ABOUT US

 

 

Oluyomi Adewale Memorial Academy was piloted 5 years ago – it was formally called CCM Summer Academy – acronym for (Cornerstone Christian Ministries), and has served hundreds of inner-city kids, teaching mathematics, reading and science to them during the summer. The name was changed in memory of our founder and Pastor, Oluyomi Adewale, himself a lover of children and astute educator. Pastor Oluyomi Adewale was a mathematics professor at Kean University until his passing to glory.

 

The program was developed as an academic support initiative to increase the academic performance of students from low-income families. When the program started five years ago, there were approximately 120 mostly at risk children in K4-12 who benefited in the program. The numbers of enrollment has varied from year to year. We expect the number of students to increase as we have expanded participation in our OAM Academy program to students in grade levels K1-12 by the recent purchase of a building adjacent to our property.

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There has been a continuous concern in Richmond County regarding the academic performance of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. According to data released by the New York City Department of Education, there is a significant difference between overall academic achievement compared to students considered to be at risk. While there are many factors that contribute to this, a study conducted by the Journal of Educational Research at Johns Hopkins University concluded that increased community involvement through summer program and after school initiatives is identified as method to improve achievement in all students.

 

Our aim is to teach reading, science and mathematics, which aligned with common core to students, preparing them ahead for their respective grades as they start new academic year. Getting students ready, giving them the tools needed to be productive members of society is the driving force for Pastor Oluyomi Adewale, and we aim to continue the legacy of giving opportunity to every child, especially those from disadvantaged background.

 

Based on the annual progress report released from the NYC Department of Education, the schools that serve in the West Brighton area received a grade averaged of 3 out of 15 for closing the achievement gap. This score is indicative of achievement efforts made by students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and students starting with the lowest proficiency citywide. Student proficiency is based on the change in student scores on state tests, in English Language Arts, and Math, compared to other students in the City who started at the same levels.

 

An average of seventy two percent of students enrolled in schools in the West Brighton area have been determined to be at risk in academic performances for a number of reasons including some economic and language-based difficulties. If these students are not given an opportunity to improve their critical thinking and analytic skills they are, as studies show, more likely to be truant and drop out of school.