SCD Enrichment Program

SCD Enrichment Program (SCDEP)’s vision  is to create a future where all students, regardless of their background, have equitable access to advanced coursework opportunities. By partnering with school districts, colleges, universities, community elders, organizations, teachers, families, and students, they are dedicated to transforming Gifted and Talented, honors, Concurrent Enrollment, Advance Placement, and International Baccalaureate classrooms and programs to mirror the rich diversity of our nation.

SCDEP recognizes that culturally responsive identification criteria are essential in ensuring fair representation of BIPOC students in advanced coursework. Therefore, they are committed to developing and implementing culturally inclusive strategies that provide concrete solutions to increase the enrollment of students of color in Gifted & Talented and Advanced Coursework programs.

The SCD Enrichment Program was created as a result of Founder Shalelia Dillard’s lived and professional experiences. As a child, she was ostracized and bullied for much of her schooling because of the misconception that “Black kids that are in AP classes think they are better, wanting to fit in with White students”. At colleges, many of her peers experienced the same tragic experiences with no guidance to navigate the world of accelerated classes where they were one of few Black students in advanced coursework. At the age of 19, she had the vision to create a program for students from similar backgrounds to succeed despite their circumstances.