We are Sankofa
WHERE SAC SCHOLARS CREATE, LEAD & SUCCEED
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SAC Scholars thrive at Sankofa because we understand how youth learn and what helps them succeed. In addition to academic, athletic, and character development -the mind, body, and spirit referenced in our mission statement we encourage each scholar to find his or her voice and take risks without fear of failure.
Our before and after care programs provide a safe and structured environment to learn, socialize, and engage in extracurricular activities, leading to improved academic performance, social skills, and self-confidence. For parents, these programs offer peace of mind, knowing your child(ren) are supervised and engaged in meaningful activities, while also providing a convenient solution for juggling work schedules and other responsibilities.
See for yourself the excitement that permeates the air at Sankofa Achievement Center, Inc. Scholars are engaged in learning, thinking creatively and making connections across disciplines. Our community of students, staff, parents, administration, and faculty are bonded by a common goal – to help you succeed. Sankofa is small enough to celebrate each child’s unique talents and interests yet large enough to offer advanced technologies and rigorous academics in a diverse environment.
Our summer program, Camp Imani provides numerous benefits for children. Fostering social, emotional, physical development in a fun and engaging environment. We provide opportunities for children to build friendships, develop independence, and learn valuable life skills.
Explore The SAC Learning Advantage
At Sankofa Achievement Center, Inc., we have the flexibilty to teach how students learn best. Call us today.
What We Do?
Supporting SAC Scholars
The Sankofa Achievement Center stands as a beacon of hope for youths aged 7 to 24 who grapple with academic, social, and emotional hurdles. This sanctuary provides outreach and intervention services, along with educational programs, job training, and entrepreneurial ventures, all designed to empower these young souls on their journey toward independence and a flourishing future.
Success Story Spotlight!
SAC scholar, Ya’Mar Hollins proudly graduated from Whites Creek High School, Nashville Tennessee in 2023, embarking on a journey that began at the tender age of 7 as a summer camper with Camp Imani.
Guided by years of mentorship and enriched in the nurturing embrace of the Sankofa Achievement Center, Ya’Mar now serves with honor in the United States Army as a Signal Support Soldier.
With aspirations to launch his own business, he remains committed to giving back to the community, embodying the lessons of service he embraced during his formative years at summer camp. We hold immense pride for Yam, as we affectionately know him, here at the Sankofa Center.
Leadership
Encourages leadership qualities in youth without mandatory leadership roles, allowing them to participate, contribute, and lead in activities.
Active Agents
Engages youth as active participants, involving them in service design, delivery, and evaluation alongside adults in partnership.
Youth Asset
Encourages and enhances youth assets for positive growth, preparing them for a successful adulthood.
Intentional Processes
Intentional process to promote protective factors in young people and complement efforts to prevent risky behaviors and address negative behaviors.
Civic Engagement
Civic involvement and engagement by youth in schools and communities through service. SAC involves the entire community, values youth, family, and partners, with a focus on youth-adult collaboration for solutions.
SAC Practices 5 Guiding Principles in Our Work With Youth:
News and Updates
Sankofa is a Member of The Donelson Hermitage Chamber of Commerce
We are thrilled to The SAC is a proud member of The Donelson Hermitage Chamber of Commerce as of August 1, 2025 as a nonprofit organization.
Join us for our first community fundraiser at the SAC Headquarters. Bring your appetite, conversation and good vibes! Tickets on sale now for $25. Click the link above to register now or see a SAC Board Member for tickets.
Sankofa is transitioning to a Primary School!
We are excited to welcome students and families to the Sankofa Achievement Center! Our doors will open this upcoming fall in August, located in the heart of Davidson County, TN, within the vibrant Southeast region. Together, let us embark on a remarkable journey of discovery and growth.
Sankofa Has A New Location
The nonprofit status in the state of Tennessee is currently active.
We are delighted to announce the successful reinstatement of our nonprofit status in the state of Tennessee following its dissolution due to administrative reasons.
Camp Imani 2025
We are delighted to announce the return of our summer camp program. Resuming our engaging activities in performing arts, mentorship, and social skills development, we anticipate opening registrations in Spring 2025. Stay tuned for further updates.
Annual Charity Fundraiser
We will continue our fundraising efforts with our charity ride. The theme is “Ride 2 Read” and will be held at the Gaylord Opry Resort & convention center March 14-16, 2025
Subsidiary Kitchen Business
With the aim of fostering revenue generation and imparting culinary skills and training to our youth, we are poised to inaugurate “The Messy Chef’s Kitchen,” a ghost kitchen situated in midtown Nashville, in the spring of 2025.
SAC Annual Charity Weekend
All Proceeds are used for the benefit of our Scholars
The 2025 Sankofa Motorcycle Charity Ride was held at the Holiday Inn Express Opryland in Nashville TN. We took donated books to Lebanon Youth Academy home for teenage boys living in a group housing.
On behalf of the Sankofa Achievement Center youth, thank you for your donation. Your support makes a difference in lives of youth who experience inequalities in low socioeconomic communities.
Get Involved
Sankofa Achievement Center, Inc. supports over 100 underserved youth and their families annually by offering vital services like food, shelter assistance, educational services, unconditional care, and respect. Despite the ongoing community disparities in our underserved communities, the urgent needs of these of our families persist, underscoring the necessity for assistance.
How You Can Help:
- Volunteer: Engage with our cause by exploring volunteer opportunities.
- Monetary Donations: Every contribution, no matter the size, positively impacts the lives of our youth.
- Amazon Wish List: Easily support our young beneficiaries by browsing and fulfilling items from our Amazon Wish List.
For donation acknowledgment letters, please contact Angela Varnadoe at angiev@thesacinc.org or 773-213-4222.
- In-kind Donations: Check our list of accepted items and donation drop-off schedules.
- Transportation Assistance: Provide a van or bus to help our youth access essential services.
Send gift cards to Attn: Sankofa Team Angela Varnadoe 9624 S. Cicero #334 Oaklawn IL 60453
- Fundraising: Use social media to organize fundraisers and raise awareness and crucial funds.
- Event Support: Stay updated on our events and find ways to offer your help.
- Learning Sessions: Arrange a presentation by our team to learn more about our mission and beneficiaries.
- Vehicle Donation: Donate your vehicle easily to support our cause; enjoy free pick-up and tax benefits.
Our dedication to serving the youth and the community remains steadfast. Your ongoing support guarantees our continued presence and service provision in these uncertain times. We are honored to extend our services to the youth and sincerely appreciate your support.
In-Person Volunteering
Sankofa Achievement Center, Inc. is supported by a generous community of volunteers. We have a variety of on-campus volunteer opportunities including teaching performing arts, tutoring, mentoring a student, special event support and more!
All in-person volunteers must be 18 years or older and are required to submit:
- A volunteer application
- Handbook agreement
If you are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms on your scheduled volunteer day, please contact our team to reschedule.
For more information contact apriljones@thesacinc.org
Sankofa in Motion
