This is a Big Deal: STOP Award Semifinalist

I’m thrilled to share that The Oakland REACH was just announced as a semi-finalist for the inaugural STOP Award, a $1 million prize to transform education. This is a big deal! 

The STOP Award recognizes education providers who delivered for underserved students through the pandemic — and who strive to offer education that is Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless. When we read these words we thought, “This should be our tagline!” It’s so incredibly important for Black- and Brown-led organizations like ours, who continue to meet the moment and serve our own communities, to be recognized in this way and among this group. 

In the next phase, we will be taking part in a four-week accelerator program hosted by GSV labs, where my team and I will work with technology leaders, investors, and mentors to take our Hub to the next level. Five finalists will emerge from this process, and will be presented at the Forbes Summit in December. The winner of the award will be announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in January.

To truly transform education, we must center parent power and push for and build disruptive and innovative academic opportunities for families who are farthest away from opportunity, while also pulling bold advocacy levers that challenge the status quo in California and across the country. Parents have waited long enough!

I will continue to keep the updates coming — and ask that you keep rooting for The REACH in this process. I know we can do big things!! Your ideas and advice are always welcome - lakisha@oaklandreach.org. 

Lakisha