OUR PROGRAMS
OUR PROGRAMS

Annually, BSF enhanced K-12 educational experiences with programs, activities, and financial support. We reached students in independent, public, and public charter schools through in-person and virtual programs.

Students were placed in learning programs during school terms and summer breaks to lessen the financial burden on families. BSF engaged with high school students and consistently collaborated with non-profits and businesses to foster STEM education and facilitate opportunity.

Over 5000 Students

Received from students, parents, and guardians.

90 DMV Shools

Schools Reached in the DMV Region

> $10,000

High school students earned employment programs

Group of students signing up for volunteer opportunities, reflecting community involvement and teamwork.

Unleashing STEM Potential

Application Opens December 1, 2023
STEM Themes

BSF's Math an' Coding program is a transformative initiative born from the success of our Videogame Institute (VGI). Our goal is to address the underrepresentation of persons of color in STEM fields by providing comprehensive education and exposure.

Illustration of a human brain, representing cognitive functions and mental processes.

Performance Matters

Why Math Matters

Mathematics is the cornerstone of STEM, reaching far beyond traditional equations. It's a vital tool utilized in various domains, including:

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Chemistry, Biology, Medical Research, and Artificial Intelligence.

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Engineering, Accounting, and Finance

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Social Sciences: Social Work, Education, and International Studies

Are you ready to be a part of the BSF STEM movement? 🖥️

Together, we can redefine STEM education and unlock the potential of every young mind.

Register

Program Themes

BSF STEM offers three distinct program themes that cater to diverse interests and aspirations:

MathematicsDive into the world of numbers, logic, and problem-solving. Develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts that form the foundation of various STEM disciplines.

ComputingExplore the art and science of computing. From software development to app creation, empower yourself with the skills to shape the digital landscape.

STEM Career AwarenessUncover the exciting array of opportunities within STEM fields. Gain insights into potential career paths, empowering you to make informed decisions about your future.

BSF Conchita Poole Math Circle
Coding
MATHCOUNTS
The Math Circle has traditionally passed out free
IXL accounts to help students with standardized
test prep, as well as to support math literacy.
This summer, we also have a summer program
using the IXL platform.
Contact us to register or for more information
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Tantalus

Generative AI-rendered cityscape at sunset using Twinmotion, displaying the prominence of modern architecture in an urban environment.

What's Twinmotion?

Twinmotion is a visualization tool that utilizes Unreal Engine, developed by Epic Games, to create high-quality images, panoramas, fly-throughs, and animations of individuals, objects, products, buildings, cities, and landscapes with ease and speed.

Twinmotion's Benefits for Young Professionals

Twinmotion serves as a versatile tool used by professionals across industries. Architects and designers bring concepts to life while scientists use it for accurate data visualization. Our students benefit from an accessible platform to explore and create, allowing them to experiment with various elements, colors, and structures. With its adaptability and user-friendly interface, Twinmotion proves indispensable for fostering innovation and success among individuals from diverse fields.

Students engaged in learning Twinmotion on computers, focusing on modern architectural design and visualization.

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Unlocking Creative Possibilities with Twinmotion

How does Twinmotion empower BSF students to explore new realms of creativity?

Animation for beginners in Twinmotion.
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Animation

Twinmotion lets you add motion and interaction to your visuals, making it easier to communicate complex concepts and create engaging virtual experiences and create fun virtual experiences that everyone can enjoy.

Getting started with Twinmotion.
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Rendering

Twinmotion's rendering features enable users to transform their designs into stunningly realistic images that showcase intricate details and elevate their concepts.

Math enrichment is a core component of BSF STEM. We offer a diverse range of math learning tools and programs to enhance students' mathematical skills and understanding.

Scene depicting game development, featuring graphics design, coding, and interactive gaming elements.
BSF knows the importance of math as AI decimates the need for computer programmers. Learning linear math, statistics, calculus, and discrete math are, and will remain, critical to AI. BSF is committed to helping prepare middle and high school students prepare to fearlessly and competently study these topics.

Math Enrichment Progams

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Linear Algebra: vectors, matrices, eigenvalues power neuralnetworks and computer vision.

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Probability & Statistics: essential for modeling uncertainty, predictions,and data-driven decisions.

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Calculus: especially derivatives and gradients used intraining models (optimization).

Machine Learning Introduction

Discover the fascinating world of machine learning through our comprehensive program:

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Introduction to TensorFlow, NumPy, Matplotlib, and SciKitLearn.

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Explore the intersection of mathematics and AI.

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Develop a strong foundation in linear algebra, calculus, and statistics.

Display of machine learning applications being used on an iPad.

The Daniel Alexander Payne Community Development Corporation conducts a Girls Who Code program for middle and high school young women, i.e., who are age 8-14. The Black Student Fund works in collaboration with the CDC. You can get more information by contacting Ms. Cristol Primas (click here).

Scene depicting game development, featuring graphics design, coding, and interactive gaming elements.

The MANC Approach

Our unique approach ensures a structured progression for our students:

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Functional Programming We guide our students through the fundamentals of coding, enabling them to master functional programming concepts.

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Advancing to Game DevelopmentAfter establishing a foundation, we guide students into developing video games, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills through hands-on experience.

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Balancing with SELWe prioritize both technical skills and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), promoting complete growth beyond coding.

Preparing for a Digital World

Our mission is not just about coding syntax. We aim to equip students with knowledge of software's capabilities and limitations and provide a moral compass to navigate the world of technology. Our focus is on:

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Moral BoundariesRecognizing what should not be designed or created, considering the implications of technology on humanity.

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Ethical DesignUnderstanding what furthers mankind and contributes positively to society.

