Support the RACSteppers 2017-2018
Donation protected
The RACSteppers are a group of talented young girls in third through fifth grade at Riverdale Avenue Community School from the neighborhood of Brownsville, Brooklyn.
Like many schools and families, we understand the importance of providing students access to rich extra-curricular programs and engaging activities outside of rigorous academics.
While many schools are focused on looking at the achievement gap that exists, our school is equally as focused on the opportunity gap. Our students do not have the same opportunities for identity building and enriching extracurricular activities, as compared to their middle class peers.
Riverdale Avenue Community School takes a range of efforts to attempt to close the achievement and opportunity gaps. We refuse to allow our students to work just as hard as others and be rewarded with less. Our RACSteppers Step Team is one of the many enrichment opportunities we provide students and has become a trademark and huge source of pride within our school and community. Not only because they just keep winning! But also because they put in the work. The step team practices their choreography and performances twice a week after school but don’t be surprised to find the steppers getting together during lunch, recess, and in the halls as well. They are passionate about their craft and participating in the step team imparts invaluable opportunities to learn about collaboration, discipline, commitment, and hard work.
Unfortunately discussions about Brownsville too frequently reference the notoriously high-crime rate, poverty, and high populations of temporary housing. These are realities of the neighborhood-- however they in no way provide the full picture it is deserving of. The RACSteppers are champions and examples of the beauty and success that comes from within our community. The RACSteppers have become an outlet and source of pride for our students, and the broader school community and they are part of an effort to redefine the common narrative of Brownsville.
Our team has earned numerous first place titles, in local, regional, and national competitions. Most recently we traveled to Virginia to expand our presence and exposure to other talents. Our elementary students competed against middle school students and achieved the first place ranking!!!!!
Our team is currently preparing for the National Competition in June, which will be held in Atlanta, GA. We need to make these accomplishments a reality for our students because they have committed the hard work required and possess endless talent. Our only limitation is funding and by supporting us in whatever amount you choose, it will help support the costs of local and national competition entry fees, travel, costumes, and continuing this program for our 16 dedicated and hardworking elementary students.
Like many schools and families, we understand the importance of providing students access to rich extra-curricular programs and engaging activities outside of rigorous academics.
While many schools are focused on looking at the achievement gap that exists, our school is equally as focused on the opportunity gap. Our students do not have the same opportunities for identity building and enriching extracurricular activities, as compared to their middle class peers.
Riverdale Avenue Community School takes a range of efforts to attempt to close the achievement and opportunity gaps. We refuse to allow our students to work just as hard as others and be rewarded with less. Our RACSteppers Step Team is one of the many enrichment opportunities we provide students and has become a trademark and huge source of pride within our school and community. Not only because they just keep winning! But also because they put in the work. The step team practices their choreography and performances twice a week after school but don’t be surprised to find the steppers getting together during lunch, recess, and in the halls as well. They are passionate about their craft and participating in the step team imparts invaluable opportunities to learn about collaboration, discipline, commitment, and hard work.
Unfortunately discussions about Brownsville too frequently reference the notoriously high-crime rate, poverty, and high populations of temporary housing. These are realities of the neighborhood-- however they in no way provide the full picture it is deserving of. The RACSteppers are champions and examples of the beauty and success that comes from within our community. The RACSteppers have become an outlet and source of pride for our students, and the broader school community and they are part of an effort to redefine the common narrative of Brownsville.
Our team has earned numerous first place titles, in local, regional, and national competitions. Most recently we traveled to Virginia to expand our presence and exposure to other talents. Our elementary students competed against middle school students and achieved the first place ranking!!!!!
Our team is currently preparing for the National Competition in June, which will be held in Atlanta, GA. We need to make these accomplishments a reality for our students because they have committed the hard work required and possess endless talent. Our only limitation is funding and by supporting us in whatever amount you choose, it will help support the costs of local and national competition entry fees, travel, costumes, and continuing this program for our 16 dedicated and hardworking elementary students.
Organizer and beneficiary
Domonique Glover
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY
Asha Isaac
Beneficiary
