HR 443: Raising Expectations Inc.; commend

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.