1. What is your organization s mission and vision statement Mission: To increase the number of culturally responsible African American men who excel

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1 Closing the Achievement Gap for African American Students Grant Please type or print Application Cover Page Organization Name: OSU Omicron Theta Sigma SECTION A: COLLABORATIVE DESIGN TEAM SECTION B: Application Questions 1. What is your organization s mission and vision statement Mission: To increase the number of culturally responsible African American men who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community Vision: To develop and support a statewide mentoring pyramid that connects African American men: professionals, college, middle, and high school students in a sustainable program that improves access to opportunities and inspires excellence. Programs: OSU Omicron Theta Sigma (OTS) is a partnership of African American men: community members, educators, and families, working together to provide male role models to African American high school boys. Our program expands on the successes of the Oregon chapter of Phi Beta Sigma (PBS), a national African American fraternity, and the Pacific Northwest Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in STEM (LSAMP), a coalition of Oregon Universities, community colleges and STEM outreach groups. This funding will enable us to coordinate programing, and maximize the impact throughout the state. Phi Beta Sigma (PBS) was founded in 1914 to exemplify the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship, and service, exemplified in the motto: Culture for Service and Service for Oregon Department of Education Page 1

2 Humanity. Currently members of PBS meet with African American male high school students twice per month to provide mentoring and professional role models. LSAMP in Oregon began in 2009 as part of a NSF grant with a goal of doubling the number of URM students who graduate with a degree in STEM. Though seen by some as impossible, in four years the goal has been met. Successful strategies involved the development of a strong student community, peer mentoring, and recent graduate role models.ots combines the strengths of both programs in a Mentoring Pyramid: K12 students mentored by college students and supported by professionals, giving high school students an opportunity to develop a path from high school to career. 2.Why are you applying for the Closing the Achievement Gap? We are applying because too many African American boys lack a positive personal relationship with successful black men. Because High School students are influenced by peers, the collaboration of near-peer college students with successful professionals will enable boys to see a path from their current situation to college and a career. We would like to expand our impact to a greater number of African American boys throughout the state. Our partners have received a many grants to support our work, including NSF-LSAMP,the Civil Rights Division of Federal Highway Administration ( HS summer camp for URM students), Intel (summer bridge programs for URM students). 2. Please describe how your program currently addresses services Currently members meet twice per month with African American high school boys, and host students on cultural and social field trips. Members host STEM outreach events and summer residential camps for URM students. 3. How would your organization leverage/support Oregon Department of Education Page 2

3 This support will enable us to develop the infrastructure to reach professionals, students, and communities throughout the state in an effective face to face and e-mentoring program. We will host workshops in three areas of the state, providing training to mentors, educators, and parents. Mentoring groups from isolated communities will have an opportunity to meet face-to face, promoting a more effective e-mentoring experience. 4. What do you anticipate as potential barriers for the collaborative design team in this process? Oregon is a large state geographically and expanding a program that is accessible to students in multiple areas can be challenging. African Americans outside the Portland area can be isolated and may have limited contact with successful black role models. We plan to meet these challenges utilizing technology, including e-mentoring, as well as hosting events in Portland, mid-valley, and in Southern Oregon. With computer professionals in our design team, and mentors in many areas of the state, we are poised to meet these technological and geographic challenges. 5. Action Plan: Goal: African American male high school students will have a personal on-going relationship with a current black STEM college student and a professional who will inspire and guide the student to aim for post-hs graduation success. Outcome: Each student will have a written post-hs plan. 80% of students participating in this program will successfully pass all classes, and enroll in courses meeting University admission requirements. Indicator: Each term, students will complete all academic assignments; have no unexcused absences, and will be enrolled in courses leading to college admission. Oregon Department of Education Page 3

4 Activity 1: Mentor training and workshop for all college and professional participants focusing on methods to promote student identity, cultural awareness, academic excellence, and state guidelines for working with minors. (Portland, Valley, So Oregon) Activity 2: Meetings with mentors to monitor academic and social progress: school attendance and behavior, homework, grades, and extracurricular activities. Activity 3: Students will visit Universities at least twice each year meeting with current black STEM students for class shadowing, and exposure to support services and University cultural and research programs. Activity 4: College student mentors will e-contact students at least twice per week Activity 5: College Informational sessions for students and families, including scholarships, and the application process, in Portland area, Valley, and Southern Oregon. Activity 6: Attend social or cultural events with mentors Activity 7: Industry tours/job shadowing 7. Briefly describe your plan for continuing the programming This program will continue after the grant cycle ends. The initial funding will facilitate the expansion of Phi Beta Sigma to all areas of Oregon establishing a community of African American professional men who are committed to service and assisting youth. We anticipate that as college mentors graduate, they will continue serving with Phi Beta Sigma leading to a permanent mentoring program for African American youth in Oregon. The LSAMP program will be funded through 2019, ensuring university and community college participation. Oregon Department of Education Page 4

5 Oregon Department of Education Page 5