The document summarizes the background and successful practices of the Center for African American Achievement in Engineering (CAAAE) and its Dr. Frank S. Greene Scholars Program (GSP). The GSP provides support to Black students in STEM fields, with 100% of scholars graduating from high school and college, 75% attending 4-year universities, and 40% obtaining STEM degrees. The program's success is attributed to high expectations for both scholars and involved parents, who are required to donate time monthly and financially support the program through an annual fee.

1. Gap Closed! Successful STEM Practices
for Black Students: How We Did It
STEM Summit – Hyatt Regency, Santa Clara
Feb. 4, 2014

2. CAAAE Background
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Launched in 2001.
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MISSION STATEMENT: To provide programs and services to
students, families, and teachers in order to create culturally
conscious African American students who are life-long learners and
critical thinkers.
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VISION: The vision of the CAAAE is to achieve excellence in
education for ALL African American students enabling them to
successfully participate in and contribute to a global society.
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Located in six regions - the Bay Area, the Valley
(Fresno/Bakersfield), San Diego, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, and
Sacramento/Stockton.
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3. GSP Background
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Dr. Frank S. Greene Scholars Program (GSP) – named after an
African American scientist from Silicon Valley who helped pave the
way for today’s computers
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Developed to help K-12 youth of African ancestry successfully
complete higher education in STEM and serve as positive role
models and contributors to their community
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Since 2001, have served 375+ students representing 101 public
and private schools from throughout the Bay Area.
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Students are nominated by school staff, community members,
current GSP and alumni parents.
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There is an online application process and family interview.
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4. GSP Results – Gap Closed!
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100% of Scholars have passed the CAHSEE,
met the UC’s ‘A-G’ requirements for admission,
and graduated from high school.
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100% college-bound rate - 75% attend 4-year
college/universities, 25% attend two-colleges,
48% selected STEM majors, 90% have
graduated from college in 4 years, and 40%
have obtained STEM degrees.
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5. Commitment & Pledge
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At least one parent must sign this
annually.
It spells out what is expected of each
parent (e.g. attendance at parent
empowerment meetings, monitoring of
student grades, serving on one or more
committees, etc.)
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6. Operations Advisory Committee
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The OAC assists the Program Director in managing the annual
budget; developing a long range strategic plan; overseeing the
annual plan of activities; and providing oversight and enforcement of
program policies and rules. Monthly meetings are open to all parents.
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The Program Director is directly responsible for overall program
management including development and refinement of activities;
control over budgeting and financial planning; accounting and fiscal
management; contract/grant compliance; fundraising; and volunteer
recruitment.

The President presides at all OAC meetings and works closely
with the Program Director to ensure common goals are established.
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7. Parental Involvement For Success

Parents serve as Committee Leads over science fair, recognition
luncheon, K-5 programming, 6-8 programming, 9-12 programming,
parent meetings, fundraising/revenue, meeting logistics, publicity,
career fair, summer science institutes, GSP-TV.
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Each parent is required to donate at least four hours each month to
the GSP.

Parents are expected to engage their Scholars in study skills, online
tutoring, science fair preparation, student resume and goal setting
using tools provided.
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Parents are expected to actively participate in new family orientation,
parent enrichment sessions, and leadership training.
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Each family is expected to pay an annual $350 family contribution to
help sustain the GSP. Payment plans are available.
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8. The GSP Experience
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Hands-on STEM and character education meetings one Saturday monthly
focused on key program activities
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Annual science fair at Cypress Semiconductor
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Annual science fair recognition celebration
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Participation in at least two cultural enrichment activities
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Participation in at least one summer enrichment activity
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Completion of at least one community service project per year
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Ongoing support until graduation from high school
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9. The Bottom Line…
High Expectations for Scholars
High Expectations for Parents
Questions??
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10. Contact Information
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Debra Watkins, CAAAE & GSP Founder
info@caaae.org
408.829.0590
www.caaae.org
Gloria Whitaker-Daniels, GSP Director
408.425.3425
www.greenescholars.org
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