The Need
Kids in inner-city public schools face significant challenges…
Students living in low-income and underserved areas are facing a complex set of experiences and circumstances. One of the biggest issues is that inner-city teens have few (if any) positive mentors in their lives. This lack of support and guidance results in low graduation rates, which is statistically linked to a series of negative outcomes:
Unemployement
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the unemployment rate of high school dropouts is 47% higher than graduates.
Dropout Rates
Every year, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school in the United States alone. That’s 7,000 students a day.
Incarceration
In the U.S., high school dropouts end up in incarceration at much higher rates than graduates.
Crime
In the United States, high school dropouts commit about 75% of crimes.
Teen Pregnancy
Students with low academic achievement are twice as likely to become parents by their senior year of high school, compared to students with high academic achievement.
Cost to Society
The government spends between $1.7 and $2.3 million per dropout who turns to drug or crime over the course of his/her lifetime.
Our Program
A proven model for transforming lives
Our comprehensive, relationship-based model addresses and empowers the whole child, positively impacting every aspect of a teen’s life—intellectual, emotional, social, physical, spiritual, financial, and vocational.
Teacher-Mentors Teach SEL Accredited Classes
Our Full-time Teacher-Mentors teach Accredited Elective classes focused on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Leadership, Character, and Life Skills in public high schools.
Our year-long, day-by-day curriculum focuses on 13 key character qualities and life skills: leadership, decision-making, integrity, goal-setting, communication, problem-solving, responsibility, respect, courage, career-mindedness, positive work ethic, and vision.
All our classes are fully aligned with Common Core State Standards and Social / Emotional Learning (CASEL) Competencies.
Life-on-Life Mentoring
Teacher-Mentors spend 50% of their time mentoring high school students after school, weekends, and throughout the summer.
Our Teacher-Mentors pay attention to the whole child, discovering their talents, interests, and hopes for the future through activities and quality time.
These amazing men and women serve as positive role models in students’ lives, influencing their trajectory and future.
Adventure and Hands-On Growth Experiences
We believe that when students get out of their comfort zones, they grow exponentially. Plus, by exposing them to influential leaders and organizations, students’ vision for their lives is expanded in a powerful way.
Our Teacher-Mentors help students develop teamwork and leadership skills by leading them on outdoor adventures and local activities after school, on weekends, and during the summer.
College and Career Planning
Regardless of where students’ interests lie after high school, we’re there to guide them along the way.
Our Teacher-Mentors provide support to students taking their next steps after high school by assisting with career planning, college scholarships, admission applications, and more.
Proven to Get Results
When a student participates in Elevate for three semesters or more…
drop in getting into trouble at school
increase in students passing their classes
increase in students who think about their future when making a decision
increase in those who serve regularly in their community
increase in peers selecting them to lead
increase in those who say they now have hope for the future
Long-term Impact
Improved academic performance
Students who participate in three semesters or more see a measurable improvement in their academic performance.
90% graduation rate
Elevate students have a 90% graduation rate, which is a significant increase.
86% placement in post-secondary
86% of Elevate students end up enrolled in college, the military, or a trade school.
95% positive impact
95% of participating students say Elevate has positively impacted their lives.
Take Action
Ready to get involved? Help us provide inner-city teens with opportunities to flourish.
We’re providing inner-city teens with the relationships, guidance, and holistic support they need to become thriving leaders of tomorrow. Join our community of passionate supporters who are providing opportunities and care to inner-city teens.
