HIGHER LEARNING INC.
ANNUAL REPORT
DECEMBER 31, 2013
Opening Eyes, Opening Minds, Opening Hearts
Higher Learning, Inc. Annual Report 2013
Happy Birthday, Higher Learning, Inc! In 2013 we celebrated our 5th birthday. The year was
marked by milestones and transitions. With the support of our donors, we have been able to
open the eyes, minds and hearts of our students through unique educational opportunities!
In Summer 2009, we started with 15 middle school and 9 high school students in sessions
designed to provide marginalized students with affordable educational programming beyond the
standard school curriculum.
Since then, we have delivered six different programs (Summer I, Summer II Travel Abroad, the
Saturday Program, Semester of Service - SOS, Game On!, and the Baltimore Juvenile Services
Program) and have served close to 300 students. We have developed eight partnerships and
have been featured in a CNN education report and The Carroll County Times. Our students
have described the program as “life changing,” “amazing,” and “eye-opening and empowering.”
Our Summer 2013 theme was Media and Pop Culture where our middle and high school
students investigated different forms of media, how they influence what and how we think, and
media's impact on cultural trends and fads. Students also participated in Common Ground on
the Hill’s Traditions Weeks for the third year in row! Traditions Weeks is a two week festival of
artistic courses and performances held on the McDaniel College campus. Further, our high
school students traveled and learned about the culture(s) in Rabat, Morocco, Africa!
In 2013, Higher Learning student activities included:






Visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Learning about race, class and gender representations in media
Visiting Geppi’s Entertainment Pop Culture Museum in Baltimore
Learning about the production of local & world news through visits to The
Carroll County Times, Reuters News Agency, and the National Press Club.
A college tour to Lincoln Tech and University of Mary Washington in VA.
A trip to Morocco!
During Traditions Weeks, they also took classes such as:



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Ukulele
African Dance and Modern Dance
Arabic
Jug Band, Brazilian Percussion, African Drumming
Since we began five years ago, our students have learned from experts about topics ranging
from history, economics, and media to Arabic, Mandarin, and chess. They’ve visited 10
colleges, participated in Traditions Weeks classes, and traveled abroad to three different
countries! At our 2013 End of Term Reception, we initiated our first group of students into the
HL Alumni Association. HL has been lucky to work with an amazing group of young people who
have touched me deeply as I watch them grow personally, socially and intellectually.
Thanks to all of our supporters for helping to open so many eyes, minds and hearts!
Respectfully,
Dr. Roxanna Harlow
Founder and Executive Director
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Higher Learning, Inc. Annual Report 2013
Mission
Higher Learning, Inc., a non-profit academic program, provides
learning opportunities that move underserved youth beyond familiar
boundaries—both mentally and physically—to equip them with the
tools and experiences necessary to be successful leaders in their
communities, the nation, and the world.
The program’s experiential approach is designed to cultivate creative,
resourceful, constructive, ethical, leaders, thinkers and problem solvers with a desire for
knowledge and life-long learning. With opportunities for local and global travel, Higher
Learning emphasizes analytical and critical thinking, knowledge building and skills
development, leadership and service, and civic and global engagement for active and
effective world citizenship.
Demographics
Profile of Higher Learning Students 2013
All Students
Total*
Served
Summer
Program
Sat. & SOS
Program
Baltimore Juvenile
Services
94
26
45
36
79
25
31
35
15
1
14
1
73
16
29
36
21
10
16
-
72
(77%)
22
(85%)
30
(67%)
36
(100%)
Race/Ethnicity
Black
White
Gender
Male
Female
Income
Near/At/ Below
Poverty
*Total served ≠ sum of program totals because our students participate in multiple programs. The counts
reflect the number of different students served (vs double counting students who are in multiple programs).
Total excludes the college students HL serves during the summer and school year.
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Higher Learning, Inc. Annual Report 2013
Profile of Higher Learning Students 2009-2013
All Students
Total*
Served
Summer
Program
Saturday
Program
Saturday Semester
of Service Program
Game On! After
School
Baltimore Juvenile
Services
297
66
47
33
17
175
261
58
44
16
11
173
31
3
3
17
6
2
5
5
-
-
-
-
242
37
31
19
6
175
55
29
16
14
11
-
262
(88%)
52
(79%)
38
(81%)
14
(42%)
16
(94%)
175
(100%)
Race/Ethnicity
Black
White
Latino
Gender
Male
Female
Income
Near/At/ Below
Poverty
*Total served ≠ sum of program totals because our students participate in multiple programs. The counts reflect the
number of different students served (vs double counting students who are in multiple programs).
Total excludes the college students HL serves during the summer and school year.
Page 3
Higher Learning, Inc. Annual Report 2013
Student and Parent Comments

