Our Journey
In 2021, as a response to the pressing issues of escalating crime, violence, and the underperformance of our youth in academic settings, Pastor Joshua C. Robertson, in collaboration with The Rock Church, embarked on a journey by establishing The Rock City Learning Center.
This initiative sought to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children aged 7 to 18, offering them a space to focus on their studies and connect with like-minded peers, all driven by a shared aspiration to reach their full potential.
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional education systems, forcing schools to close their doors, BPUE recognized the need to adapt and continue serving the community’s students. During this challenging period, The Rock City Learning Center, along with our innovative learning pods, came into existence.
Founding Members
Pastor Joshua Robertson and dedicated members of The Rock Church founded BPUE. Their shared vision and commitment to addressing the educational and social challenges facing underserved youth served as the driving force behind the organization’s establishment.
Motivations for Founding
The motivation to create BPUE and its learning centers is rooted in the belief that every child deserves access to quality education and a supportive environment that nurtures their individual potential regardless of their background or circumstances.
Pastor Joshua Robertson’s journey, marked by academic struggles and the impact of mentorship and support, fueled his determination to provide non-traditional educational opportunities that cater to the unique needs of each student.
Impact and Success Stories
During the 2021-22 academic year, we witnessed remarkable successes among the students we served at The Rock City Learning Center. When they initially joined our program, 29 out of 30 students were failing in their academic pursuits.
However, by the end of the year, these young individuals saw a dramatic turnaround:
Ten (10) students achieved an average of 90% (A)
Twelve (12) students maintained an average of 80% (B)
Twelve (12) students maintained an average of 80% (B) difference.
Two (2) students demonstrated significant improvement, averaging 60% (D)
These outcomes showcase the impact of BPUE’s model and our commitment to nurturing academic growth and empowerment among underserved youth. Our mission is to provide safe, successful, scalable, sustainable, and strategic learning environments where students can thrive and realize their full potential.
Our Empowerment Model
The Black Pastors United for Education (BPUE) model for establishing learning centers is built on simplicity, safety, success, scalability, sustainability, and strategic planning.
Each BPUE Learning Center offers small-group hybrid learning environments tailored to students aged 8 to 13. In these learning pods, students are thoughtfully matched with 8-10 fellow learners, benefiting from the guidance of dedicated learning guides.
Additionally, BPUE centers provide engaging enrichment programs and foster student-centered projects, ensuring a holistic educational experience that supports academic growth and personal development.
At BPUE, we are dedicated to creating a future where all children, regardless of their circumstances, have access to quality education and the support needed to thrive.
Our commitment to innovation, empowerment, and educational choice drives us to continue making a difference in the lives of underserved youth and the communities we serve.
