About us

Inspiring hope, building confidence, and expanding opportunity since 1980

Our story

More Than 40 Years of Service

Scholars Village assists school districts to provide all scholars with a nurturing learning environment that supports their academic growth, social development, and emotional well-being.

We provide onsite, after-school, micro-school, and Saturday programs in restorative practices, accelerated & remedial academic support, individualized counseling, and community service that assists school districts to strengthen relationships, build student confidence & self-awareness, and renews their enthusiasm for personal goals that prepare them for successful citizenship in a 21st century global environment.

Our award-winning educators also provide executive coaching for administrators, faculty and support staff.

Our Mission

Scholars Village Inc. exists to inspire hope, build confidence, and expand opportunity for children and families through education, mentorship, storytelling, and community engagement.

Our Vision

We envision communities where children are affirmed, educators are respected, families are supported, and learning opens doors to meaningful futures.

Our Values

The principles that guide everything we do.

Equity & Access

Ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive regardless of background.

Respect & Empathy

Fostering understanding, compassion, and mutual respect in every interaction

Peaceful Coexistence

Building bridges across cultures through education, dialogue, and shared purpose.

Purpose-Driven Learning

Inspiring curiosity and a lifelong love of learning in every scholar.

Community Collaboration

Partnering with families, educators, and organizations for lasting impact.

Our Leadership

Scholars Village Inc. is led by experienced educators and community advocates with
decades of service in K-12 public education, higher education, and community-based
initiatives.

Officers

Roger F. Harris, Ph.D.

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Dr. Roger F. Harris has devoted over forty-five years to K-12 education and higher education across Boston, New York City, and New Jersey. A decorated U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, award-winning educator, and recipient of the U.S. Department of Education's National Distinguished Principal Award.

Cheryl Watson-Harris, Ed.D

Co-Founder & Chief Information Officer

Dr. Cheryl Watson-Harris is an exceptional education leader with nearly three decades of experience. Former First Deputy Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education and Superintendent of DeKalb County Schools. She holds degrees from Harvard University and New York University.

Gilbert W. Sanborn

Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Sanborn is former President of Great Circle Advisors LLC and retired Chair of the Restructuring Advisory Practice at Barclays Capital. Previously an investment banker at Lehman Brothers and Credit Suisse First Boston. He holds a BA from University of Michigan and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Xiomara Vasquez

Project Manager

Xiomara Vasquez is a proud former Marine and dedicated mother to an eight-year-old daughter, Victoria is committed to integrating peace education into school curricula. As a seasoned business owner, she creates transformative educational experiences that inspire harmony

Alexandra Leconte

Project Manager

As a project coordinator, Alexandra leads initiatives that turn the concept of peace into everyday reality. Her blend of creativity, business acumen, and dedicated leadership helps drive impactful projects forward

Ryan Adkins

Project Manager

Ryan graduated from Georgia Tech with a Business degree. After gaining valuable leadership experience, he discovered his creative passion for animation and art at SCAD. Merging analytical expertise with artistic vision, Ryan spearheads innovative projects that bring imagination to life

Maurice Gaskins

Project Manager

Advisory Board

Susan Hackley

retired Harvard Law School Negotiator

Former Managing Director of the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School, a world-renowned center for negotiation and conflict resolution. She taught negotiation skills worldwide and served as Chair of the Alliance for Peacebuilding.

Eun Kyoung, Ed.D.

Former School Superintendent

Former Deputy Superintendent of Orange County Schools, North Carolina, and Chief Innovation Officer of Guilford County Schools. Over 20 years of leadership in K-12 education including roles as Executive Director of School Support & Improvement for Metro Nashville Public Schools and Headmaster/Principal in Boston Public Schools. Holds an Ed.D. from University of Pennsylvania and Master's from Harvard University.

Deborah Scott

CEO, Georgia Stand-Up

CEO of Georgia STAND-UP, a "think and act tank" for working families. Over 40 years organizing communities, training activists, protecting voting rights, and building progressive coalitions throughout the South. A 2012 White House Champion of Change, she founded Trade-Up, a workforce development program cited as a best practice model by the Department of Labor.

Ronald Walker

Former Executive Director, Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color

Served in education for over five decades. Founding Executive Director of COSEBOC, advancing social, emotional, and academic development of boys and young men of color. Author and nationally recognized advocate for culturally responsive education.

Jinhui Xu, Ed.D.

International Award-Winning Educator

Martin Somers

Award-Winning Math Educator

Jack McClean

Best Selling Author & Vietnam Veteran

Author of "Loon: A Marine Story" (Random House, 2009), a National Best-Selling memoir about his service in the Marine Corps. Vietnam veteran and first veteran to enter Harvard University. Thirty-year marketing career including senior positions at Johnson & Higgins.

Kathy Smith

Retired Director of Development, Immigrant Learning Center

Director of Development at The Immigrant Learning Center in Malden, MA, for 16 years. Directed fundraising, donor relations, and partnerships with local public schools to support immigrant education.