House Resolution 443
By: Representatives Holly of the 116th, Berry of the 56th, Olaleye of the 59th, Willis of the
55th, Burnough of the 77th, and others
A RESOLUTION
Commending Raising Expectations Inc.; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, as college students at Georgia State University, Dr. Maria Armstrong and
Tangee Allen recognized the challenges faced by African American youth in low-wealth
communities and began providing tutoring and mentoring for youth in Decatur; and
WHEREAS, what began as a volunteer effort quickly grew into a structured and sustained
initiative as Dr. Armstrong, Tangee, and their peers dedicated themselves to supporting
children academically and personally, leading the two women to found Raising Expectations
Inc.; and
WHEREAS, for 27 years, Raising Expectations Inc. has provided impactful youth
development programming to students in Atlanta communities, including Decatur, East Lake,
Pittsburgh, Vine City, English Avenue, Washington Park, and the Westside; and
WHEREAS, this outstanding organization employs a 360-degree approach to youth
development that addresses students' academic, social, and mental well-being through
tutoring, mentoring, STEM exposure, college preparation, and hands-on learning to improve
college readiness; and
WHEREAS, Raising Expectations Inc. maintains a high-expectation model in which students
are required to attend programming four days per week throughout the school year and
participate in enrichment activities designed to foster new skills and interests; and
WHEREAS, its signature program, the Academic Tutorial Academy, is the focal component
of Project D.R.E.A.M. (Developing Raised Expectations for Adolescent Minds), supporting
students through individualized learning plans, one-on-one mentorship, and computer-based
instruction to bridge academic gaps and improve standardized test performance; and
WHEREAS, Raising Expectations Inc. further collaborates with school administrators,
parents, and teachers to align its academic support with classroom learning, using ongoing
assessment and data-driven instruction to increase student achievement; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable nonprofit be
appropriately honored.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body commend Raising Expectations Inc. for its outstanding
contributions to youth development and education in this state as well as extend sincere best
wishes for its continued success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to
Raising Expectations Inc.