TIMELINE OF MILESTONES
HISTORY
This timeline vividly illustrates GapBuster Learning Center’s (currently known as GapBuster, Inc.) unwavering commitment to educational support and community engagement, as well as its remarkable growth and enduring impact over the years. It serves as a testament to the organization’s tireless dedication to bridging educational disparities and delivering invaluable support to students within the community.
Dec 1999
Vision Started
Dr. Butler embarked on a quest to find math tutoring services for her gifted and talented 2nd-grade daughter. Frustrated by the absence of suitable resources within the regular school system, she envisioned the inception of a weekend volunteer tutoring program aimed at empowering minority students in the realm of mathematics.
Jan 2000
Program Starting
The program officially began as a home-based tutoring initiative, initially serving three 2nd-grade students known as "Around the Kitchen Table." These students attended Forest Knolls Elementary in Silver Spring, MD.
Mar 2000
Name Formed
Dr. Butler, driven by dedication, used personal funds to establish the "GapBuster Learning Center" at Forest Knolls Elementary, addressing the rising demand for tutoring. Starting with 37 students, the program, inspired by "GapBuster," committed to bridging academic gaps between minority and non-minority students. It expanded by engaging enthusiastic Montgomery Blair High School students for impactful tutoring efforts.
June 2000
Student Progress
Remarkable progress was observed as all 37 students demonstrated improvement of at least one letter grade in mathematics, highlighting the program's effectiveness.
July 2000
Summer Program Started
GapBuster Learning Center marked a significant milestone by inaugurating its Summer School Program, broadening its scope of educational support beyond the regular academic year. This initiative provided 60 students with comprehensive educational assistance, encompassing both math and reading/language arts.
2001
Fannie Mae Grant
Received 1st Grant of $35,000 from Fannie Mae Foundation.
2002
Department of Education Grant
Received a grant of $1.2 million for three years from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools to implement a Cross-Tutorial and Therapeutic Mentoring Program.
2002
Became SES Provider
Under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), GapBuster Learning Center became a Supplemental Educational Services Provider, serving Title I schools in Maryland (Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Baltimore City, and Baltimore County).
2003
Served 1,000 Clients
Expanded Supplemental Educational Services Provider services to California and Delaware. Reached the milestone of servicing the first 1,000 clients.
2004
Boys & Girls Club Partnership
Partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Silver Spring, MD, for an exchange trip to South Africa with Teen HIV/AIDS Peer Health Educators, eventually taking over 120 certified Peer Educators aged 11 to 18 to South Africa over the next 9 years.
2006
South Africa Student Exchange
Conducted the first exchange program that brought 6 South African students to the USA.
2011
Served Over 7,500 Students
Became a 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC). Reached the milestone of serving over 7,500 students. Established a National Society of Black Engineer (NSBE), Jr. Chapter, serving students in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County Public Schools.
2016
Served Over 20,000 Students
Achieved the remarkable milestone of serving over 20,000 students.
2017
Africa Expansion
Expanded operations to Ghana.