Thank you for supporting great principals

In New York, one such outstanding leader is Dr. Eric Blake, the principal of Science, Technology and Research (STAR) Early College High School. STAR was opened in 2003 through a collaboration of community partners in Brooklyn who wanted to bring an early college model school to underserved students in the Flatbush neighborhood. STAR prepares all students to take college courses at Brooklyn College as part of the early college experience and equips students to pursue professional careers in science, mathematics, technology and related areas.

Since Eric became the principal in 2008, he has focused relentlessly on ensuring that his students graduate from high school prepared to be successful in college. By the end of students’ tenure at STAR, they are equipped with not only a diploma, but also a substantial number of college credits that will prepare them to enter college as advanced and confident learners.

In addition to being academically prepared for college, Eric wants to ensure that his students are emotionally equipped for a seamless transition to a college environment. During his tenure, Eric has instituted a series of seminars known as “Community Meetings,” which have become the cornerstone of sustaining a college going culture at STAR. Each month, former STAR graduates return to speak to current students about life in college and to encourage them to continue working towards their own college dreams.

The relentless efforts of Eric and his staff have had an incredible impact: STAR has had a graduation rate of over 90% for the last three years, including 98.6% in 2012 – far above the city average of 65%. STAR is also one of the few schools in its district that is closing the achievement gap in reading and math. However, when reflecting on his success Eric states, “the 98.6% grad rate is not good enough. We need to get to 100%.”

Every student deserves to attend a school with a leader like Eric who believes in 100%. New Leaders is committed to the belief that supporting education is the most important thing we can do for our children and for our country–and that making sure every school has a great leader and leadership team is the best way to start. This school year, thanks to your support, we are training 61 current and future principals like Eric right here in New York, with the same grit and determination to see their students succeed no matter what. Thank you for joining us and supporting this work.