“Higher Learning is a great source of capability and aptitude [for the students]
that increases their self-esteem and motivation towards learning…thank you
once again for your hard work, and for believing in them.”
– Aku-Passi Florl, Parent

“The opportunity to be a part of a progressive approach to the enhancement of
[our children’s] cultural, social, and economic consciousness will be an
experience they will someday come to cherish. . .Your presence in our lives is an
unexpected treasure filled with jewels of knowledge and enlightenment.”
-- Rodney McClinton, Parent

“I do not get to say it often but thank you for helping to fit [my child] for life.”
–Susan Burke, Parent

“Thank you Dr. Harlow for your persistence and consistency in making a
difference in the lives of our children. Your hard work will be long remembered.
It has left a great impression for success in the heart and mind of my daughter.”
–Molly Bobb, Parent

“Dr. Harlow you have given us so many opportunities that I would have never
had without you.” –Rodney, 12th grade

“This experience [in Morocco] has taught me of the power that the youth hold in
the community, and also that if we as the youth band together the possibilities
we could achieve in this world are near endless.” --Lawrence, 12th grade

“Higher Learning not only makes you want to learn more but it makes you want
to live out what you learn. It motivates me and is a kind of experience that just
grips you because you see things you would never see in your own
neighborhood.” –Ryan, 10th grade

“This trip [to Morocco] helped me a lot as a person. It also made me look at the
world so differently.” –Brandon, 10th grade

“[The guest teachers and experts] have influenced me to want to do my best in
everything I do in life and to shoot for the stars and never settle for anything but
my best.” – Chloe, 9th grade

