I AM ACADEMY'S 2023-2024 STUDENT REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

INTRODUCING

I AM
ACADEMY

Helping to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline systems within educational institutions through mentorships with students and community partnerships.

I AM Academy students shown in front of an image during our summer trip to Memphis, Tennessee

INTRODUCING

I AM
ACADEMY

Helping to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline systems within educational institutions through mentorships with students and community partnerships.

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Counties
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Campuses
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School Districts
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Students

...and growing!

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Counties
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School Districts
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Campuses
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Students

...and growing!

WHO WE ARE

Empowering African American adolescents to achieve their full potential by

centering their identity cultivating relationships supporting educational success providing college experiences facilitating job readiness

ultimately changing the narrative and trajectory of their community.

CORE VALUES

We honor diversity and inclusion, treat others with respect, and embrace alternative ways of thinking.

We use our voices and abilities to defend justice, freedom, inclusion and equity.

We believe in making our community a better place through participation, collaboration, and partnerships.

We believe that building knowledge and developing 21st century skills lead to the gateway of opportunity.

We believe in authenticity, honesty, and transparency; we strive to do the right thing every time, every day.

CORE VALUES

RESPECT FOR ALL

We honor diversity and inclusion, treat others with respect, and embrace alternative ways of thinking

ADVOCACY

We use our voices and abilities to defend justice, freedom, inclusion and equity

COMMUNITY

We believe in making our community a better place through participation, collaboration, and partnerships.

EDUCATION

We believe that building knowledge and developing 21st century skills lead to the gateway of opportunity.

INTEGRITY

We believe in authenticity, honesty, and transparency; we strive to do the right thing every time, every day.
Photo of Lindsay and Henry Cherry close together with faces toward camera and Lindsay's hand on Henry's chest

OUR STORY

OUR STORY

"We wanted to give our youth something we didn't have."

For many years, the preparation of African American students in our schools has left them less than adequately prepared to compete for desirable jobs and equitable compensation. Many have experienced the effects of generational poverty. Others have been steered to inferior schools or placed in less challenging curricula. Nearly all have been subject to lower expectations by society and by themselves. Although some are not subject to these factors, many still under-achieve in spite of their ability. 
 
Henry and Lindsay Cherry, both committed educators, saw the impact of these factors on their students and even on their own children. They reached out to individual students with various aid, but soon realized that more help was needed…

Upcoming Events

PARTNERS

OUR ADDRESS

I AM ACADEMY

190 E. 8th Street, P.O. Box 2072, Holland, MI 49422

OUR PROGRAMS

Click here to view our calendar of student programming.

OUR PROGRAMS

Registration is now open for our high school and middle school programs. Click either program’s name below to register.

Click here to view our calendar of student programming.

High School Program

9th-12th
  • Dedicated Life Coaches
  • Weekly Check-ins
  • Monthly Meetings
  • Local Engagement
  • Trips Beyond

Middle School Program

6th-8th
  • Weekly Check-ins
  • Monthly Meetings
  • Book Studies
  • College Visits
  • Local Engagement

Elementary School Program

4th-5th
  • 2-month program
  • Creative Writing
  • STEM Activities
  • Reading Partners
  • Local Engagement
Coming soon!

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