Last month, I wrote about the need for white folks who are looking for ways to address racial injustice in America to support black founders. I challenged funders and individuals to make big investments in the organizations and initiatives that black leaders create. After reading my article, a few funders asked me to talk in … Continue reading What funders should do to support black founders: Part 1
You asked what white folks can do. Support black founders.
After the latest spate of black pain and protests interrupted the white gaze, there seems to be a great white awakening afoot. I'm not quite sure what was particularly poignant about this round of lynchings but folks are starting to connect the dots between 400 years of oppression and our present condition. And like Ibram … Continue reading You asked what white folks can do. Support black founders.
What students say about COVID-19 and remote learning
With school buildings in Delaware now closed until the end of the academic year, it is more important than ever that educators and policymakers understand how remote learning is working for students. Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel of students from across the state of Delaware where they shared their thoughts … Continue reading What students say about COVID-19 and remote learning
University of Delaware’s president owes Delaware students an apology
University of Delaware's (UD) President Dennis Assanis owes the talented and hardworking students of Delaware an apology. In response to a question during the recent Joint Finance Committee meeting about why fewer than 40% of the school's students come from Delaware, President Assanis explained: “I am not the one holding back the kids in Delaware … Continue reading University of Delaware’s president owes Delaware students an apology
While some bribe, low-income students hurdle their way to higher education
By Tatiana Poladko News about the college admissions scandal this week shattered the romantic picture many hold about college admissions. We want to believe the process is fair and merit-based. We are fine with unadulterated competition for spots at selective colleges. But it is the lengths some families are willing to go —photoshopped pictures, $1.2 … Continue reading While some bribe, low-income students hurdle their way to higher education
How a low-income Delaware student found the “cheat code” to top college admissions
What does a kid do when her elite college dreams are being suffocated by a school system best suited to stifle mobility? How does she erase the seemingly indelible signs of inequitable schooling and resources from her record and etch her name on the registries of colleges meant for the affluent? She cheats. But she … Continue reading How a low-income Delaware student found the “cheat code” to top college admissions
An Education System that Honors our Students in 2017
Today, a group of high school students from TeenSHARP (a college prep organization I co-founded in 2009) came to TeenSHARP's office during their winter break for Day 1 of a 3-day "study extravaganza." They spent six hours completing homework, submitting applications to prestigious enrichment opportunities, and getting ahead on their studies before they return to … Continue reading An Education System that Honors our Students in 2017
Tips for the First Weeks of College
By Atnre Alleyne and Tatiana Poladko It's back to school time and we're especially excited about all the students who are embarking on their first semester of college (especially our TeenSHARPies!). While students' hard work and rigorous preparation in high school will help them excel in these new environments, we also understand how important strong advising … Continue reading Tips for the First Weeks of College
All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel
This post is adapted from a speech I delivered to students at the University of Delaware Political Science and International Relations Convocation in May 2015. I’m the last of my mother’s 5 kids, she had me at 40 years old, and she named me Atnreakn Siahyonkron Babatunde Alleyne. Atnreakn is an ancient Egyptian name derived … Continue reading All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel
The Kids Who Win the Summer
By Tatiana Poladko and Atnre Alleyne There will be winners and losers this summer. And not just during the Olympic Games. As sure as ice cream trucks will bring joy to neighborhoods this summer, this seemingly-innocuous season brings learning loss and a wider academic gap for a certain set of students. Unbeknownst to many of … Continue reading The Kids Who Win the Summer