Race Matters: SF Achievers Share Their Stories

Reverend Joann • June 28, 2020

Please join us for this online Calvary Adult Education program that focuses on the important work of San Francisco Achievers, one of Calvary Presbyterian Church’s non-profit partners, whose goal is to help close the opportunity gap for African American young men seeking to fulfill their potential through higher education. A panel of recent and soon-to-be college graduates from SF Achievers, who were mentored by Calvary congregants, will share their personal insights into the current events around Black Lives Matter and where we go from here. San Francisco Achievers mission is to support African American young men in San Francisco to lead and thrive in higher education and beyond by closing the opportunity gap.


SF Achievers does this through college scholarships, leadership training, and mentoring. The students benefit from a community of support that starts with staff and extends to volunteers, businesses, and nonprofits throughout the Bay Area. Studies show that African American men make up only about 5.5% of all college students, with only 1 in 6 graduating with a college degree. SF Achievers addresses these disparities through its programs: a skills development program in high schools; a Leadership Academy for selected high school seniors; and scholarships, mentoring, and other support for college students. For more information on AF Achievers: https://www.sfachievers.org/.

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