About Us
Marcus Garvey once said that "a people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots." With this statement, he described the state of many African Americans then and today; and, what happens to a tree with no roots? It struggles to survive, but still has the opportunity to grow and develop a strong foundation. As long as the tree is not cut and the branches are nurtured and continue to sprout leaves, it can make it. The roots will eventually develop over time.
At Beyond the Gap (BTG), we know that young people need time to grow and develop deeply embedded roots that will support them as they work towards achieving their goals and becoming positive contributing adults in their communities. We work diligently to provide them with the necessary supports, tools, information and resources that will sustain them as they journey towards becoming successful adults. In addition to the youth and young adults, we service those who are an integral part of the child's educational, social and mental development to ensure their success.
Beyond the Gap was originally established in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in April 2010. We have since relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana with the hope of making a definite impact on the community. Our goal is to address the needs of African American youth and young adults. While educational reform emphasizes closing the gap, we feel it is necessary to go beyond the gap; to develop young people who are not satisfied with the status quo and who desire to do more than that which is average.
Beyond the Gap was originally established in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in April 2010. We have since relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana with the hope of making a definite impact on the community. Our goal is to address the needs of African American youth and young adults. While educational reform emphasizes closing the gap, we feel it is necessary to go beyond the gap; to develop young people who are not satisfied with the status quo and who desire to do more than that which is average.
Our Mission
Beyond the Gap is dedicated to encouraging, assisting and supporting historically marginalized and under-served youth to reach for and achieve success beyond the achievement gap; providing experiences and supportive services to them, and strengthening their systems of support by working with others who impact their academic, emotional and social development.
Our Vision
We desire to see a community in which:
- youth are empowered and are able to make informed and sound decisions about their future;
- youth are a priority and are valued;
- youth value and respect themselves and others;
- youth become productive contributing community members;
- families are appropriately informed about their educational rights and responsibilities;
- parents/guardians feel empowered to navigate the educational systems;
- youth workers, teachers and school leaders are adequately prepared to properly assist young people with their educational and social development;
- everyone is informed and has access to the research and development information that will positively impact the outcomes of the youth and consequently, the community.
Our Values
- Children are always first...every decision that is made is based on the needs of the children and is made in their best interest.
- Children deserve a safe place... to develop and grow academically and socially. Beyond the Gap assures that each child is treated with respect and that they treat others respectfully. We want to make sure that everyone is physically and emotionally safe.
- Families are the best support for young people...we believe that parents want to help their children, but they have to know how to navigate the system and make informed decisions. While the information is available, not everyone knows how to access or interpret it; therefore, Beyond the Gap is committed to making sure parents are supported and informed and that they know their rights and responsibilities.
- Results of programming should be positive and long-lasting...we develop and deliver our programs to have a positive long-lasting impact on the young people and the community.
- We are committed to excellence...our programs and activities are being consistently evaluated to ensure we are delivering the best possible experience. We identify our strengths and areas of opportunity and make certain improvements and/or enhancements are made. Anything can be made better.
- Philanthropy must be taught and is necessary for community development...when water is taken from the well, it must be returned for the sake of others who will need it in the future. Our participants are deliberately exposed to the ideals and benefits of philanthropy, so they understand their obligation. Beyond the Gap depends on current participants to give back so that others may benefit.
- We do what we say and give you what you need...it is not only important to deliver the current programs, but we also listen to the needs of the community. If there is a need that has not been addressed and it falls under the mission of Beyond the Gap, we will create a new program.
- We value our staff and are committed to them...without the staff of Beyond the Gap, our quality programs could not be delivered. We understand their importance to the process and we are committed to providing them with the necessary support and resources to complete their tasks. Human resources in the non-profit world are often overlooked, but we realize they they are the core of this organization and they are highly valued. We provide an atmosphere that is fun, supportive, nurturing and open to make sure they can reach their highest potential.
Inclusion & Diversity Statement
Beyond the Gap, Inc. does not discriminate with respect to age, gender, race, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other barriers to participation.
