Scholars in Motion
Every child, regardless of the zip code in which they reside, should have the opportunity to access higher education. We, at the Institute for Common Power, believe that as we work to educator people on the history of inequity so we can help mobilize voters, we must lead by example in demonstrating how to dismantle that inequity.
The Scholars in Motion program focuses on high school students who reside in Project-Based Rental Assistance housing. The Institute for Common Power provides mentoring, tutoring for their current classes, SAT / ACT preparation, college visits, college application fees, and other forms of guidance to help high school students have the best portfolio possible when they apply to college. We also help them identify and apply for scholarships. Additionally, we take them on field trips to places that help them learn about history and the importance of voting. We know that college-educated people form an important voting-block; therefore, the program also aids in expanding-in various ways-access to the ballot.
We created Scholars in Motion to ensure that some of the most marginalized youth in our society have a pathway to higher education. This program is designed to give access to economically marginalized youth who are typically denied access to the programs, hired coaching, tutoring, and other forms of support often required to be accepted to colleges and universities (particularly more prestigious ones). Students in the program do not pay for anything. Once the students are in college, they will have access to Action Academy.
By providing youth in the program with access to opportunities that are frequently denied them, we hope to positively impact the trajectory of their lives. We know that a college education changes how generational wealth is created and bequeathed in this country. We can help lessen the racial wealth gap in this country through this program as a disproportionate number of youth who reside in Project-Based Rental Assistance housing are BIPOC.
We currently have Scholars in Motion chapters in Frederick, Maryland and Selma, Alabama.
“It’s been such an honor to help establish a chapter of Scholars in Motion in Selma! Our program has grown by students inviting their friends, and we are now at our 2024 capacity! The scholars create their community and embrace each other. I’m honored to be able to travel with [the students] to local colleges....and fun events. These scholars carry [the baton of Selma] as they build their legacy.”
“[The staff] just take their time to understand us personally and they are always willing to help us with anything we need. I love the support that they all give us...they make sure that you’re going to have a successful school year and they are going to make sure that you are prepared for college.”
Our Scholars’ Successful Path to Higher Education!
Our Scholars in Motion have been accepted to the following colleges and universities since we began the program in 2022:
Pennsylvania State University, James Madison University, University of Maryland, New York University, Hood College, Mount St. Mary’s University, Morgan State University, Townson University, Xavier University, Wingate University, Johnson & Wales University, and more. Every one of our Scholars in Motion received merit and / or Presidential scholarships.
Testimonies from Scholars in Motion
“It has impacted me by putting me in an environment where I have help and people to go to for educational help. I can experience fun things but also learn at the same time, I am in an environment with people who seek similar success, and lastly I am surrounded by mentors who can help me along the road with the next steps in life.”
“Scholars in Motion has supported and encouraged me to work hard and I’m thankful for the help I’ve received from all the mentors and tutors.”
“How the program has impacted me was getting with people that are willing to help me with school. The people just take their time to understand us personally and they are always willing to help us with anything we need. I love the support that they all give us. If I wasn’t in Scholars in Motion, I don’t think I would’ve been able to pass and come back and play again. Also, all the benefits that we get just being in the program are great -- they make sure that you're going to have a successful school year and they are going to make sure that you are prepared for college.”