The University of Oklahoma
College of Liberal Studies
Brock International Prize in Education
Geoffery Canada 2010 Brock Prize Nominee
Geoffrey Canada is making heroic innovations in the field of educational theory and practice by a massive undertaking to deal with our nation’s greatest social injustice – poverty. Under Canada’s leadership the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) has committed to doing “whatever it takes” to build an infrastructure of support and structure around the children who live in this most blighted area so they can profit from a quality education.
Geoffrey Canada knows first-hand how hard it is to succeed in a world of poverty. He was born poor and was raised by a single mother in the tenements of New York’s South Bronx. As one of the rare individuals to escape the devastating circumstances of his birth, Canada now has unique credibility and compassion for the problems that undermine success for America’s urban poor.
The web of comprehensive educational initiatives orchestrated by Geoffrey Canada is intended to support the families and the children and take away any excuses. His programs combine educational, social and medical services that begin at birth and continue support through college graduation.
The experiment that has driven the career of Geoffrey Canada has the potential to make a difference in the almost 10,000 children in Harlem and even more importantly in our overall approach to education in urban areas. The now popular Community School initiative that is quickly spreading around the country has adopted the philosophy and practices of Geoffrey Canada’s Harlem Children’s Zone and is helping other communities accept responsibility for ensuring educational success.
Geoffrey Canada’s life and career have intertwined to bring new insights and possibilities surrounding effective education in areas of urban poverty in America. As an educator, he has identified way to compensate for the barriers that torpedo student success. As an entrepreneur, he has captured the enthusiasm of those who are looking for a way to invest in something that has great potential to ameliorate poverty. Geoffrey Canada brings hope for the future.
