Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter School:
Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Harambee Institute exists to offer our community an education with a focus on the origins, current status, and future of the African world.

Our mission is to educate students to succeed as global citizens with a clear awareness of “who I am, where I am from, where I am going, and how I get there.”

Our vision is a collective and informed African American community utilizing science and technology as a means of promoting education for self-reliance, locally and globally.

Our core values are:

Greatness: Pursuit of excellence in all we do
Accountability: Owning what we do and who we are
Innovation: Open to new ideas with a growth mindset
Integrity: Honesty, transparency, and unity in all we do

The HBCU Tour Goes Down South!

A message from the CEO

Dear Friend of Harambee Charter School,

I forward this message to honor you, and our community, as we celebrate not Black History Month but rather... BLACK HISTORY!

I have often been asked "what is Harambee doing to celebrate Black History Month". My reply... NOTHING! This response often elicits a puzzled reaction followed by "Aren't you an African Centered School?" My reply is YES, followed by "WE CELEBRATE OUR AFRICAN CULTURE EVERY DAY AT HARAMBEE"!

That said, let's continue to honor and celebrate our ancestors with a firm understanding that mathematics, science, and. medicine began in Africa through great scholars such as Imhotep.

Imhotep was one of the most revered kings of his time and after. His name means “the one who comes in peace”, and it is a befitting name for someone held in such esteem even after his death. He completely changed the way the world was seen. He gave balance to science and religion when religion was the main cure for everything. He helped science to be introduced in a way that was acceptable for his time. He was said to be able to provide "remedies for all diseases" and give "sons to the childless." It opened the door to a whole new kind of knowledge. He built a road to modern day ideas in science and medicine.

Additionally, let's not forget Mansa Musa. Mansa Musa’s claim to fame extends far beyond money. He was a skilled leader who transformed Mali into one of the largest empires in African history. A king’s journey always has effects, and Mansa Musa journey measures up to that theory. Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca effected both the economics and political views in Africa. No matter the storm, Mansa Musa was intent on making his pilgrimage. It was through his pilgrimage that he was able to enrich the various nations by purchasing gold which in turn enhanced their economies.

As it relates to modern day, let's continue the path of our ancestors and embrace the GREATNESS of the contributions to the world by our culture and heritage. Let's embrace a spirit of high achievement academically, socially, and emotionally with our children, families and community!

To that end, I celebrate African culture in YOU, YOUR FAMILY, and OUR COMMUNITY not just during Black History Month but TODAY and EVERY DAY!

Asante Sana
Baba Shannon

Education for Self-Reliance

Help us build something great. HISTCS teachers, staff, and advisory groups are working hard everyday to create a high-quality student experience. If you’re a parent, community leader, or part of a larger organization we urge you to sign up for one of our volunteer or sponsorship opportunities, or attend any of our upcoming events. Let’s pull together for our kids and our community!

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