Dear NewComm Community,
One of the fun aspects of sharing our mission and vision at NewComm is answering the often-asked question: "What do you mean that you are a 'nonprofit education design studio'?"
If you were to ask a group of BIPOC high school students--public, independent, or otherwise-- about their experience in school, you will hear many stories about feeling of being out of place. Traditional learning environments, in their essence, seemed as though they didn't consider their stories, heritage, and individuality of BIPOC individuals. It's true that many have made strides in inclusion, creating physical spaces or programs meant to incorporate diverse voices. Yet, within these spaces, students are frequently confronted with a stark choice: do they assimilate and let go of a piece of who they are, or embrace their identity and risk feeling alienated? It's a profound and uncomfortable dilemma that no one should ever grapple with.
This, to me, has always felt like a design challenge, and this is why NewComm was born. I wanted to create a "new community" where we did more than just inclusion; I aimed to create a powerful sanctuary. A space where BIPOC students don’t just exist but thrive. Where their stories, struggles, and triumphs are not just an afterthought or a 'bonus feature', but the core engine of our educational opportunities.
Being an education design studio means we approach education holistically. Beyond just formulating programs, we dissect every aspect of the educational experience. From the physical and emotional spaces where learning unfolds to the methods and mediums of delivery. We challenge the norms – seeking always to understand how we can not just impart knowledge, but shape experiences. How can we foster environments that not only drive success but also encourage our students to reshape the very definition of what success means to them? Where are those untouched corners where sheer joy and self-discovery reside? How do we design pathways that challenge and rectify skewed societal narratives around the Black identity and success?
In an era where one-size-fits-all models are often the norm, NewComm aims to create a learning environment that makes space for diverse BIPOC experiences. Furthermore, we’re committed to carving out molds that don’t just fit, but celebrate our unique narratives, aspirations, and potential. Thank you so much for joining us on this ride.
Warm regards,
Chidi