The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success hosts 15th Annual Fundraising Gala

Cedar Rapids, Iowa—While the state of Iowa has many nonprofit organizations working to serve and empower students, The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success is unique in that it focuses on students of color and approaches its work through a cultural lens. For more than thirty years, The Academy has supported and empowered students of color in eastern Iowa and has achieved exceptional results.

On Thursday, May 12, The Academy will host its first-ever education-oriented gala. Traditionally an in-person sit-down dinner, a new, post-Corona focus will bring the cultural education for which The Academy is known, to the community. The theme will be the Harlem Renaissance, an era of vibrant artistic output from African Americans, which resonates to this day. Guests will amble through the space to experience the ambience of the time through live jazz, dance, poetry, a curated menu of heavy hors d’oeuvres, visual arts and more, anchored by student presentations in the historic Olympic South Side Theatre.

“We are entering a new era of programming,” said Dr. Ruth White, Academy founder and Executive Director. “As the needs of our students continue to evolve, so must our organization. To sustain our critical mission, we need the support of the community. Our annual gala is really the best opportunity to show the community what we’re all about, while raising the funds we need to expand and grow.”

In the past decades, 99% of Academy students have graduated from high school, and 89% of those students have gone on to post-secondary education. Most recently, fifteen Academy students graduated from area high schools; all are currently matriculating at two- or four-year area schools, with two attending Princeton University. In a time where disparities in education are becoming more of a focal point for educational professionals and policy makers, The Academy has found a proven method for shrinking the achievement gap.

This year’s gala will feature presentations from the following Academy students: Devonte Townsend, Martine Niwe, Malek Sogur, Marie Jackson, Ibrahim Osman, Danny Levy, Nzabaho Nziriweneza, Sophia Braggs, Alexis Spence, and Wilsee Kollie. Jazz from the Kelsh-White Quintet, curated cuisine from Academy alumna Crystal Bounds-Howard, and a silent auction will round out the evening.