Education that is durable and long-lasting
Malika is a fifth grader at Saddlewood Elementary School that hasn't always been a straight A student. Before being a part of the Boys & Girls Club, she was interested in other things besides school. Participating in Project Learn has encouraged her to really buckle down and focus on her studies.
Project Learn is an educational based program for the children who visit the Boys & Girls Club. The program reinforces and enhances the skills and knowledge youth learn at school during the hours they spend at the Club. The program creates learning activities, which include leisure reading, writing activities, discussions with knowledgeable adults, helping others, homework help, tutoring and games that develop young people's cognitive skills. Power hour homework help, Power Hour store (reward system), ready alley, computer education to enhance learning, direction section, current events, speaking sphere all prepare and work with children to encourage learning and the importance of education.
Helen Council who works with the children says that it is a win-win situation. "The kids get a chance to focus on their work in a safe environment and it really brings the best out in them." Malika recently received straight A's in school and was excited to receive a $25 gift card through the Boys & Girls Club Project Learn program. "I feel continuing my studies at Boys & Girls Club helped me to get on the "A" Honor Roll and I think that all kids should be able to go through this program. The work is different because it includes gym, games and teamwork."
EDUCATION FOCUS
Education is essential for finding and keeping a job with a livable wage and health benefits. United Way of Marion County is dedicated to helping our community's children by setting key goals:
- Children enter school ready to succeed
- Children have successful educational progression leading to on-time graduation
- Children are ready for success in college, work, and life
United Way is partnering with a variety of local organizations to make sure that kids succeed in school through a variety of objectives and strategies such as:
- Ensuring that children have access to safe, supportive opportunities for age-appropriate development
- Supporting literacy that ensures students are reading on grade level
- Supporting mentoring programs for secondary students
