venture Fund, Walton Foundation, Gates Foundation and Arnold Foundation).
Winter 2018
Launched the Collective Action Committee
22 leaders from first annual Charter Leaders of Color Convening volunteered to be the charter members of the Collective Action Committee designed to create a Collective Action Agenda representative of the needs of charter leaders of color, their staff and students.
Spring 2019
Second Annual Charter Leaders of Color Convening
We partnered with New Schools Venture Fund to host our second annual Charter Leaders of Color Convening in Oakland, California. Attendees were able to visit one of the American Indian Model Schools and Amethod Public Schools.
Fall 2019
Advocacy Campaign Launch
One of the most exciting things about our work, is hearing the stories of all the great charter school leaders of color we meet. We launched the Charter Leaders of Color Matter campaign to celebrate them.
Winter 2019
Manati Fellowship Launch
We launched the Manati Fellowship at Salamander Resort & Spa in Virginia with six amazing school leaders.
Summer 2020
Third Annual Charter Leaders of Color Convening
The COVID-19 pandemic forced all activities to go virtual, so NCC followed suit by making our third annual Charter Leaders of Color Convening virtual.
Winter 2020
Digital Promise & NCC Launch Teacher of Color Initiative
Knowing how important it is for our member schools to have a diverse teaching staff, NCC joined forces with Digital Promise in launching the Teachers of Color Showcase to generate ideas for recruitment and retention of teachers of color.
February 2021
NCC Hires First CEO, Naomi Shelton
Kim and Trish always knew the time would come when NCC needed a fulltime leader just as dedicated as we are to the mission of NCC.
After a national search, we are pleased to introduce Naomi Shelton as our first CEO! Read more about Naomi.
“A leader… is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.“
– Nelson Mandela
OUR NETWORK
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In 31 States!
