Beyond the Gap is a feature documentary exploring the phenomenon of the achievement gap, its impact on young people, their families and their communities, and some solutions to the problem. This is the story of three amazing young Black men – Raysean Jones, Deshon Smith and Grandville Taylor – and how they took ownership of their education, utilizing the support of teachers, parents and families, and community based organizations. The film is from the voice and perspective of Raysean, Deshon and Grandville as peer educators who offer the secrets of their success – and the very real obstacles placed in their path – in achieving their goals in education and in life. These brilliant young leaders use their stories to inspire others to beat the odds that are stacked against students of color.
This film is being made for young black men to inspire each other to stop the achievement gap.
These young people are not invisible ghosts.
They all have amazing stories to help each other, with the support of their extraordinary resiliency, their families, educators and community based organizations.
Beyond the Gap asks these young people themselves what they did to succeed.