“If you miss a day, then you’re missing a lot you can learn.” –Mischka, 10th grade
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Higher Learning, Inc. Annual Report 2013
Where your money goes - 2013
95% of all donations go directly to programming costs
Page 5
Higher Learning, Inc. Annual Report 2013
Financial Statements
HIGHER LEARNING, INC.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2013
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash
Accounts Receivable
Total Assets*
$
$
$
2,919
1,190
4,109
Liabilities
Accounts Payable
Total Liabilities
$
$
19
19
Net Assets
Unrestricted**
Total Net Assets
$
$
4,090
4,090
Total Liabilities and Net Assets***
$
4,109
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
*Higher Learning has no fixed assets
**Higher Learning has no restricted net assets
***Total excludes donated services, facilities,
and other in kind donations
Page 6
Higher Learning, Inc. Annual Report 2013
HIGHER LEARNING, INC.
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2013
SUPPORT AND REVENUE
UNRESTRICTED*
TOTAL
Support
Donated Facilities
Donated Professional Services
Other In Kind Donations
Total Support
$
$
$
$
8,340
1,500
13,912
23,752
$
$
$
$
8,340
1,500
13,912
23,752
Revenue
Contributions from Individuals
Grants/Organizations
Program Service Fees
Fundraisers
Interest Income
Total Revenue
$
$
$
$
$
$
14,251
1,728
1,255
1,117
0.92
18,353
$
$
$
$
$
$
14,251
1,728
1,255
1,117
0.92
18,353
TOTAL SUPPORT AND REVENUE
$
42,105
$
42,105
Program Service Expenses
Summer Programs (Summer I & II)
Fall & Spring Programs (Saturday/SOS/BJS)
Total Program Service Expenses
$
$
$
53,778
1,519
55,297
$
$
$
53,778
1,519
55,297
Support Service Expenses
General
Fundraising
Total Support Service Expenses
$
$
$
1,467
1,814
3,281
$
$
$
1,467
1,814
3,281
TOTAL EXPENSES
$
58,577
$
58,577
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
$
(16,472)
$
(16,472)
Net Assets at Beginning of Year
Net Assets at End of Year
$
$
20,563
4,090
$
$
20,563
4,090
EXPENSES
*Higher Learning has no restricted net assets
Page 7
Higher Learning, Inc. Annual Report 2013
HIGHER LEARNING, INC
STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES
FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2013
Expense Category
Summer
Programs
Saturday/SOS/
BJS Programs
Total Program
Activity
General
Fundraising
Total
Salaries and Benefits
Insurance (Liability and O&D)
R&D
Supplies
Professional Copying/Printing
Telephone
Postage and Shipping
Rental
Marketing
Teaching/Learning Materials
Student Program Activities
Student Program Transportation
Student Meals/Snacks
Online Hosting
Website Maintenance/Develop
Other
Subtotal
$
$
$
$
442
$
1.17
$
214
$
1.52
$
200
$
$
174
$ 9,313
$ 19,572
$
68
$
38
$
42
$
$ 30,066
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
6.40
218
31
5.00
160
898
102
41
18
1,479
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
448
1.17
432
32
200
5.00
174
9,473
20,470
170
79
60
31,545
$
$ 1,155
$
$ 9.03
$
$
$
$
78
$
$
$
$
$
$
30
$
60
$ 135
$ 1,467
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
39
368
5.18
129
393
5.00
387
80
408
1,814
$
$ 1,155
$
39
$
825
$
6.35
$
432
$
162
$
671
$
10
$
174
$ 9,473
$ 20,470
$
170
$
495
$
200
$
543
$ 34,825
$ 8,300
$ 1,500
$ 10,620
$
402
$ 2,890
$ 23,712
$ 53,778
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
40
40
1,519
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
8,340
1,500
10,620
402
2,890
23,752
55,297
$
$
$
$
$
$
$ 1,467
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,814
$ 8,340
$ 1,500
$ 10,620
$
402
$ 2,890
$ 23,752
$ 58,577
In Kind
Donated Facilities Costs
Donated Professional Costs*
Donated Activities Costs
Donated Teach/Learn Material
Donated Student Meals/Snacks
Subtotal In Kind
TOTAL EXPENSES
*Excludes staff
Page 8
Higher Learning, Inc. Annual Report 2013
2013 Board of Directors
Kerry P. Gray, Chairman
Roxanna Harlow, Secretary and Treasurer
Theresa Todd
Chez Clemmons
2013 Staff
Spring Program
Samantha Lopez, AmeriCorps VISTA via McDaniel College
Dan Lamond, Work Study via McDaniel College
Wykeema Stanley, Work Study via McDaniel College
Summer Program
Samantha Lopez, AmeriCorps VISTA via McDaniel College
2013 Volunteers
Summer Program
Morgan McClinton, Program Aide
Maurizio Byrd, Travel Chaperone/Mentor
Paola Villegas, Traditions Weeks Chaperone
Fall Program
Rachel Jones, Fall Intern
Issue Area Experts/Guest Speakers
Robin Armstrong, Ph.D.: representations in media
Andrea Briggs: fan fiction
Kate Dobson, Ph.D.: language in advertising
Samir El Omari, Ph.D.: tea and culture in Morocco
Mohamed Esa, Ph. D.: the Arab World
Debora Johnson Ross, Ph.D.: the origin of Cool
