Extraordinary Institute

01/22/2019

Happy MLK Day. We got a long way to go.

01/21/2019

“I often wonder whether or not education is fulfilling its purpose.” – Martin Luther King, The Purpose of Education

The Boston Globe just published the “Valedictorian Project.” They tracked down 89 former valedictorians from low income schools in Boston with a question – how are you doing now?

80% of these students were the first in their family to attend college. Around 30 aspired to careers in medicine. Imagine the smiles as they accepted diplomas and took graduation selfies with family and friends.

And now? The results are troubling, sobering, and a reminder of why XI exists. None earned a degree in medicine. Around 25% did not finish college. Several experienced homelessness and the prison system. 40% make less than $50,000 per year. That the education system fails top students from low income areas is a painful reminder that it drastically fails the majority of students from low income areas.

“Theirs are stories of inequality not just in income, but in opportunity.”

There’s a step in between college access and successful life opportunities – a strong outcome. XI exists because these events are not just cold statistics and gut wrenching reporting. XI exists because these are people and they deserve better. Better outcomes, a better life, better careers, and stronger communities.

One scholar at a time, one community at a time (starting in Washington DC), one day at a time we will work towards these solutions. Progress is not earned unless we start with the truth and then strive to improve the status quo.

“The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice,” said King. It’s important to note that improvement is not guaranteed. That bend towards justice depends on our efforts and actions. As champions for the good it’s our duty to help guide that bend. XI exists to forge a solution and help improve lives.

Let’s get to the mountaintop and see the promised land.

Best,
-Shaun Loria
Founder

11/28/2018

Giving Tuesday! Let's help DC students actually finish college.

The rate at which low-income students in the DC area complete college is staggeringly low. Having taken a step to create a brighter future for themselves, these students face uncertainty about how they’ll be able to afford the costs of college. To make ends meet, they work anywhere from 20 to 40.....

12/18/2017

Our two new Executive Directors, Brandon and Eric, met with one of our students last week for an end-of-semester check-in! She is doing well and is excited to use her winter break to start looking for summer jobs.

04/30/2017

Thank you to the entire XI community for supporting these awesome students. Congrats on your graduation Angel and welcome to our newest scholar!

04/15/2017

Who is extraordinary? These two scholars and the community that supports them. Thank you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mM8sxJLbbo

03/03/2017

Thank you to Sigma Tau Delta at Howard University for hosting XI. 2017 scholarships are available. Apply at http://www.extraordinaryinstitute.org/apply/.