Danny Showers is creating connections to inspire students to be all they can be.
Artwork by Rebecca Holt
This year TJ has started on the path to having a connection with many Historically Back Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Danny Showers, who is undertaking this project, is a CTE Resource Specialist here at TJ and also is the teacher sponsor for the Black Student Alliance (BSA).
Showers has now started making history at TJ by being the first to make a connection between TJ (or any DPS school) and the HBCUs all around America. This connection will allow students from TJ to be directly in contact with some of the most prominent HBCUs. The some of the colleges and universities with which Showers has made the connection with are Alabama A&B, Howard University, and Lincoln University. Showers reports that there will be more colleges added every semester.
“I took a survey of the underclassmen about the HBCUs and there are not many who knew what they are. It is important for this next generation to know what resources, like HBCUs, are at their fingertips,” said Showers. This is just another step for empowering black students, not only at TJ but also in the whole DPS community.
“This idea was a collaboration between Mrs. Just (Principal at TJ), the Area Superintendent, Antwon Wilson, and me,” said Showers. The idea was to contact many HBCUs to allow there to be a direct line to these schools. Showers will also make sure to keep the counselors up to date on the information about the HBCUs with which he has made a connection.
“I think a key to increasing the overall success rates of African American students in our schools is to reconnect them with their past in order to give them a context of what this education presented to them really means. Many sacrifices were made and are continually being made so that they can experience the opportunities they have today. It’s unfortunate when students don’t take advantage of these opportunities,” said Nickolas Dawkins, an Administrative Intern at TJ, who also is responsible for coming up with the idea of the connection with TJ and the HBCUs.
“I began conversations with Mr. Showers and Mr. Dawkins about ways that we could lessen the academic gap between students of ethnicity and Anglo students. This effort was one of the ideas brought forward,” said Sandra Just, TJ’s Principal. “I would hope that we can continue to increase our graduation rate with all students by providing increased post secondary readiness skills and opportunities and connections,” continued Just.
Dawkins believes that growing the cultural awareness is an important step in this collaboration. “I think the partnership between the HBCU and TJHS will further promote TJ’s college going culture. This partnership also adds an important connection for students who may be interested in attending an HBCU!”
Before coming to TJ, Showers was the Director of Admissions at Lincoln University, which is where he started making the calls to make this program come together. “This is just a way to get our foot in the door,” added Showers. This connection with the schools will allow the students at TJ to have an upper hand when it comes to getting into a these schools. “We will have a direct connection with the director of admissions at each school,” said Showers. There will be updates at every BSA meeting and there will also be a current list of the grants and scholarships that are related to these HBCUs kept with Showers. In addition, there will be visits and tours available for the HBCUs which TJ is in partnership with.
“The impact on DPS will be a positive one, in that it builds another link towards getting students to college. This is one of DPS’s major goals, as well as building partnerships,” said Dawkins. “The African American graduation rate will increase. Right now I see a lot between the students and their history.”
Just feels optimistic about the success this will give to the students here at TJ. “I think this allows opportunities for students. There is a chance to interact with universities that students may know about but may believe they would not get accepted at. The connections are extremely beneficial to student success,” added Just.
There are also early plans for having an HBCU Conference in 2012. This conference will host all of the HBCUs and high schools, helping them come together and connect. “It is in the works right now,” said Showers. This convention is for students in every state. An invitation to all the superintendents will be given for them to come to hear and be a part of the conference.
“Also, I am going to write to request a grant from the stimulus money from the White House for this conference,” said Showers, who added that Lincoln University has offered to match any funds that are raised.
