The Becraft Scholars Program has flourished in its second year. Becraft is an equity-based, relationship-centered scholarship program that prioritizes students furthest from educational justice, with a focus on Black and African-American children. Becraft partner schools welcomed a new cohort of kindergartners this year. Becraft will support each year’s cohort from kindergarten through 8th grade.
Alana Bell, director of Becraft Scholars, focused on community building and engagement for the Becraft students and families. The program hosted its first annual Becraft Back-to-School Picnic at St. Therese, ran a virtual family engagement event, and organized its first annual Juneteenth Freedom Walk and Picnic at Seward Park.
“Building community is essential to the success of our program, but more importantly, the success of our students,” said Alana. “Every student deserves to feel a true sense of belonging in their community and Becraft Scholars intentionally centers relationship building in all that we do.”
The Becraft Program has been a shining light in the local Catholic community, earning a featured cover story in Northwest Catholic Magazine and a story on the “Rhythm & News” radio show hosted by Chris B. Bennett, the publisher and editor of The Seattle Medium. Alana spread her expertise in building community and belonging at an Office for Catholic Schools professional development workshop and as the keynote speaker at the National House Institute hosted by O’Dea High School.
“As Becraft Scholars continues to grow, I am thrilled to focus my efforts on engaging our partner schools on the necessity of family engagement and partnership throughout the upcoming school year and beyond,” said Alana.
This article is from the Fulcrum Foundation 2022 Community Report.