November 11, 2024
After a quarter of a century of creating a culture of academic success for students of color in Montclair, IMANI will host events to celebrate its accomplishments and renew its commitment to help students from underserved and historically marginalized groups excel in school and pursue the path to college.
A Persistent Achievement Gap
In 1999, Montclair Public Schools asked a group of dedicated parents to partner to provide supplemental educational programs. This came after research from the College Board revealed an urgent need for out-of-school strategies to address the persistent achievement gap between students of color and their white peers. In the 25 years since its inception, IMANI has expanded its programs, influence, and network to serve over 5,500 students.
IMANI has strategically responded to community needs by improving early literacy, providing tutoring for elementary school students, supporting the transition to middle and high school, and promoting interest in STEM. IMANI study groups encourage a collective approach to improving achievement and family meetings help parents become effective educational advocates.
In recent years, IMANI has concentrated on expanding high school programs to address individual and systemic barriers to college access. IMANI offers a rigorous SAT Prep program that has proven to increase SAT scores by as much as 200 points. The IMANI College Advocacy Center has successfully guided over 1200 Montclair High School students through the college admissions process.
Individualized Support
“Many students we help are the first in their families to go to college,” said IMANI co-founder and executive director JoAnn McCullough. “Others have concerns about finding a school that’s a good fit or an affordable option for their family. With the individualized support that we provide, IMANI students have gone on to graduate from competitive four-year colleges and universities and achieve their career aspirations.”
Creating a culture of academic success requires creativity, resourcefulness, and ongoing support to meet student needs. “Our mission is rooted in a dogged belief that all children can succeed and deserve the opportunity to explore their potential,” said McCullough. “Despite IMANI’s progress in improving student performance, the achievement gap widened during the Covid-19 pandemic as students struggled with the challenges of remote learning. The need for IMANI’s programs is now greater than ever.”
IMANI has a dedicated staff, teachers, local volunteers, supporters, and partners, including the Montclair Public School District, who share its sense of duty to the next generation. This anniversary season will focus on achievements while shining a light on the work that lies ahead.
IMANi will hold a meet & greet for supporters in early December 2024 and is planning a 25th anniversary gala for fall 2025. The community can support IMANI’s mission by volunteering or donating to help sustain its programs and services. To learn more about IMANI, visit imaniprograms.org