About SOMA

Parents, Educators and community leaders are seeking ways to build better communities. Most recognize that a choice to be active partners in funding and delivering strong programs sends a powerful message that our community cares, and yields positive results for us all. The SOMA Community Initiative, which was launched in February, 2006 is the brain-child of Sharleen Mascoll, Philanthropy & Multicultural Markets - Community Relations Specialist at State Farm Insurance. This initiative is a valuable partnership between a Corporate donor, a non-profit organization or School District and Black Board International. 

The SOMA Community Initiative is also children and youth–focused and is designed to address the lack of positive, culturally inclusive, historical teaching material in our places of learning.  Such material is specifically designed to counter racist and negative attitudes and to build self-esteem and literacy skills in children and youth. 

The deliverable will be the purchase and implementation of BBI's Ashaware educational software that focuses on cultural diversity and the achievements of people of African descent at locations designated by the non-profit organization or School District.