M.E.C.C.A.'s story began in 2014.
M.E.C.C.A.'s story began in 2014.
The Development History of Mentoring by Example Foundation College & Career Academies aka M.E.C.C.A.
The story of M.E.C.C.A. began in 2014, rooted in a grassroots movement led by The Mentoring by Example Foundation, Inc. This Foundation, already known for its impactful work with at-risk youth and young adults, identified a critical gap in educational offerings. With nearly two decades of experience in nurturing future leaders and professionals, the Foundation sought to extend its influence into formal education.
The Foundation observed that while they had made significant strides in educating and mentoring outside of school hours, there was a compelling need to integrate their methodologies into regular school curricula. The realization was clear: to make a lasting impact, they needed to engage students during school hours in an environment conducive to learning and personal development.
Recognizing the Need
The vision for M.E.C.C.A. was to create a network of tuition-free public schools that would not only offer quality education but also embody the mentoring spirit of the Foundation. The goal was to establish schools that catered to diverse learning styles, embraced community engagement, and prepared students for collegiate and professional success.
Formulating the Vision
Assembling the Corporate Group (Mid-2014 to 2015)
Capitalizing on their extensive business and philanthropic networks, the Foundation established a Corporate Development Group. This group, consisting of seasoned and high-caliber professionals, was equipped with the essential expertise to found and manage an education design services enterprise. Each member of the group contributed a distinct set of skills, all driven by the shared ambition to develop an innovative and impactful corporate entity.
Developing the Company’s Core Services (2015 to 2016)
The Corporate Development Group undertook the significant task of formulating a cadre of education services that were both forward-thinking and applicable:
Tuition-Free Public Education: Operating a network of public charter schools, that do not charge tuition, making education accessible to a broader segment of the community.
Innovative Curriculum Design: Developing and implementing educational curricula that blend academic rigor with practical, real-world skills. This approach is designed to prepare students for both higher education and future professional careers.
Mentorship Programs: Emphasizing mentorship as a key component of their educational approach, where students receive guidance and support from experienced professionals and community leaders.
Community Engagement and Development: Actively promoting and facilitating community involvement and engagement as part of the educational process, recognizing the importance of a supportive and interactive community in student development.
Career and College Readiness: Preparing students for post-secondary education and the professional world through specialized programs and guidance, including career counseling and college prep courses.
Support for At-Risk and High-Needs Students: Providing tailored support and resources for students who are at-risk, homeless, or have high needs, ensuring that these students have equal opportunities for success.
Leadership and Entrepreneurial Training: Offering programs and courses that foster leadership skills and entrepreneurial thinking, preparing students to be the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
Designing and Pursuing a Charter for the First M.E.C.C.A. School, 2017-2020
In this phase, the establishment of a dedicated Charter School Design Team and the initiation of the M.E.C.C.A. Business Learning Institute concept occurred concurrently, significantly enriching M.E.C.C.A.'s educational approach. This new team, with a commitment to innovative education, pursued the dual goals of creating an education framework that was both state-of-the-art and practical and weaving in elements of business education. Their key objective was to develop a curriculum that effectively merged academic rigor with vital real-world business skills. This pioneering curriculum design was meticulously devised to make students adept in both traditional academic disciplines and practical business knowledge, setting them up for success in higher education and their forthcoming professional paths. The efforts of the Charter School Design Team were instrumental in formulating the educational model that undergirds the M.E.C.C.A. Business Learning Institute as well as responds to the current demands and opportunities in the realms of business and entrepreneurship.
Receiving Charters for the First M.E.C.C.A. Schools (2023):
This year marked a significant milestone for MECCA, as they were bolstered by two major grants. Initially, they received a substantial $900,000 startup grant from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to enhance their development efforts in Maryland. Building on this momentum, MECCA also secured a notable $1.5 million grant from the US Department of Education, specifically aimed at supporting the establishment of the MECCA Business Learning Institute (MBLI) in West Virginia. The West Virginia school establishment initiative was warmly received and approved by the West Virginia Professional Charter School Board. However, in Maryland, specifically, in Montgomery County, MECCA encountered a challenge when their application to launch MBLI was denied by the local Board of Education. However, this decision was subsequently overturned by the Maryland State Board of Education, a pivotal action that not only affirmed MECCA's capabilities but also facilitated their attainment of a charter in Montgomery County. This development underscored the state's trust and endorsement of MECCA's vision and educational endeavors.
Launching the First M.E.C.C.A. Schools (2025):
MECCA is actively preparing to launch two new schools in 2025, with one located in Maryland and the other in West Virginia. While the opening of M.E.C.C.A. schools is still on the horizon, the groundwork laid through thorough planning and development has solidified the foundation for these institutions. The aim is to provide a spectrum of academic and support services that cater to the varied interests and requirements of middle school students. Upon their opening, these schools will focus on fostering inclusive educational pathways, with special attention to serving students from diverse backgrounds, including those who are homeless, at-risk, or have high needs. This initiative aligns with MECCA's core mission and vision for its educational endeavors.
M.E.C.C.A. represents a pinnacle of progressive education, constantly adapting to address the evolving requirements of both students and the professional sector. The transformation from a grassroots movement into a distinguished educational entity illustrates the profound impact of vision, dedication, and active community involvement in revolutionizing the educational landscape.