Python logoDisplay of machine learning applications being used on an iPad.

Where excellence in mathematics meets spirited competition. At the Conchita Poole Math Circle, we take pride in nurturing young mathematical minds and preparing them for exciting challenges. Let's dive into the highlights of our MathCounts journey in 2025.

The 2023 MathCounts National Student Video Competition

This year, we took the MathCounts National Student Video Competition by storm. Our dynamic team consisted of two middle school competition teams, each comprising four exceptional students. The teams, named
"Math Masters" and "Smarties," embraced the spirit of competition and camaraderie.

With veterans from last year's successful "Saints" team, they were ready to tackle any challenge that came their way.

1

Amy

2

Miles

3

Ethan

4

Laury

Team 1
Math Masters

These bright minds showcased their passion for problem-solving and mathematics.

1

Miles

2

Ciara

3

Jackson

4

Gabriel

Team 2
Smarties
This year, both teams handled algebra problems and presented their entries: A Baller Question and A Batch of Problems to Solve. Video entries are below.

The 2023 MathCounts National Student Video Competition

Team 1 Math competition screenshot.
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Team 1

Team 2 Math competition screenshot.
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Team 2

Envisioning a Greener 🌱Tomorrow.

The Sustainable Solutions Summit challenges high school students from the Greater Washington area to develop sustainable business solutions for a brighter future. The event concludes with a pitch presentation to environmental and business leaders.
The 2027 Summit's dates are June 21st through June 25th daily at 9 AM through 4 PM, at the Courtyard by Marriott Bethesda/Chevy Chase (5520 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD).

Register Here
Sustainable Solutions Summit Logo
Pic of Attendees of 2023 Sustainable Solutions Summit. Program with Forbright Bank, a BSF partner.

Contributor

The BSF Scholarship Club is an information service that includes workshops, advising, and scholarship sources. Club  members can access  BSF's scholarships list.

If you wish to join the Scholarship Club, please contact us by email.

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DMV National School Choice Week


The Black Student Fund (BSF) joins tens of thousands of schools, parents and children raising awareness of K–12 education options during National School Choice Week 2026, which will be held January 25th–31st  2027. In collaboration with independent schools, public and charter school educators and parents, BSF will present a DMV School Choice Celebration and a series of media events showcasing parent school choice.

National School Choice Week is an annual public awareness campaign that highlights the diverse K-12 education options available to families, including traditional public, charter, magnet, private, online, and home schooling. It aims to empower parents by providing information on choosing the best educational environments for their children while celebrating effective learning options across the United States.

The Black Student Fund, in partnership with Morgan State University, is conducting a comprehensive research project to better understand parents' perspectives on school choice. This academic initiative seeks to gather data on the priorities, challenges, and motivations that shape families' decisions as they navigate today's educational landscape. By analyzing these firsthand insights, the study will provide critical information to help policymakers, educators, and community leaders better understand the factors that influence parental decision-making.

Supplementing this data-driven research, a parallel video project has documented the personal stories of parents from across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Through filmed reflection sessions (see here), local parents share their raw, real-world experiences and perspectives on how they select schools for their children.

Together, the research findings and the multimedia narratives will provide a powerful, multidimensional view of the current state of educational opportunity and equity, illuminating both the statistical trends and the lived experiences that shape school choice in the Washington metropolitan region.

Sign up and stay looped on National School Choice Week.

Year
SPRING
SUMMER
SUMMER
CRUNCH
2023
Up to 400
Up to 500
Up to 400
Up to 500
Up to 600
Up to 400
Up to 500
Up to 600
Above 600
Subjects: TBD
Dates: TBD
2024
All Math Lexiles
All Math Lexiles
All Math Lexiles
Subjects: TBD
Dates: TBD

BSF Summer Programs

During the summer of 2026, the Black Student Fund (BSF) advanced youth education and professional development through interactive, real-world learning experiences and online programs. BSF students participated in sponsored a "Careers in Congress" event on Capitol Hill, introducing high school and college students to legislative pathways through staff panels and tours. Additionally, BSF teamed up with Forbright Bank to host the annual weeklong Sustainable Solutions Summit. At this pitch competition, local high schoolers worked with experts to study green industries, ultimately pitching sustainable business plans to a panel of judges to compete for college scholarship funding. 

Academic enrichment remained a primary focus for BSF through specialized math initiatives and college preparation. The Conchita Poole Math Circle hosted a free, six-week remote Math Summer Boost Program using the IXL platform to diagnose and bridge foundational gaps for middle school students from 19 regional schools. This program combined self-paced study with BSF coaching, weekly guest speakers, and incentives to achieve two months of math literacy growth. Younger learners in rising first through fifth grades accelerated their skills through the Tantalus BSF Math Arcade, a unique gaming-influenced learning platform created by the organization's STEM Director.

To support student well-being and future transitions, BSF offered flexible community programming and resources. High school graduates preparing for higher education accessed self-scheduled, virtual college transition workshops. BSF conducted college admissions workshops. Beyond the classroom, BSF prioritized family enrichment and recreation, distributing 85 event tickets for plays and major sporting events—including the Nationals, Mystics, DC United,Orioles, and DC Spirit—through its partnership with Tickets for Kids. During the summer BSF programs served more than 150 students at more than 40 different independent, charter and public schools.

Our Parents' Testimonials

Our team ⛳

These are the people behind the templates that you love and use everyday. Get to know them.

I would first start by saying, that it could not have been more beneficial for children during these most difficult times with the pandemic. It was such an outlet for their mental health freedom. My daughter was able to learn about independence and self motivation on completing her work of creating a Roblox Obby. Given the opportunity again we would most definitely like to participate again. Thanks id Tech.