Our History
Since 1989 more than 2500 students of color in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities have received culturally specific instruction in core curricular areas, along with essential travel exposure through The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success.
The Academy SPS is designed to be academically rigorous, is taught by a diverse group of culturally knowledgeable staff, and is housed on a college/university campus. Because of these components, students are more likely to possess the tools they need to succeed in post-secondary educational programs after participating in The Academy.
The Academy SPS serves 25-40 students for six weeks each summer, many of whom return for multiple experiences throughout their high school careers. It is the only non-remedial, proactive program of its kind in Iowa.
Our Statistics
- 99% graduation rate among students who have participated in The Academy for at least one full session.
- 90% post-secondary matriculation rate
- 80% of Academy students show improvement in school attendance.
- 92% of Academy students improve in at least one core curricular area in the term immediately following an Academy summer session.
Academy students trend toward more rigorous curricular choices in high school.
Though our statistics speak for themselves, there are few words that express the invaluable, enriching experience that is The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success.
Our Mission
The Mission of The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success is to instill pride in and understanding of African American culture as a tool to encourage academic achievement and positive behaviors, toward post-secondary matriculation and productive citizenship.
