National Charter Collaborative

?? Growing a charter school is no small feat—but the right support can make all the difference. That’s where the Charter School Growth Fund (CSGF) comes in. With over 500 schools supported nationwide, they’ve become a trusted partner for charter leaders who are transforming education for underserved communities. What makes CSGF stand out isn’t just their funding—it’s the partnership. They work closely with schools to offer guidance on financial planning, scaling operations, and creating innovative learning environments. Plus, joining their network means connecting with a community of like-minded leaders who are driving change in education. If your school is committed to serving low-income students and has a vision for sustainable growth, this could be the opportunity to take your impact to the next level! ????

?? Teamwork, fellowship, and inspiration—our recent team trip to Albuquerque had it all! ?? We had the incredible opportunity to connect with four of our amazing Manati Fellows, each driving transformational change in their schools and communities in New Mexico. From the arts-focused innovation at?Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts?with Jordan Franco, to the academic excellence at?Voz Collegiate Preparatory Charter School led by Isaac Rivas-Savell, to the leadership empowerment at?Siembra Leadership High School?with Jaqlyn Cornejo-Baldwin, LCSW, MBA, and the outstanding achievements at?Albuquerque Collegiate Charter School?led by Jade Rivera, we were in awe of the passion and dedication in every corner of this city. ??? Manati is more than a fellowship—it’s a?community. Visits like these remind us why shared ideas, mentorship, and collaboration are the backbone of what we do. ?? Here’s to building schools and connections that empower leaders and inspire students for generations to come. ??

How can you support charter school leaders of color? ??? In part two of her conversation on the "Teach the Babies" podcast with Dr. David Johns, our CEO Naomi N. Shelton shares another powerful way to support charter schools and uplift the leaders who are driving change. If you missed part one, be sure to check it out for even more insights! ?? Naomi highlights the impact of joining an independently run charter school board, where bringing your expertise into these spaces can make a tangible difference. Serving on a board not only supports school leaders but also offers a unique perspective on the work and challenges they face every day. ??? Imagine the power of community members lending their skills, knowledge, and voices to help shape the future of education for Black and brown students. Together, we can create meaningful opportunities for students to thrive. ?? Catch the full episode for actionable steps and inspiration to get involved! ??? Listen here:?https://lnkd.in/g4_k9FCf

I’m beyond excited to introduce the incredible leaders who have joined?Cohort 3?of National Charter Collaborative's Manati Fellowship! These outstanding charter school leaders of color are truly dedicated to transforming education in their communities, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to support them as they embark on this journey of growth and innovation. Manati–which means?catapult?in Swahili–is all about giving leaders the tools, resources, and community they need to deepen their impact and take their schools to new heights. This fellowship is a space for connection, collaboration, and real-time problem-solving as we work together to create sustainable solutions for single-site charter schools. And with this new cohort, the possibilities are endless. Please join me in celebrating these inspiring leaders: ???Cordette Hubbard, MHRM, Executive Director of Beacon College Preparatory Charter School ?? Tamala Boyd Shaw, Ed.D., Founder/Executive Director of Leflore Legacy Academy ???Raymond J. Ankrum, Sr. Ed.D., Superintendent of Riverhead Charter School? ?????Amber Pomaikalani Leon Guerrero, Chief Equity & Engagement Officer at DreamHouse 'Ewa Beach Public Charter School ??Dr. Phillis Nichols-Anderson, Founder/CEO of Ivy Hill Preparatory Academy ?? Dr. Tiffaney Whitt, Executive Director of Hope Leadership Academy Charter School ???Jordan Franco, Co-Founder/Director of Operations at Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts ???Dr. Brian Banks, Superintendent of MacDowell Preparatory Academy ???Isaac Rivas-Savell , Founder and CEO of Voz Collegiate Preparatory Charter School ?? Shakina Hinton, Principal of Emblaze Academy Charter School These leaders are already making waves in the charter school community, and I’m confident they’ll take their schools to new heights through the Manati Fellowship. Their vision and dedication are what drive us forward in our mission to support and uplift charter leaders of color across the nation. Welcome to the NCC family, Cohort 3! Let’s make magic happen. ?????

???Fellow Friday Spotlight??? We are thrilled to introduce Dr. Brian Banks as one of our newest fellows in the Manati Fellowship, Cohort 3! Dr. Banks has dedicated his life to improving public education and advocating for criminal justice reform, drawing from his own experiences growing up in Detroit. As the Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer at MacDowell Preparatory Academy, he is committed to creating systems of accountability and excellence for his students while building strong relationships with families and communities. ?????? With a career spanning education, politics, and advocacy, Dr. Banks continues to make a lasting impact by mentoring youth and driving positive change. We're excited to have him in the Manati Fellowship as we work together to uplift and support leaders of color in education. Welcome, Dr. Banks! ??

