Background Statement
The Sims-Fayola Foundation was launched in 2014 to to change the myriad of dismal statistics that are associated with young men and boys of color as it relates to life outcomes and school success. We boldly accept the challenge to improve the lives of urban males by addressing the obstacles (educational and community) that directly affect their life outcomes. Our desired outcome is to provide direction, education, guidance, resources, direct support, and ultimately relief in these areas so the futures of these young men look like their dreams.
Across our nation young men and boys of color below the national average in high school graduation rates, above the national average in suspension and expulsion rates, and disproportionately entering the criminal justice system. Left alone, these realities will continue to marginalize and isolate this population in our country. Left alone, these realities will continue to negatively impact the economic realities of communities of color in our state. According to the Colorado Department of Education (School View Data Lab Report) African American and Latino boys' mean scale score on the 2018-2019 CMAS was 42.5 and 40.1, respectively, below their White counterparts in English Language Arts and 43.3 and 38.2, respectively, below in Math.
As of August 2022, SFF had impacted over 13,000 young men and boys of color, delivered equity workshops to over 3,000 educators, mentors, non-profit leaders, law enforcement and school resource officers, and parents.