Shiela Johnson and Kevin: Carroll County Times tour and production
Robert Lemieux, Ph.D.: comics and culture
Sara Raley, Ph.D.: representations of gender in media
Andrea Shalal Esa: news production and careers at Reuters
Richard Smith, Ph.D.: representations of race in media
Deb Vance, Ph.D: media, money and politics
The University of Mary Washington and Lincoln Tech staff
The Center for Cross Cultural Learning staff in Rabat, Morocco
The many Common Ground on the Hill instructors and artists!
Lunch Delivery
Susan Burke
Jessica Cook
Jenn Eckard (of Buffalo Wild Wings)
Casina Rice
Carlos Vasquez
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Higher Learning, Inc. Annual Report 2013
2013 Community Partners
The Carroll County Public Schools
Common Ground on the Hill
McDaniel College
The Westminster Community of Shalom
Silver Oak Academy
The SEED School of Maryland
Baltimore Juvenile Services Day & Evening Reporting Ctr.
Donors and Supporters 2013
Higher Learning sincerely thanks the many people, businesses and organizations who have
made this program possible! *Founding Donor (original donor whose contribution enabled HL’s founding in 2009)
Global Mental Marvel Donors ($1000 and above)
Lauren Dundes Streiff *
Kerry and Nicola Gray *
Rand and Jean Harlow *
Renet Harlow *
George and Ruth Perkins
Mental Marvel Donors ($500-$999)
Davis Library
Mark Rust
Patricia Todd
Theresa Todd *
Critical Thinking Donors ($250-$499)
Anthony and Patricia Bell
Kohls
Audrey McCluskey
Greta and Richard Pringle *
Judy Ramey
Michael Streiff
Lifetime Learner Donors ($100-$249)
Ivye Allen
Suzanne Albert *
Sylvia Anderson *
Robin Armstrong
Katherine and Garth Baxter
Ramona Kerby
Paul Mazeroff
Walter Jacobs and Valerie Minor *
Alex and Jan Ober *
Henry Reiff
Eleanor Richwine
Sarah and Paul Stokely *
Delmas and Linda Wood
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Higher Learning, Inc. Annual Report 2013
Global Community Donors ($50-$99)
Ann Bollinger
Richard Boswell
David Brady
Isabel Valeila and Tom Deveny
Gina Davis
Renard and Felicia Harlow
Deb Lemke
Rodney and Terry McClinton
Priscilla Ord
Matthew and Deanna Oware
Francis and Gifty Parry
Social Awareness Donors ($49 and under)
Bobby Alexander
Heshmat Badiee
Cathy Bodin
Beth Gerl
Roxanna Harlow *
Judy Harris
Theresa Hebron
Gary Honeman
LaNaye Lawson
Mark Lee
Patricia Levroney
Mike Lopez
Walt Michael
Patricia Muhammad *
Robert Newby
Cathy Orzolek-Kronner
Bernice Pescosolido
Doris Pierce
Richard Pringle Jr.
Fan Qin
Anita Thiernian
Tom and Margaret Welliver
In Kind Donors
Food (lunch, snacks, gift certificates)
Applebee’s
BJ’s Wholesale Club
Buffalo Wild Wings
Burger King on Rte 140
Food Lion
Forbidden City
Genovas
Giant
The Greene Turtle J & P Pizza
Lincoln Tech
McDonald’s
McDaniel College Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs
Papa Johns
Popeye’s
Page 11
Higher Learning, Inc. Annual Report 2013
Safeway
Silver Oak Academy
Reuters
Weis
Supplies
Walgreen’s
Student Awards
Auntie Anne’s
Belk
Cherry’s Shaved Ice
Chick-fil-A
FYE
Hoffman’s Ice Cream
Pizza Hut
Rita’s
Texas Roadhouse
Rita’s
Wendy’s
Yogolaada
Facilities and Services
Common Ground on the Hill
McDaniel College
Westminster East Middle School (via the Carroll County Public Schools)
The Westminster Community Center (via the Westminster Community of Shalom)
Additional Thanks
Special thanks to the Carroll County Public Schools, Christian Roemer and the Westminster East
Middle School staff, and the Westminster Community of Shalom for providing us with program
meeting space!
Thanks also to our issue area experts (the Higher Learning guest presenters/teachers) who
volunteered their time and energy to share their knowledge with us.
Thanks to Common Ground on the Hill and Walt Michael for waiving the course fees for our
students!
Thanks to all of our host families in Rabat, Morocco who took us into their homes and shared
their lives for a week.
Higher Learning also gives special recognition to Samantha Lopez and other staff and
volunteers who provide invaluable assistance. And thanks to the many other community
members, advisors, supporters, friends and family members who have offered information and
moral support for this program. Apologies to anyone inadvertently omitted.
Page 12
Higher Learning, Inc. Annual Report 2013
Higher Learning, Inc.
P.O. Box 232
Westminster, MD 21158-0232
Summer 2013 Site
Westminster East Middle School
121 Longwell Ave.
Westminster, MD 21157
Saturday Program Base
Westminster Community Center
25 Union St.
Westminster, MD 21157
Phone: 410-900-7957
info@higherlearning-inc.org
www.higherlearning-inc.org
Page 13