Bethesda Baptist Church

Bethesda Baptist Church

Bethesda Baptist Church’s The Empowering Minds Community Center-Transforming Communities: College Prep and Social Justice Education strives to create a safe and inviting space for 50 to 75 middle and high school learners who are interested in increasing their academic and essential skills and social justice awareness. The center will be open from 3:30 to 5:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, with transportation and snacks being provided daily. The overarching goal of the center is to focus on poverty alleviation, education, social justice and civic education.  To do this, the center will utilize mini lessons as well as short films, panel discussions, motivational speakers, SAT preparation, academic and essential skill building, cultural trips, outdoor adventures, and college and university campus tours.

Other program goals include:   

• Increase reading, writing, math and speaking skills for middle and high school students.
• Increase SAT scores.
• Increase civic engagement.
• Increase Social Justice education.
• Increase volunteerism.
• Increase mentorship activities.

In addition to serving students and families to alleviate poverty, the community center will have a positive impact on the local community by creating job and volunteer opportunities, as well as supporting local procurement. This safe and inclusive space will serve as a local center for organizations to gather, collaborate, celebrate and carry out their important work.