US Congress honours Dr Yaw Adutwum for transforming education in South Los Angeles

The recognition, announced in a post X by Ghana Remembers on Friday, June 13, 2025, celebrates Dr Adutwum’s role in founding the New Designs Charter Schools, an initiative credited with transforming educational opportunities for underserved communities in the area.

The Certificate of Recognition was presented by Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California’s 37th Congressional District.

It applauded Dr Adutwum’s dedication to improving the lives of young people through education, particularly in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

“Your unwavering commitment to New Designs Charter Schools has made a lasting impact on my congressional district. I wish you continued success in all that you do,” the official citation read.

Dr Adutwum was among a small group of African immigrant educators in the US to establish a successful charter school network in 2004.

Founded in a modest church building in Crenshaw, New Designs has grown into a multi-campus institution serving over 1,300 students and employing more than 200 staff.

The New Designs Charter Schools is a tuition-free public charter school dedicated to providing a career-based, college-preparatory program.

It serves students in the sixth through twelfth grades who reside in urban communities located in southern Los Angeles, offering quality STEM-focused education to African American and Latino students in South LA.