By creating a safe, accepting community culture that promotes success in school and life, Building African American Minds, Inc. (BAAM) is moving the needle against historically low odds.

BAAM’s mission is to close the gap of academic lag that statistically occurs among minority students and only increases as they progress to high school. Offering intervention in early, formative years can mitigate risk for failure.

“We aim to recognize and address socioeconomic barriers that inhibit minority students’ ability to learn effectively and provide academic enrichment in a safe, caring and structured environment,” says Dina Gomes Daly, BAAM’s co-founder and executive director. 

The nonprofit has provided educational, social and sports programming for the last 20 years, including building an athletic center in 2019. A new academic center is underway and slated for completion in October. “We will house all of our programs and staff at the new facility and also be able to expand and develop new programming to meet our community’s needs,” Dina says.

BAAM offers afterschool programs that teach learning and study skills, along with offering social engagement and sports. It is also known for its Summer Enrichment Camp and Youth Basketball League.

Led by a team experienced in providing social and educational programming to youth, families and adults, BAAM professionals are known and respected in the community—they are role models.