Black Star Rising

This summer, Black Star Rising brought together SFUSD high school students for six weeks of rigorous STEM learning, mentorship, and identity-affirming experiences. The program creates space for Black students to explore their interests, strengthen their skills, and see themselves reflected in both peers and educators—while building connections that last far beyond the classroom.

Black Star Rising is a core program of the African American Achievement and Leadership Initiative (AAALI), and Spark SF Public Schools is proud to help fund and support its implementation. This summer, with the support of the Golden State Community Foundation and the Bayer Fund, Spark provided philanthropic funding to provide student stipends, staffing, academic materials, and enrichment activities that expanded access and deepened student engagement.

BSR serves rising 9th–12th grade students across SFUSD, blending rigorous STEM instruction—including accelerated math, college-credit courses, and hands-on engineering—with identity-affirming support. This summer’s closing event featured a plane-building competition, student speeches, and a health advocacy gallery walk, followed by a community lunch.

Throughout the program, students were challenged academically and personally. “They were asked to do things they’ve never done before,” said Program Manager Marcus Blacksher Jr. in a message to families. “They were asked to step outside their comfort zones and trust peers they didn’t know. And they showed up.”

We spoke with several students from Lowell High School who shared how the program shaped their summer—and their sense of self.

Ivana Caroll, a rising senior, described the experience of being in a classroom where Black students and educators were the norm.

“It helped me realize that being Black isn’t a hindrance,” she said. “I feel more confident in who I am.”

Lauren Richardson, an incoming 9th grader, said the program helped her feel prepared for high school—and expanded her interest in STEM.

“It made me feel seen... and reminded me we can overcome anything as a community.”

Emmanuel Elekwachi, also a rising senior, returned to BSR for another summer and reflected on the mentorship he received:

“It wasn’t just about the academics. A mentor told me, ‘You’re a leader. Don’t stoop down.’ That stuck with me.”

These stories reflect the value of BSR–

Spark’s role is to facilitate philanthropic partnerships to support removing barriers, providing direct financial resources, and building capacity for programs like BSR. In the 2023–24 school year, Spark disbursed over $1.5 million in support of AAALI’s work. Students in BSR reported a 160% increase in their sense of belonging—a critical foundation for long-term success.

Programs like Black Star Rising remind us what’s possible when SFUSD’s strategic goals are backed by community trust and philanthropic investment. Spark is proud to help fund this work and help bring to life a better future for San Francisco’s public school students.