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Executive Director of Innovative Strategy Dr. Samecia Stokes has been selected to participate in the White-Riley-Peterson Afterschool Policy Fellowship offered by the Riley Institute at Furman University. Dr. Stokes is one of nineteen afterschool leaders from across the country selected for this year’s program. The cohort will have the opportunity to gain a real-world understanding of the art and science of sound policy-making for afterschool and expanded learning.

Over the course of a year, WRP Fellows study an intensive policy curriculum, learn from policy experts, and benefit from national networking opportunities made possible by the Afterschool Alliance, a national advocacy organization, as well as the 50 State Afterschool Network supported by the Mott Foundation. By putting new policy skills to use, WRP Fellows develop and implement afterschool-related policy projects in their home states that ultimately support expanded learning opportunities for children across the country.

Dr. Stokes is an experienced educational leader with a demonstrated history of working in K-12 and higher education settings. Within JPS, she has served as a high school teacher, assistant principal, summer school principal, summer bridge coordinator, JPS Literacy Roadmap editor, A3 summer camp principal, feeder pattern lead (Forest Hill), and JPS Rockstar. At Belhaven University, Dr. Stokes has served as a module writer, teacher mentor, educational leadership internship supervisor, and adjunct professor for both American and Chinese students. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education/Emphasis in School Administration from Mississippi State University, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Supervision from ÐÓ°É State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Tougaloo College.  A proud graduate of Callaway High School and Leadership Greater ÐÓ°É, Dr. Stokes holds national recognition as an Andrew Mellon fellow and S.D. Shankland educator (American Association for School Administrators.) 

Former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley, for whom the Riley Institute is named, said the role of afterschool and summer learning policy advocates is more important than ever. “Afterschool and summer learning programs play an essential role in the education and well-being of our children, and they are especially important in the learning recovery efforts necessitated by the pandemic,” Riley said. “These creative leaders will ensure that access to quality afterschool programming remains a key ingredient in guaranteeing the educational success of our children now and for years to come.”