The Minority Scholars Program: Students Leading Change

Now in its 20th year, the Minority Scholars Program (MSP) is a student-led movement continuing its work to close the opportunity gap and ensure Black and Brown students feel a true sense of belonging and equity in schools. The MSP was recently honored at the Montgomery County Education Association Gala at BlackRock Center for the Arts.

“MSP empowers students to advocate not only for themselves, but also others,” said Vilma Najera, principal at Watkins Mill High School and county coordinator of MSP. “It builds students up as leaders as they address the inequities and barriers that cause the opportunity gap. It is truly a lifelong impact that stays with them through college and beyond.” 

The MSP was created at Walter Johnson (WJ) High School in 2005 by Michael Williams, teacher; Esther Adams, former WJ teacher; Chris Garran, former WJ principal; Edgar Malker, former WJ assistant principal and Najera. Najera established a chapter at Clarksburg High School in 2008. Now, there are chapters in all 25 high schools, 35 middle schools and 15 elementary schools.

“The main goals [of the program] are to validate student experiences, create a space that is safe for them, to empower them and talk about the issues of race and inequities that get in the way of African American/Black and Latino student achievement,” said Najera. 

“Over the past 20 years, we wanted to create these spaces across the county, we wanted to see change in policy and practice at various levels,” Najera said. “We have surpassed this goal by having chapters in middle school and elementary schools. Unfortunately, our work is not done. Students still after 20 years share the same stories of isolation, being micro aggressed and unvalidated. So, we’ll continue the movement.”  

To learn more, visit minorityscholars.org.