The Becraft Scholars Program is kicking off the school year with its 2nd Annual Back-to-School Picnic for Becraft students and families. Founded in 2020 as a collaboration between the Fulcrum Foundation and the Ferry Family Charitable Foundation, Becraft Scholars creates a pathway of access for the students furthest from educational justice, with a focus on Black and African American students and families.
The program will welcome its third cohort of students at the picnic and give all Becraft families and students a chance to connect, enjoy a meal, and say goodbye to the summer while welcoming the new school year.
A key part of the Becraft program is creating a community in Catholic schools for students and families who are often marginalized. Throughout the 2021-2022 school year, the Becraft program organized several events to engage families and students in the school community.
“Building community is essential to the success of our program, but more importantly, the success of our students,” said Alana Bell, the director of the Becraft Scholars Program. “Every student deserves to feel a true sense of belonging in their community and Becraft Scholars intentionally centers relationship building in all that we do.”
Last year, the Virtual Family Engagement Night, created in honor of National Parent Involvement Day, provided an opportunity for Becraft families to learn and share how to partner with their schools for their children’s success. The families also participated in a mindfulness and meditation workshop hosted by one of the Becraft Scholar parents.
Becraft’s First Annual Juneteenth Freedom Walk and Picnic at Seward Park was a huge success. The Becraft students and families walked for freedom for all people and shared what freedom means to them.
The Becraft Scholars Program plans to host more events throughout the 2022-2023 school year, building on the success of the previous two years.