ASPS 16th Annual Gala Sponsorships

The annual gala in support of The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success will be held at The HarMac on June 1st, 2023, at 5:30 pm. The for the night is inspired by the Harlem Salon: Celebrating Jazz and Poets. The Harlem Renaissance was an era remembered for its rich contributions to African American Literature, art, music, and dance. Guests may expect an immersive experience of the art and culture of the time, including food and drink, live jazz, student performances, and live auction.

Aside from celebrating and acknowledging a moment in Black history, there are multiple purposes for this event: First, to generate revenue to support the unique and successful Academy SPS programs. Second, The Academy teaches principles
around Education, Family, Leadership, and Generosity of Spirit. We want to shine a light on the students who internalize these principles, and who deserve recognition for their hard work and scholastic achievements. We also want the community to know that rigor and cultural knowledge lead our students toward upstanding citizenship-- our ultimate goal.

The Academy SPS currently enjoys the support of community and educational institutions. But we need the support of corporate entities as well. Our statistics and our Sponsorship Packages will assist you as you decide to support positive
programming for students of color in Cedar Rapids.

Since 1989, more than 2,500 African American, African, and bi-racial students in Cedar Rapids and adjacent communities have received culturally specific instruction in core curricular areas, along with valuable travel exposure through The
Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success.

Data shows that some African American students who graduate from high school are not ready for college. The Academy
SPS ensures post-graduate readiness. The Academy encourages students to stretch themselves by enrolling in courses that ensure academic rigor, and monitors student achievement. The Academy SPS curriculum is designed to be academically
rigorous; classes are taught by culturally knowledgeable African American staff in a university setting.

The Academy SPS serves 25-60 high school students each summer, many of whom return for multiple experiences throughout their high school careers, up to sixty middle school students through the African American Awareness Program
(AAAP), and as many as 30 elementary school students through the Academy Expansion Program. Academy SPS programs are the only non-remedial, proactive programs of their kind in Iowa.