Brooklyn Lab Charter School, a six through 12th-grade school in Downtown Brooklyn, hosted its first Back-to-School Convocation on Wednesday, an event reinforcing a student's sense of belonging that sets up the expectation that college is possible and expected for every scholar.
At a time when fewer than half of middle and high school students feel a sense of belonging in school, the convocation brought together students, families and staff, alongside powerful people of color and Brooklyn natives who represent what scholars can strive for. Guest speakers included Kimberly Council, Deputy Borough President of Brooklyn, Hasoni Pratts, Regent, New York State Education Department and Dr. Catrise Austin, DDS.
Held at Brooklyn Lab’s campus at 77 Sands St., the event emphasized that if scholars follow a path to – and through – college, they too can strive to create lives of passion, purpose and leadership.
“College changes everything – for our scholars, their families, and for generations to come,” said Dr. Garland Thomas-McDavid, chief executive officer of Brooklyn Lab. “When students know that college is not just possible, but expected, they rise to meet the challenge. Today our young people saw Brooklyn natives as living examples of powerful people of color who are thriving in their fields. Now that they’ve seen it, they can dream it and be it.”
