1. If their partnership had a theme, it could
be “We’re stronger together than we are
apart.”
When representatives from Baltimore’s
public schools, private schools and Johns
Hopkins University’s Center for Talented
Youth pooled their resources, they created
something new: A comprehensive directory
of local resources providing academic
enrichment for academically talented kids,
especially those from low-income families.
The Compass Directory, officially
launched Sept. 15, connects talented chil-
dren with organizations that could change
their lives forever, like the Baltimore Kids
Chess League, Baltimore Urban Debate
League, CollegeBound Foundation, the
Ingenuity Project and more.
While many resources serve students
who are struggling academically, those who
are poised to excel tend to have less sup-
port, according to Amy John, executive
director of the Baltimore Educational
Scholarship Trust. “There wasn’t a resource
that keeps enriching children and letting
parents in Baltimore know what’s out there.
Thus, this directory was formed.”
John credits Karen Bond, senior director
of academic programs at Johns Hopkins’
Center for Talented Youth, with champi-
oning the initiative. Johns Hopkins also
funded the publication.
“I call it leveling the playing field of infor-
mation,” Bond said. “Let’s make it some-
thing real that can connect the dots if
you’re smart in Baltimore. … How do you
parlay that into great opportunities?”
Too often, she said, smart kids dumb
themselves down to fit in with peers. And
parents often aren’t aware of local resources.
Communications Director Molly Rath
represented the city school system in the
creating of the directory.
MAXIMILIAN FRANZ
KarenBond,AmyJohnandMollyRath
The Compass Directory
Greatestinnovator?
Tom Wilcox, CEO of Baltimore Community Foundation. Bond said
Wilcox “has the courage to talk openly about the excellence gap that
exists in our city and the bold steps essential to change the future of
children and families who have less than enough.”
From left: Molly Rath, communications director of Baltimore City Public Schools; Karen Bond,
senior director of academic programs at Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth;
and Amy John, executive director of the Baltimore Educational Scholarship Trust.