Black Excellence. Amplified.
“Building generational success through Black educational excellence. We ensure Black students have access to high-quality, culturally specific educational experiences.”
Culture is our foundation. Your brilliance belongs here.
History
The Black Educational Achievement Movement (BEAM) operates as a ‘Sankofa Village’ model where a collective of Black educational service providers and Black professionals in both the public and private sectors are committed to reaching back to help our youth, by challenging the insistent disregard of the hopes, dreams and achievements of Black students in public and private classrooms. BEAM unites an inter-generational cross-section of culturally-proficient community-based organizations that have leveraged their years of expertise to elevate and acknowledge youth of African descent who are in pursuit of middle school, high school, and post-secondary educational attainment that will prepare them for the global marketplace.
BEAM Village began as a small pilot program at Portland Community College Cascade Campus called The Passage to Higher Education (2010-2014). In this program, a network of Black academic advisers, educators, and students came together to use informal mentoring and supplemental learning programs to increase school retention and graduation rates of African American/Black students. The network inspired community members, employers, and parents to plan and implement the first Black Student Success Summit (BSSS) in March 2014. Since then, the annual BSSS has served over 2,500 Black students across the state of Oregon, and is currently the largest gathering of Black students, educators, and professionals (both public and private industry) whose mission is to increase students’ academic to career opportunities.
Learn more about our Community-Led Student-Centered Learning Hubs.
One Village + Many Huts = The BEAM Village
BEAM Organizational Commitments
-
We provide a continuum of support—from workshops to mentorship—ensuring students advance toward post-secondary success and sustaining careers.
-
Serving the Portland-Metro and SW Washington region through spaces of belonging and psychological safety.
-
Integrating health justice and media literacy so students have the agency to lead in their communities.
-
We track and report participation and career outcomes annually to our village.
-
Operating year-round spaces that build identity, confidence, and economic resilience.
The Village is Growing—and There’s a Place for You
“Welcome to the village. Here, we don't just teach; we ignite the brilliance and sustain the legacy. We believe in preparing our students for the world and the world for our students.
BEAM Village is a cultural ecosystem built to uplift through community, celebration, and opportunity. We rise together.”
— Noni Causey, Visionary Strategist & Village Advocate
Board Members
Board Member, Chair
Board Member, Secretary
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member