Supporting Success in School and Life

We know that one-third of high school students in Philadelphia drop-out of high school. We also know that across the country 9^th grade is the critical year for students to either drop-out or stay in school. Navigating the turbulent middle school years and managing the often difficult transition to high school contributes to the staggering 9^th grade drop-out rate. To address the drop-out crisis in Philadelphia and to contribute to the national conversation about what it takes to keep kids in school, Foundations, with support from The Lenfest Foundation, launched the Northwest University Scholars Project, a program that provides both academic support and adult mentors to 250 youth in grades 7-9 in Northwest Philadelphia.

 Our three year pilot program began in summer 2008 with 7^th, 8^th and 9^th graders and will follow the same cohort of students as they progress over the next three years. For our younger scholars we concentrate on academic achievement and career exploration with a particular focus on ensuring that students take pre-algebra in 8^th grade and are given an opportunity to be exposed to the “hot jobs” in the Philadelphia area. For our 9^th graders we relentlessly focus on attendance and GPA. Studies have shown that attendance in 9^th grade and a student’s 9^th grade GPA are the two most significant predictors of high school graduation.

 While receiving academic support and encouragement in afterschool “Learning Zones,” our scholars also benefit from summer programming focused on self-expression through the literary and visual arts and STEM at two area universities.  Along with academic support, one of the most critical components of the Northwest University Scholars Project is the mentorship initiative. Our mentors come from all walks of life and participate in activities with our scholars as varied as drumming workshops, attending the theater, and visiting museums. Many of us can remember mentors that we had throughout our lives that opened up new spaces in our minds and challenged us to be the best that we can be. Our scholars are challenged to become the best version of themselves while receiving academic and personal support to allow them to achieve their goals.  We anticipate that the unique combination of academic support and mentoring will ensure a successful transition from middle school to 9^th grade and beyond.