Our Year-Round Programming

Our programming areas include:

•    Family-Based Academic Advising
•    Tutoring
•    Mentoring
•    Math Skill Building with Khan Academy
•    Read to Achieve
•    College Access
•    Family Workshops
•    Expanding Horizons
•    College Persistence

Family-Based Academic Advising

For those who didn't grow up in the US educational system or pursue a post-secondary education, there are many questions:

• What's my role as a parent in helping my child succeed academically?
• What support does my student need to be a strong college candidate?
• Where can I find help if my child is struggling?

Regular family meetings with our advisors address gaps in understanding. A typical meeting might include showing the parent how they can access the school's online grade reporting system, discussing reasons for a student's missing assignments and how to get caught up, talking about creating a quiet place in the home to do homework, setting goals, and much more.

Tutoring

To a student, getting from earning a "C" to an "A" can seem like climbing Mt. Everest! And for a first-generation college bound student, there aren't likely to be resources at home to help with homework. Our dedicated team of volunteer tutors helps students complete homework assignments, study for tests, and gain confidence so that they can succeed.

Mentoring

Teens need guidance — how to manage their time, how to set goals, how to study for a test — the list goes on. The college-bound process of managing application deadlines, finding scholarships, applying for scholarships, and a myriad of other tasks can be overwhelming for any high schooler and more so for a first-gen student.

"Coaching has turned out to be one of the richest learning experiences of my life. THAT'S EXTRAORDINARY!"

Kevin Burns, Graduation Coach

Through regular student meetings, our mentors provide invaluable help in improving key success skills and in navigating the college process.

Math Skill Building with Khan Academy

Math can be a daunting subject, and learning is cumulative. Failure to master basic skills makes more advanced math seem impossible. We work on building math skills with middle school students each week using Khan Academy. This online learning tool, combined with individualized coaching by our volunteers, allows each student to progress at their own pace. This work prepares students to succeed in high school math and beyond.

"I help kids feel confident about math. THAT'S EXTRAORDINARY!"

Jerry Witter, Khan Academy Leader

Read to Achieve

Struggling readers are likely to struggle throughout their academic careers. We help middle school students become less afraid of reading and become engaged readers. A big win is a student who discovers reading for fun! Students read with their reading coach once a week for 45 minutes. These 1:1 sessions help students gain confidence and understanding, and they grow in more ways than reading alone!

"I love helping students expand their world through reading. THAT'S EXTRAORDINARY!"

Mitch Siegel, Tutor 

College Access

Starting in February, we offer standardized test prep. During spring break of their junior year, we work with students to understand the college process and develop their personal statements. Volunteer counselors help families evaluate which schools might be a good fit. The work continues at Application Boot Camp when students focus on their applications and families learn about financial aid and FAFSA.

Throughout the fall, students apply to schools and typically begin receiving acceptance letters by late October. Students also attend weekly Scholarship Club meetings to identify, prepare and submit scholarship applications. Our advisers take students’ award letters and create a spreadsheet to make an apples-to-apples comparison of the costs to attend each college. At our Decision Day party in May, we celebrate all the hard work and great results!

Family Workshops

Our families gather monthly for a 2-hour workshop on topics ranging from "College Admissions 101" to "How to Manage Stress and Anxiety”. A favorite workshop each year is the college visit. On these trips, students as young as 5th grade get to see a dorm room and hear what college is like from a student tour guide. We update workshop topics each year based on family feedback and deliver all workshops bilingually.

Expanding Horizons

While many Lake County families take advantage of museums, theater, music, and other cultural opportunities in the Chicago area, most Waukegan families rarely venture outside of their community. Each year, we take at least 10 field trips to cultural events and institutions as well as career and technical venues. These experiences spark interest in learning and careers and are used as an incentive for families/students who achieve academic and participation goals.

College Persistence

Nationally, about one in 10 first-gen, low income students of color will finish college and earn their degree. We work hard to have all of our students earn that degree. Working closely with students' mentors, our College Persistence Manager provides valuable student information about scholarship opportunities and internships, and visits college freshmen and offer support for student issues.

"Our approach is refreshing and essential. It collectively supports our scholars' success."

Krystina Briones, College Persistence Manager