So Our Youth Aspire (SOYA) began as an LLC in 2005 by Dr. Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman. Since then, SOYA has served nonprofit organizations as well as educational institutions and corporations in need of youth development programming, training for employees and curriculum development guidance. In 2016, an off-shoot of SOYA was formed called StudentMediaOnline.com. Visit StudentMediaOnline.com for courses, events and workshops for youth, families, educators and practitioners.
This blog is a resource for educators, youth practitioners and parents. In recent years, Dr. Ali-Coleman has used the site to share resources specific to homeschooling Black children as she is a homeschooling mother and a researcher who focuses on college preparedness, dual-enrollment and homeschooling.
SOYA is guided by principles found in the Advancing Youth Development (AYD) theory developed by the BEST Network. Our mission is to integrate best practiced methods to help young people enjoy opportunities that help facilitate positive youth development.
To schedule a consultation, email soyascholars@gmail.com
Last Day to Register for the 4th Annual BFHES Virtual Teach-In
Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 20, 2024, as Black Family Homeschool Educators and Scholars, LLC (BFHES) embark on a transformative day of insightful sessions centered around the theme, “Preparing Our Children for the Future.” Today is the last day to register. About the Teach-In: Black families have long been pioneers in the realm of…
Saniya Pearson Named 2024 Prince George’s County, Maryland Youth Poet Laureate
On Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, a captivating evening at Newton White Mansion in Mitchellville was held showcasing the vibrant and talented 2024 cohort of youth poets gathered for the grand finale of the Prince George’s County Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) competition. The event showcased the extraordinary creativity and community activism of five outstanding young poets,…
You ARE the Curriculum! A Look at Homeschooling & Curriculum
A curriculum is a structured set of educational activities, experiences, and resources designed to guide the learning process and achieve specific educational goals. It encompasses a comprehensive plan that outlines what students should learn, how they will learn it, and how their progress will be assessed. Curricula are developed for various educational levels, including preschool,…
So Our Youth Aspire (S.O.Y.A.) 