??? In my recent podcast feature on Teach The Babies hosted by Dr. David Johns, I got vulnerable about what it means to navigate leadership as a Black woman—and the need for allies to stand with us in this work. Too often, Black women in leadership are the lone voices pushing back, advocating fiercely for change, even when it comes at a personal cost. But we don’t have to, and shouldn’t have to, do it alone. We need those who aren’t Black, who aren’t people of color, to step up and?stand in that gap.?Be the ones to speak out in those critical moments. To be vocal at the conference room tables and to challenge the status quo when it needs challenging. Our work requires collective courage, not just from those of us directly impacted, but from everyone committed to equity and justice. I hope this message resonates, especially with those who are ready to be allies in action, not just in name. National Charter Collaborative Listen to the full episode and let’s keep pushing forward, together:?https://lnkd.in/en8NF4XU????

Our HBCU Panel at the Annual Alabama Charter School Conference brought together esteemed education leaders to discuss the profound impact of partnerships between charter schools and HBCUs. The panel featured: Dr. Angela Lang, Founder of I Dream Big Academy Charter School Charter School, Stillman College Dr. Kathryn Procope, Ed.D, MA, EML, Executive Director of HOWARD UNIVERSITY PUBLIC CHARTER MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS & SC Ruben Morris, CEO of Alabama Aerospace & Aviation High School , Morehouse College Alum Dr. Dr. Quinhon N. Scott , Executive Director of Coppin Academy High School, Coppin State University The panel was expertly moderated by Naomi N. Shelton, CEO of the National Charter Collaborative, former Board Member of the DC Public Charter School Board, and Tougaloo College Alum. The discussion emphasized how these collaborations are driving increases in graduation rates and college enrollment. Our leaders explored ways HBCU students can support K-12 schools, strengthening the educational pipeline for future generations. Thank you to our incredible panelists for their insights and commitment to educational excellence! https://lnkd.in/eHtpm_mM #HBCUPanel #CharterSchools #EducationForAll #alabamacharterschools? #alabamapubliccharters #opentoall #nsfacc2024

I previously wrote an op-ed that explores the vital role of Black and brown school leaders in achieving authentic educational equity. This topic, while always important, feels especially relevant in the current political climate. At National Charter Collaborative, we're dedicated to creating an umbrella of support through programs like our?Manati Fellowship, which builds peer networks and thought partnerships to help these leaders thrive and grow. ?? This is more than a call to diversify—it’s about building sustainable pathways for leaders of color who create culturally affirming, high-impact learning environments. Check out my full article to learn why lifting up Black and brown educators is essential for meaningful change. ????

??? In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we’re celebrating the voices and stories of Indigenous authors whose books have faced challenges or bans. Each of these stories shares a piece of Native culture, resilience, and identity—from the warmth of family gatherings in?Fry Bread?to the strength of environmental advocacy in?We Are Water Protectors. ?? These books remind us of the power of storytelling to preserve traditions, bridge communities, and inspire young readers. Join us in exploring these meaningful narratives and honoring Indigenous heritage. Which Native American authors are on your reading list? ????

?? A glimpse into our recent West TN Legislative Bus Tour in Memphis, cohosted with the Tennessee Charter School Center! ??? It was a day filled with inspiring moments and powerful conversation, as we gathered with leaders dedicated to advancing educational opportunities for our communities. Our tour took us to two outstanding schools, Compass Community Schools Hickory Hill and our NCC member, MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES PREPARATORY CHARTER SCHOOL INC, an all-boys school backed by the Memphis Grizzlies. ?? During our visit to Compass Community Schools Hickory Hill, we explored their meaningful collaboration with the @ Hyde Family Foundation, which is working to address chronic absenteeism and strengthen student engagement. At Memphis Grizzlies Prep, we celebrated a major milestone—the approval of an all-girls STEAM charter that will empower young women in Memphis with dynamic educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math! ?? Thank you to all the leaders, educators, and community members who joined us in celebrating the innovations and successes happening in Memphis charter schools. Together, we’re strengthening our commitment to creating equitable, inspiring educational spaces for all students! ?????? A special thanks to our incredible attendees who made this event impactful: ?? Senator Raumesh Akbari ?? State Senator London Lamar ?? Senator-Elect RaShaun Kemp ?? State Representative G.A. Hardaway, Sr. ?? Representative Jesse Chism ?? Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer Memphis-Shelby County Schools board members Sable Otey Tamarques Porter, MBA, and Michelle McKissack ?? Tim Abram from the Charter School Growth Fund ?? Memphis Education Fund staff ?? A representative from Mayor Paul Young’s office ?? And all other business and community leaders that joined us!