Milestone Baltimore Curriculum Project’s “Are You Smarter Than a BCP Student?” Gala

May 22, 2026

Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) celebrated its historic 30th year during the 2025-2026 school year in numerous ways, culminating in the 2026 “Are You Smarter Than a BCP Student?” Gala, held on April 30, 2026, for the first time at the Maryland Science Center (coincidentally celebrating its 50th anniversary this year).

The popular BCP annual fundraising event, which began in 2012, is game-show-style program pitting BCP student teams against a celebrity panel. Each year, community leaders, BCP educators, families, and friends join in the night of fun.

To commemorate BCP’s founding in 1996 and its three decades of impact created special elements to this year’s “Are You Smarter Than a BCP Student?” Gala:

Largest crowd in the 14-year history of the event and with 110-plus teachers in attendance, the most-ever at the event. Sponsorship tables enable teachers to attend for free.
First-ever Impact Report unveiled at the event, capturing 30 years of history and impact. Download it by clicking on the cover image.
Premiere of short documentary, “30 Years of Baltimore Curriculum Project: Committed to Baltimore. Powered By Purpose. Focused on the Future.” Watch it here.

We also presented the first-ever BCP Awards honoring BCP Board of Directors who have served 15-plus years, including:

Ryan Galloway (2010), Board Treasurer
Mike Niccolini (2008), Board Co-chair
Heather Mitchell (2005), Board member and Academic All-Star Sponsor ($5,000)
Anne Perkins (2005), Board member of Education and Marketing Committees
George Hess, (2005), BCP Founding Board Chair and Current Co-Chair

Watch the AYS recap video.

BCP Citations From Governor Wes Moore and Maryland Senate

Bill Ferguson, President of the Maryland Senate, past BCP parent, and past AYS celebrity panelist, presented Laura Doherty, BCP President and CEO, with citations from Governor Wes Moore and from the Maryland Senate.

The last time I was here, I was on the celebrity panel and got totally crushed by the fifth graders, which was worth it and proof that BCP is doing incredible things. In [education], things are often trends. We're doing phonics one year and rhyming the next … we're using tablets and phones in schools, and then we’re banning electronics. There are very few things in education that last for 30 years. It is a testament [to the BCP Board members who were honored] and means the institution is what creates the strength of investment in people, in kids, and in the community. I am so proud to represent a district where we have so many BCP schools that are doing unbelievable work every single day.

Bill Ferguson

President of the Maryland Senate

Student and Celebrity Panelists

The quiz show portion of the evening included two nail-biting games: one with the 5th grade team vs. the celebrity panel, and the other with the 8th grade team against the celebrities. Both rounds ended in a tie.

WYPR’s Tom Hall, once again, served as master of ceremonies, leading the enthusiastic audience packed into the Science Center’s IMAX Theater through questions based on the BCP curriculum.

New this year, audience members were able to played along on their phones in real-time (using Kahoots) as panelists answered the questions. The winner of the audience game, with every question right, was Rob Summers, Assistant Principal at City Springs Elementary/Middle School.

Thanks to all our panelists and to Tom Hall! Read more about our student and celebrity panelists here.

Thank You, Sponsors!

The generosity of our sponsors made this anniversary event possible and enables each BCP school in our thriving network of neighborhood conversion schools to innovate and support our students, families, and neighborhoods. We remain deeply grateful for our AYS sponsors’ support this year and moving forward.