About
Black Pastors United for Education has launched a network of hybrid learning centers embedded in churches in communities where education is failing for most students. Originally formed as one set of learning pods in the Rock Church, the Rock City Learning Center started in 2021 to provide support for students when the city schools could not provide the education the students needed to survive and thrive during the pandemic. Small-group, personalized, hybrid learning pods receive academic instruction from a successful cyber charter school while being coached by learning guides. The church provides engaging enrichment activities and student-centered projects focused on student interests including STEM projects, visual and performing arts, graphic design, music, social media content creation, and urban farming.
Their Story
Entrepreneurial and seeking to fill a critical community need, Black Pastors United for Education was founded on the belief that when students have access to personalized, small-group learning, they can thrive and learn at an expedited pace. Having first learned to read at the age of 19, Pastor Josh uses his own personal story as the motivation for the creation of this network of learning centers.
Joshua Robertson
Founder & CEO
“We want to create a national movement of advocacy for our children using pastors and churches all over the country.”
1
Why they stand out
Founded within the community for the community, the leaders of Black Pastors believe they are the trustees of their children’s future. They customize learning for students ages 7-18 who are matched with 8 to 10 other learners and are supported by a “love warrior,” their learning guide – talent from the church community that are trained to coach and lead students, who beat district achievement. A model other churches wanted to emulate, Pastor Josh Robertson united with them to form the new entity which will scale across the community, state and nation.
2
How they STOP for education
A permissionless model freely provides a safe and nurturing environment for Harrisburg’s deserving students whose families prefer to utilize online learning but in a hybrid setting over unsafe, failing district schools.
Believes that innovative education in the 21st century is absolutely critical for their children’s success.
With plans to align and partner with over 50 congregations in Pennsylvania, Pastor Josh knows the power and impact of mobilizing church congregations while using empty spaces to better serve students in the Keystone state.
3
Winning their award
Black Pastors United will create enough learning centers to rescue 400 additional students from failing schools throughout the state of Pennsylvania in the next year and scale the model across the country. “The scale is unlimited, and the need is great” according to Pastor Josh.
