Challenges

The city of Baltimore has experienced many harsh realities in the areas of education and employment. With some of the lowest educational proficiency levels in the country, the public school district’s graduation rates have hovered around 71%, nearly 14 percentage points below the national average. In 2017, 13 of 39 Baltimore City high schools had zero students proficient in math. Beyond high school, individuals entering the Baltimore job market experience unemployment rates that are 51% higher than the national average.

The Baltimore Ravens and T. Rowe Price saw an opportunity to engage schools and impact student leaders. These two pillars of the community came to ADDO in search of a way to transform the city of Baltimore starting with pouring into the next generation of leaders.

Strategy

1. Impact Students
In the city of Baltimore, it is crucial for students to be exposed to what is possible in their leadership journey. In this program, 100 students from 23 high schools have the opportunity to hear from people in leadership, develop their own skills and build a leadership community over the course of the school year.

2. Strength Sponsor Connection
The Baltimore Ravens and T. Rowe Price have built a strong sponsorship and were looking for new ways to create win-wins for their partnership. ADDO strategically designed opportunities for both The Baltimore Ravens and T. Rowe Price to impact and connect with students throughout the program.

Outcomes

Students from Baltimore Area schools participate in a year-long leadership program. Students engage in four unique experiences equipping them with the tools necessary to lead themselves, lead others, and lead change within their community.

97% of participates in the Baltimore Ravens and T. Rowe Price Leadership Institute say their desire to be a leader has increased.

In addition, brand recognition has increased as the community has gained awareness of the commitment both organizations have for impacting students in Baltimore Area high schools.