In Baltimore, a lot of teen girls get swept under the rug and left to their own devices when it comes to academics and mental health. It's shown that “Girls in middle (45%) and high school (49%) were more likely than boys in middle (23%) and high school (24%) to feel sad or hopeless.” (Maryland department of health) In the rise of this reoccurring problem, Coach G Academy was founded. Inspired by the young ladies she mentored, Geri McCarter created a nonprofit mentorship utilizing the art form of step for girls ages 11-19 in the Baltimore area. Step is a traditional art form in the African American Community that comes from African gumboot dancing used to communicate in mines. It was brought over from the Trans-Alantic-Slave trade and adopted through D9 organizations.

Post pandemic, McCarter worked at the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women where she taught the girls there how to step in the gym 3-4 times a week. During her time at BLSYW she was featured in the acclaimed film “STEP” which brought youth to the school at a mass. With popularity it wasn't accessible to young girls who had always asked if they could join the team, for step was only inside the school.

It only got more inaccessible during the 2020 Covid-19 epidemic, which inspired her to start her nonprofit, Coach G Academic Inc. With only a handful of founding members Coach G Academy went and won a national title at Youth Step USA under a citywide step team called “Fatal Attraction Step”. Over the course of 6 years the program continues to grow. McCarter states, "The fact that I’ve made such a difference in a person’s life makes a big difference. If we are talking numbers, I would say I’ve reached over 200 girls.”

“In my experience in this mentorship, I made lifelong connections with several people. From the girls I had met to the coaches I’d ask for assistance from. I’ve gotten well acquainted with those I’m surrounded by. Often, I’d help where I can, especially during the competition season. Helping with fundraising, prop setting, documentation had been the main tasks I’d partake in. Such tasks kept me busy and helped gain community service hours and help networking skills. I watched Step enrich and change the girls around me for success. Step is an intense sport; girls need water immediately after performances, and I took my job quite seriously. Especially during showcasing events like “Baltimore’s Finest Step show" or “Homecoming”.

The Homecoming event takes place every june to celebrate the founding of CGA alongside the conclusion of their senior chapter and the beginning of a new cohort. Dressed in color coordination, they wear the founding colors as they celebrate.”

Later in the summer usually they’d have a few performances and start their summer camp “Step Is Life Summer Experience." Recently they received a big achievement. For the first time, a step team performed at the “ESSENCE Festival” in New Orleans. “The girls experienced a VIP-like experience like no other.” At the festival they performed at several pop-ups in the area and opened for returning RnB artists “Brandy & Monica" on the 4th of July. 

Stacy Richardson, Ta’Niyah Coles, Coach G (Geri McCarter) Seraiah Tavares, Arielle Taylor. “A Day in New Orleans"

No program is a straight path; Coach G Academy is no exception. Grant funding and temporary practice spaces are one of the biggest pestilences in programing for CGA. She states that “Some difficulties really were operations and funding, right now I’m focusing on strengthening the program and making sure it’s in the best shape to serve kids.” Thus, Coach G Academy keeps growing one year after another, guiding the girls of Baltimore City to success and beyond.

“Step Is Life.”