The Santa Clara County Alliance of Black Educators is dedicated to supporting the education of Black children. We are an all-volunteer organization made up of educators and community advocates.

African American children continue to under-perform in our schools. Only 31% of our students graduate from high school having completed the UC/CSU requirements. This is no better than the State average for African American students. This compares to “college-readiness” rates of 63% for white students and 73% for Asian students in Santa Clara County. Both of these rates are above the State average.

Just as disturbing is the difference in performance between African American males and females. African American females are almost twice as likely to graduate having met the UC/CSU requirements compared to their male counterparts (41% vs. 22%). This gap is larger than any other racial group. We must challenge and work with local school district to address this issue.

Our world is increasingly driven by technology and globalization. This demands that our children pursue an education beyond high school and be able to manage in a technology-driven and culturally diverse society. Our education system has been challenged in addressing the needs of all children. Our community must be more visible and vocal. We must be seen as active participants in supporting our youth and their dreams. Everyone involved with educating our children, teachers and administrators alike, must know that “success is the only option”.

We invite educators and the community to join us. Effective partnerships and coalitions are critical in a community where our numbers are few. However, our ancestors’ sacrifice demands that we take responsibility and action for supporting our children and their future.