LET'S START A NEW CHAPTER
The number of words a child knows upon entering kindergarten is a key predictor of his or her academic success. More than 1 in 3 children arrive in kindergarten without the necessary skills for lifetime learning. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, children who were read to on a regular basis were able to count higher, write their own names and outperformed other students without literary stimulation.
In America, only 15% of African American males are reading at grade level prior to entering high school. Research has shown a direct correlation with the literacy performance of African American males and the likelihood of incarceration. Eighty-five percent of juvenile offenders in America are also functionally illiterate. Juvenile incarceration reduces the probability of high school graduation and increases the chances of incarceration later in life. In fact, high school drop outs are 4x more likely to be arrested in their lifetime.
The number of words a child knows upon entering kindergarten is a key predictor of his or her academic success. More than 1 in 3 children arrive in kindergarten without the necessary skills for lifetime learning. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, children who were read to on a regular basis were able to count higher, write their own names and outperformed other students without literary stimulation.
SPONSOR A READER
Your donation will ensure each child receives:
First Reader’s Book Kit (25 Books)
Flash cards
Weekly snacks/drink
Stickers/incentives
Bookbag
School supplies
Tee shirt with “Chapter One” logo
The cost to sponsor a child for the 8 month program is $100, but any investment will be useful in providing these young men with the opportunity to be successful upon entering kindergarten. Make a one time donation or setup recurring payments in any amount.
CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SOME OF OUR CHAPTER ONE READING SPONSORS
SUMMIT ROTARY CLUB
In The News
I Beg To Differ
Youth speech and debate coaches from Northwest High School spent three months teaching debate techniques to BSI members. The final month, students participated in an intense debate with subjects pertaining to sports in school and standardized testing. The partnership will continue throughout the year as youth tackle subjects such as gender and racial inequality, education and politics.
Rolling Up Their Sleeves
Each year, BSI has a different themed competition. This year, students were divided into 5 teams and challenged to create their own small businesses. From a customized lamp company to a landscaping service, these youth have been getting their hands dirty and learning hand-on how to be successful in their desired businesses. Who will win? The winner will be determined on June 1.
A Day At Lot 2450
On a cold and rainy Saturday morning, BSI members were out at 7:30 to work in the rural city of Mayodan at Lot 2540. Lot 2540 is a ministry which assists those in need of securing some of life's staples such as clothing, food, job opportunities, resources and most importantly, hope.
For Greensboro To Grammys
The Black Suit Initiative was proud to host Grammy award winning music producer, Fanatic. Getting his early foundation in music in Greensboro, NC, Fanatic took his passion to New York City to work with some of the industry's most iconic artists. He won his first Grammy in 2003 as a producer on Beyonce's "Dangerously In Love" album.
Sigma Pi Phi Mentors
The Black Suit Initiative is honored to have Sigma Pi Phi, as their newest mentor partner. Sigma Pi Phi, also referred to as "the Boulé," which means "a council of noblemen", was founded as an organization for professionals. Sigma Pi Phi is the first successful and oldest African-American Greek-lettered organization. It has welcomed and continues to welcome into its fraternal bond some of the most distinguished men in the world. Its members have included such men as W.E.B. DuBois, Carter G. Woodson, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Charles R. Drew.
Principles of Wealth Building
Pearce Landry, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Granville Capital and several staff members hosted a morning of financial literacy workshops for BSI members. From investing in stocks to starting their own businesses, students left energized about their financial futures.
Your Investment Is Needed
Your generosity allows us the opportunity to provide these young men with FREE educational opportunities year-round. Make your tax deductible donation today.
Photo Gallery
Meet The Founder
Evainna W. Ross
Born in Lynchburg, VA, Evainna W. Ross has dedicated most of her life to helping youth secure better educational and economic opportunities through the development of her nonprofit organization, The Sparrow's Nest, Inc.
Upon graduating from North Carolina A&T State University with a B.S. in Public Relations in 1991, Ross began her journey working with youth under the leadership of the late civil rights pioneer, Rev. Prince E. Graves. Ross spent six years volunteering as the youth director of St. James Baptist Church increasing their youth programs' participation substantially.
Ross took what she learned at St. James Baptist Church and developed a community based model and launched The Sparrow's Nest, Inc. in Claremont Courts, a public housing community in Greensboro in October 2008. The Sparrow's Nest , Inc. was a mobile service which provided free programs on Saturdays such as ballroom dancing, sculpting, culinary arts and public speaking directly to youth in 4 of the largest public housing communities in Greensboro. Because of the growing popularity of these programs, Ross felt she wasn't making a lasting impact only seeing youth in these communities once a month. For that reason, in 2010, Ross, with a panel of educators and business owners, interviewed and selected 50 middle and high school youth to be members of a leadership program called The Chosen 50. The majority of these youth were selected from the communities she had served prior. These youth remained in the program until they graduated high school.
During their time in the program, these youth were empowered to make positive decisions for their lives as well as their communities. These youth have developed their own small businesses, developed political campaigns, created a stock portfolio and learned how to purchase their own homes and cars.
In 2014, Ross was recognized nationally by the Ascena Retail Group as an "everyday hero" who has dedicated her life to making the world a better place by empowering children in the areas of education, social support and self-esteem.
The Sparrow's Nest, Inc. has continued to evolve into a program which addresses the need of an ever-changing society. In 2016 they launched their newest division, The Black Suit Initiative, an all male leadership and community engagement program for middle and high school students.
Ross has been married to Kevin for 30 years and they have one daughter, Amariah.