Partnerships are everything! Bronx Academy of Letters was fortunate to receive a relationship grant from the Brown Rudnick Charitable Foundation to launch a robust and diverse slate of after-school clubs for our high school students. The effort was led by our amazing teacher Mohammad Ahmad who encouraged club formation by the students based on their own interests.
Here are Mr. Ahmad’s thoughts on what they accomplished this past school year!
Shahid’s Fitness and Exercise Club is a space where fitness is judgementless and collaborative. The group works out together, learns from each other, and uplifts one another to be their best selves. I would often hear members talk to Shahid during the school day about what muscle group they were going to work out that day and ideas for exercises to try out.
Adam and Raheem put together amazing Video Game Clubs that really did unique things but came together for some awesome crossover events (including a tournament I totally want to join in on next year). A bunch of members mention these clubs as the highlight of their year.
Erin's Improv Troupe has gone to performances, participated in workshops, and performed at the Improv Asylum (to name a few things). They are committed. I'm invigorated by how excitedly her students talk about Improv Troupe.
Sabrina's Art Program really took on a life of its own. At one point they met in my room and seeing them work on all sorts of art in all sorts of mediums was so cool. They did it all, from sketching, to paint, to clay, to digital art. It was a place where anyone could come and express themselves artistically.
Stephanie, Kyle, and Frances's Boys Group gave these boys a space to hang out without the baggage of "school". Talk about reclamation of social capital and community building.
Despite most of Yearbook graduating in January, Dana made magic happen with this year's yearbook. I can't wait to see next year's, with a full staff of yearbookers. Israel had a great idea to start a business club and Eric championed his cause.
Although Business Finance and Fun was a magnificent shooting star, through Eric's encouragement and support, Israel took ownership of the whole creation and meeting process which was a big win for self-advocacy and fostering student leadership.
On fostering student leadership: Kai is a fountain of ideas trying to materialize her Cosmetology Club and Kate's a channel guiding them into reality. Kai's shared some of her grand ideas with me, and I can't wait to see them materialize under Kate's guidance next year.
And in our last club of this school year, the Girl's Exploration Club, Rukiya's formalized a space for girls to meet, collaborate, network, and explore opportunities professional and fun. They have great ideas for next year, and I'm on the edge of my seat to see what Rukiya and her girls get up to.
