By Eshé Collins, Executive Director, Southern Center for Opportunity and Access (SCOA)

When I think about the work we do, I don’t start with policies or programs.

I think about the educators who show up every day committed to helping their students succeed. I think about district leaders working through difficult decisions with care. I think about the countless conversations we’ve had with schools across the South, listening first, learning alongside them, and finding practical ways to move their work forward.

Those partnerships have always been at the heart of who we are.

Today, we’re proud to introduce the Southern Center for Opportunity and Access (SCOA), formerly the Equity Assistance Center-South.

Our new name marks an important milestone, but it doesn’t represent a new mission. It reflects the work we’ve been privileged to do alongside schools for decades: providing practical support, trusted guidance, and professional learning that helps education leaders strengthen school systems and create learning environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

As the Region II Equity Assistance Center, we remain committed to serving public school districts across 11 Southern states and Washington, D.C., helping schools navigate federal civil rights requirements and strengthen educational practices related to race, national origin, sex, and religion.

What excites me most isn’t simply introducing a new name. It’s what this moment makes possible.

Over the coming months, you’ll see us sharing more of the expertise we’ve developed alongside educators and school leaders across the region. We’ll continue expanding access to practical tools, research, and professional learning that respond to the real challenges schools are navigating every day.

We’re especially excited to continue that work through a webinar series in partnership with the National Academy of Education.

On August 18, we’ll host “Building Supportive Learning Environments Through Instructional Practice”, exploring how instructional practices can help create learning environments where students feel supported and prepared to succeed.

Register for the webinar 

As we begin this new chapter, my hope is simple. That SCOA continues to be a trusted partner for educators across the South, and a place they can turn for thoughtful guidance, practical resources, and meaningful collaboration.

Whether you’ve partnered with us for years or are just getting to know our work, I’m grateful you’re here.

I hope you’ll explore our new website, join us for an upcoming webinar, and continue this journey with us as we work together to strengthen schools and expand opportunities for students across the South.

Thank you for being part of what’s ahead.