Supporting Black Children's Success - the Black Early Learning Program
Kingston, a participant in the Black Early Learning program, holds a book and craft from January’s book club meeting.
February is Black History Month, celebrated across the United States in honor of the lives and contributions of Black individuals and communities.
As we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to reflect on the current disparities still experienced by Black members of our communities, including here in Lane County, Oregon. According to the Oregon Department of Education’s recent 2022-23 graduation report, 81.1% of white students in Lane County graduated on time in 2023, while only 73.9% of Black students graduated. This can be due to a variety of barriers Black students face, making it harder to reach the same outcomes as their white peers.
To address disparities for Black students in our local education systems, United Way and the Early Childhood Hub of Lane County partner with the Lane Education Service District to facilitate the Black Early Learning program, one of many programs part of the Lane African American/Black Student Success project.
Free for families with African American/Black children ages birth to six years old, the Black Early Learning program provides learning opportunities for kids, helps build connections with other Black children and families, and supports parents as they help their children learn and grow. Through playgroups, books clubs, connections to community events and educational resources, and kindergarten preparation, this program helps to equip Black children to build a foundation for their future success.
The Early Learning Program Coordinator, Ayanna Moriguchi, is a lifelong Lane County resident who is passionate about Black youth reaching their potential.
Ayanna Moriguchi, Early Learning Program Coordinator for the Black Early Learning program, distributing books to children who are part of the program.
“Growing up a bi-racial Black woman in Eugene, I never thought I would have a job specific to race equity. I was often the only or one of very few people of color at school and work. So I am excited that Oregon is specifically putting money into closing the achievement gap of Black kids like me. ...Programs like Black Early Learning and the school-aged Lane African American/Black Student Success program are making a difference in the self-esteem and well-being of the Black youth in our community. ”
This program is free to Black/African American children through support from the Early Childhood Hub of Lane County, United Way of Lane County, and Lane Education Service District. Learn more about the Black Early Learning program on the Early Childhood Hub’s website here, and learn more about the Lane African American/Black Student Success program here.