Empowering families with resources, guidance, and a welcoming community for every gifted child’s journey. Discover advocacy, programs, scholarships, and support—all in one place.
Meet our Board of Directors
Dr. Debby Dillard, founder of Kreative Kconversations, retired from LAUSD after 31 years as a teacher, principal, and administrator. As a Board Member, she aims to enhance opportunities for underserved urban students and support families in gifted education.
Dr. Leilah Kirkendoll Ph.D. is the Director of Equity at the San Diego County Office of Education. With a background as a school principal and teacher, she is dedicated to equitable learning for underserved students and advocates for restorative discipline to prevent the school-to-prison pipeline. Her educational foundation was shaped by the Oakland Community School with the Black Panther Party.
Cecil Fields, a retired Senior Manager at Boeing, is an expert in aerospace technology and program management. He contributed to major programs like the Space Shuttle and GPS Satellite. With degrees in Technology Management and Economics, and a Systems Engineering certification, he is recognized by the NSBE as a Modern-Day Technology Leader. Cecil is passionate about using STEM and athletics to help youth reach their potential.
Tyonie, with a Master's in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and a Bachelor's in Psychology, specializes in treating children's language and speech disorders. As an author, she created the Tamia T. Scott book series to enhance children's language skills and promote diversity, emphasizing the importance of representation in literature.
Shavonne James is a Licensed Clinical Therapist and the founder of Paper Cranes Counseling, a group practice that focuses on identity, intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, multicultural experiences, and navigating difficult life transitions. Her mission is to connect underrepresented wellness seekers with culturally-affirming, holistic care. In her free time, Shavonne enjoys outdoor activities, reading, journaling, listening to music, savoring milk tea, and spending quality time with her family.
Karen Hamilton iMBA/MPA associate Director, Risk Management and Participant Experience, Housing for Health, LA County, DHS. She formerly worked in the Grants Planning and Administration department. She is a Spellman College Graduate and the proud mother of an exceptionally gifted & talented Spelman undergraduate daughter. She is an active member of AKA sorority Karen enjoys networking with community parents helping their children reach their full potential.
CCAGTC was born from a powerful realization: in communities across Central Los Angeles, countless children were walking through life carrying extraordinary gifts they'd never been given the chance to discover. While traditional educational systems focused on standardized metrics, entire populations of brilliant young minds—Black, Latino, Native American, and Pacific Islander students, children from low-income families, English learners, and twice-exceptional students—remained invisible, their potential locked away.
What started as a mission to advocate for advanced academic programs evolved into something far more transformative. CCAGTC recognized that giftedness isn't confined to test scores or traditional academic markers. Every child carries a unique constellation of talents waiting to be unveiled.
Our perspective shifted fundamentally: from asking "Which children are gifted?" to declaring "Every child has gifts, how do we help them find their light?"This isn't charity; it's justice. CCAGTC operates on the revolutionary principle that creativity, artistic expression, and talent development shouldn't be luxuries reserved for the privileged few. They're fundamental rights that belong to every child, regardless of zip code, language spoken at home, or family income.
We don't just believe every child has potential; we actively create the pathways for them to discover it.In a world that often tells underrepresented children to lower their expectations, CCAGTC does the opposite. We expand horizons, unlock doors, and most importantly, give every child the privilege to dream—and the tools to make those dreams reality.
Mission: We advocate for underrepresented children to access high-quality educational programs, including gifted services, advanced placement, and the arts, ensuring equity for all students.
Our Promise: We democratize dreams. Through community-driven programming, scholarship opportunities, and parent advocacy support, CCAGTC transforms what's possible. We don't wait for children to prove they're "worthy" of opportunities—we create the opportunities and let children's natural brilliance emerge.
Discover local and online programs that challenge and inspire gifted students beyond the classroom.
Get clear information on scholarships, grants, and application steps for gifted education support.
Gifted and talented children exist in every community, every race, and every income level. Yet research consistently shows that Black, Latino, Native American, and Pacific Islander students—along with children from low-income families, English learners, and twice-exceptional (2E) students—are significantly underrepresented in gifted programs and advanced courses.
These Exceptional Students Need:
That's why CCAGTC exists. We believe that specialized instruction and talent development for gifted and talented students is a right, not a privilege. When every child can access their gifts, our entire world becomes more vibrant, innovative, and alive.
Advocating for your child means understanding their needs and working with schools to create the best environment. We offer step-by-step guides, sample letters, and real-world examples to help you communicate effectively.
Explore enrichment options, from after-school programs to summer camps. We review opportunities and provide tips for choosing what’s right for your child’s interests and abilities.
Financial support shouldn’t be a barrier. Learn about scholarships, application tips, and how to access resources that can make a difference for your family.
Building community is at the heart of what we do. Connect with other families, share advice, and find encouragement as you navigate the gifted journey together.
CCAGTC was founded in 2020 by Patricia and AyiKwei Kimathi, who have dedicated over thirty years to educating gifted and talented children in the Central Cities community. Their journey represents not just a career, but a calling to ensure every child's potential is recognized and nurtured.
Explore program options, financial aid, and ways to connect with other parents. Whether you’re new to gifted education or seeking the next step, our guides help you make informed decisions and build a supportive community.
Since 1995, the Kimathis have owned and operated The Learning Tree Enrichment Center, creating a space where children and families could receive educational support and enrichment without leaving their community. For them, the principle was simple but powerful: children shouldn't have to leave their neighborhoods to discover their gifts or develop their talents.
Patricia Kimathi previously served on the board of the Central Cities Gifted Children's Association, continuing a legacy of gifted education advocacy that spans decades in the region. The Kimathis witnessed firsthand how systemic barriers prevented brilliant children from accessing the programs, resources, and opportunities that would allow their talents to flourish.
Recognizing the persistent gaps in identification, access, and support for underrepresented gifted students, the Kimathis established CCAGTC as a continuation—and expansion—of their commitment to educational equity. They understood that advocacy alone wasn't enough; families needed support, students needed opportunities, and communities needed a champion who would fight for every child's right to discover their light.