PAAACT HISTORY

PAAACT’s mission is to ensure African American students, and their families have equitable access to information, resources, and opportunities leading to academic success for college and career readiness. Our commitment is demonstrated through our ongoing trainings and collaborations with,  school districts, organizations, and providers that provide resources to African American students and their families.

Through monthly meetings and workshops throughout Contra Costa County families receive comprehensive health and wellness training from local professionals, experts, leaders of organizations with services that support the needs of families. Topics will include information about nutritional health, mental and emotional well-being, drug, tobacco, alcohol prevention, financial health, healthy lifestyle habits/cooking, tools to building healthy relationships, and physical health, restorative justice, and serving as liaisons between school and families. Workshops are conducted by professionals from the local community so that parents and students have continued access to providers and mentors. With the right tools and resources, we reach a population who would normally have unhealthy habits and make poor lifestyle decisions.  Additionally, our meetings are rotated throughout the community to ensure that families have access, and transportation is not a barrier for attendance. We also host cultural celebrations, and career/trade fairs. 

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​PAAACT is the organization spearheaded by Ms. Marsh.  The goal is to encourage African American parents to play more of role in their child's education in the PUSD.  Studies show that a parent involvement in their child's education means they have better success.  Parent seminars are held to educate parents on topics that make their families better which in turn makes our community better.
PAAACT also encourages and awards African American children who are doing well academically to continue on.  Many have gone on to college and or trade schools. Some have entered the workforce.
 
PAAACT has helped my children by educating them on some of many Africans Americans that were left out of the public-school history books. Local artists and public speakers were brought in to share their personal experiences during the Civil Rights movement up to the present. Learning about those that walk before you is important for children so they’ll know where they’ve come from. 

Stephanie I Blades

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."
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