(A member of the National Association of Independent Schools)
Bay Area POCIS (People of Color in Independent Schools) is an organization which supports teachers, administrators, parents, and students who believe that diversity and multiculturalism are endemic to quality education for all. POCIS supports increasing diversity in independent schools at the student, faculty, administration, and board level. We also encourage schools to contract with women and people of color for goods and services. POCIS supports school climates in which the academic and social well-being of all students and adults of color is assured.

A Better Chance is the preeminent resource for identifying, recruiting and developing leaders among young people of color in the United States. Since the founding of A Better Chance in 1963, its mission has rested on a single goal: to substantially increase the number of well-educated minority youth capable of assuming positions of responsibility and leadership in American society. Through a range of programs, A Better Chance works with students of color—from the sixth grade through college—to help them access expanded educational and career opportunities.

KIPP is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools in under-resourced communities throughout the United States. KIPP schools are a place where underserved students develop the knowledge, skills, and character traits needed to succeed in top quality high schools, colleges, and the competitive world beyond. By providing a safe and structured learning environment, more time in school, and high-quality teachers, KIPP schools have helped students make significant academic gains. KIPP schools have been widely recognized for putting underserved students on the path to college. More than 80 percent of KIPP students are low-income and more than 95 percent are African American or Hispanic/Latino. Nationally, nearly 80 percent of KIPP alumni have matriculated to college.

The SMART program is divided into four components: educational support , family support, mentoring/tutoring, and after school/summer programs. The SMART program provides students with high-quality academic and extracurricular opportunities as well as a network of ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition into their new schools and to promote a successful academic experience for each child.