Our Programs: A Three Pillars Approach

Every day, brilliant Black boys in Title 1 elementary schools are writing stories, solving problems, and dreaming big dreams. But too many face barriers that dim their light before they reach middle school. The SMARTForward Initiative intervenes during the critical elementary years—when mindsets form, when readers emerge, and when futures begin.

The Urgent Reality

By 4th grade, the trajectory is often set. Black boys in Title 1 schools face compounding challenges:

3x more likely to be suspended than peers
2x more likely to be identified for special education
82% reading below grade level by 4th grade
1% of their elementary teachers look like them
5x less likely to be identified as gifted

But here’s what changes everything: Early intervention works. The SMART Framework can help Title 1 schools close achievement gaps, improve reading scores, and expand futures. Our evidence-based approach addresses the complete ecosystem supporting young Black scholars—because transformation happens when home, school, and self-identity align.

Pillar 1:

For Educators

Professional Development Sessions

For: Teachers, administrators, and support staff in Title 1 elementary schools

The Challenge: Even well-meaning educators may unknowingly hold lower expectations for Black boys, creating self-fulfilling prophecies that impact student outcomes.

Our Solution: Research-backed strategies you can implement immediately to build motivated, confident learners.

What You'll Master

The Science of Motivation
Discover why certain praise undermines achievement and learn motivation techniques that actually work for Black boys.
Breaking the Bias Cycle
Recognize and interrupt the Pygmalion effect, academic disidentification, and learned helplessness before they take root.
Growth Mindset in Action
Move beyond posters and slogans to instill genuine belief in potential—strategies tested in Title 1 classrooms.
Literacy as Liberation
Create classroom libraries and experiences where Black boys see themselves as scholars, not stereotypes.
Building Academic Identity
Transform “I'm not a math person” into “I'm learning to master this”—practical tools for shifting self-perception.
Program Formats (Motivational, interactive, evidence-based)
• Power Hour – High-impact 60-minute presentation
• Momentum Workshop – Half-day transformative workshop
• Day of Excellence – Full-day intensive training session
• Sustained Success Partnership – Full semester of guided transformation

Pillar 2:

For Parents

Parent Engagement Programs

For: Parents, grandparents, and gurdians/caregivers of Black boys in Title 1 elementary schools

The Challenge: Many parents want to help but feel overwhelmed by educational jargon or unsure how to navigate school systems.

Our Solution: Practical, judgment-free strategies that turn homes into launchpads for academic success.

What Parents will Learn

Motivation That Works
Master the art of building confidence without creating pressure—find the sweet spot that keeps Black boys engaged.
The Power of Words
Learn which conversations build academic resilience and which accidentally undermine it.
Creating Home Scholars
Transform everyday moments into learning opportunities—from grocery store math to bedtime story excellence.
Building Future Vision
Help Black boys see college as destiny, not exception—practical tools for expanding what feels possible.
The Reading Revolution
Simple strategies to make your home a literacy-rich environment, even on a budget.
Program Formats (Meeting families where they are)
• Evening Empowerment Sessions (45-60 minutes) - Practical strategies for busy weeknights—building SMART boys between dinner and bedtime
• Saturday Success Intensives (3 hours) - Deep-dive workshops designed for working parents' schedules with childcare provided
• Father-Focused Sessions (45-60 minutes) - Quarterly gatherings that activate the unique power of Black fathers and male mentors in boys' academic journey

Pillar 3:

For Students

Student Motivation & Author Visit

For: Black boys in K-5th grade at Title 1 elementary schools

The Challenge: With only 1% of elementary teachers being Black males, many students don’t interact with a successful Black male scholar who shares their background.

Our Solution: Award-winning author Dr. Little brings books to life while showing students their own author potential.

Real Author, Real Story
Dr. Little shares his journey from a Mississippi farm to becoming a published author with four books in the Accelerated Reader program.
Scholar Identity Building
Students see that academic success doesn't mean abandoning culture—it means expanding possibilities.
Program Experience
Little’s interactively shares from his four children's books in the Accelerated Reader program, revealing his writing process while connecting his personal transformation story to the students' potential. The format includes dynamic storytelling, writing inspiration, and encouragement for students to see themselves as future authors and scholars.
Program Options
• 30-60 minute author visits
• Multiple grade-level sessions
• Book signings and literacy celebrations
• Multi-school visits available
• Integration with school reading programs

The Bottom Line

Academic motivation is critical for Black boys' success, but motivation only occurs when the expected outcome is valued. Through our three-pillar approach, we ensure that academic achievement becomes relevant and valued across all environments—home, classroom, and personal identity. When we address the whole ecosystem supporting these young scholars, we create sustainable pathways to success.