About Build & Rebuild Inc.
Building and rebuilding America one student at a time
“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.”
–Isaiah 6:14
Who We Are
Build & Rebuild Educational Ministries and Math Academy is an urban educational ministry focused on mathematics education, dropout prevention, prison prevention and physical fitness! Our goal is to build and rebuild the mind, body and hope of our clients so that they become outstanding students and citizens.
Our Focus Includes:
- Increasing graduation rates
- Decreasing dropout rates
- Decreasing involvement in the criminal justice system
- Understanding the ACT/SAT
- Increasing college readiness
- Building world class math scholars
The Mission
“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations”
–Isaiah 61:4 (NIV)
“Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful.”
–1 Corinthians 3:10 (NLT)
These two verses help to sum up the mission of Build and Rebuild Educational Ministries. Because of God’s grace we are able to lay a foundation for urban youth to build upon as they aspire to reach their God-given potential.
The Problem
National Demographics
- Approximately 85% of juvenile offenders come from fatherless homes.
- Over 80% come from poverty.
- More than 50% have family member who are currently or previously been incarcerated.
- 40% are under the age of 16.
- 70% will be arrested again, with most within 6 months
- 45% report being victims of abuse
Risk Factors for Those We Serve
- Previous Incarceration
- Member of a street gang
- Poor school achievement
- Chronic school absenteeism
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Home discord/dysfunction
- Antisocial behavior
- High risk-taking behavior
- Involved in violence
The Solution
Helping Youth Thrive
With our programs, we seek to accomplish:
- 100% of youth living at home at completion of the program. (unless they are still incarcerated)
- 90% of youth in school and/or working at completion of the program and 1year post-completion.
- 80% of youth with no new arrests at completion of program/service and 1 year post completion.
- 80% of youth successfully completing the program/service.
- 90% of youth living at home 1-year post completion of program.
Keep Us Moving Forward.
Meet Dr. William Polite Jr Ed.D
Founder and President,
Build & Rebuild Inc.
Dr. William Polite, known as Coach Polite to his students, has dedicated his life to helping students reach their full potential across America. With a B.A. in Mathematics from Morehouse College, an M.A. in Christian Leadership Studies, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Dr. Polite’s research focuses on the formation of students’ academic identities based on their social influences.
He has served in numerous roles, including mathematics teacher, principal, athletic coach, and motivational speaker, impacting urban students in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, and Wichita. Dr. Polite is the founder of Build & Rebuild Educational Ministries and the School Halls Not Prison Walls program, aimed at preventing dropouts and promoting education.
More About Dr. Polite
William Polite has dedicated his life to helping students reach their full potential as students and citizens throughout America. Dr. Polite earned his B.A. degree in Mathematics from Morehouse College and went on to earn a M.A. degree in Christian Leadership Studies as well as his Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership and most recently his doctorate in Educational Leadership. His research focuses on the formation of student’s academic identity based on their social influences. Dr. Polite currently serves as the Director of Equity, Diversity & Accountability for Wichita Public Schools. In this role he is responsible for working with district leadership as well as community leadership to help close opportunity and achievement gaps for marginalized groups of students. Prior to his role with Wichita Public Schools Dr. Polite founded Build & Rebuild Educational Ministries and Math Academy which is an urban educational ministry focused on mathematics, dropout prevention and prison prevention.
Dr. Polite has also served in various roles as a mathematics teacher, assistant principal, principal, Boys & Girls Clubs Professional, District Administrator, Athletic Coach, Mentor, Motivational Speaker and most recently before returning to Wichita as VP of Business Development with the Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academies. Coach Polite has served urban students in Chicago, Atlanta, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Baton Rouge, Los Angeles, Wichita and other cities. He is also the co-author of the “Protect Your Mind” workbook and workshop with his oldest son that focuses on the theme ‘School Halls Not Prison Walls.”
Mr. Polite is the proud son of the late William Polite Sr and Minister/Evangelist Dilce Polite who inspired him to become an educator through her work in prison ministries for over 45 years. Dr. Polite is most proud of being a father of four adult children- Brandon, Eboni, Will & Devonna- and 8 grandchildren. Coach Polite lives by the Fredrick Douglas’ quote that “it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”.