Project funding will support JA programs for three classrooms at Shamrock Elementary School. Taught by JROTC Cadets from Garinger High School, this unique partnership allows Cadets to take a leadership role in their feeder elementary school, improve skills by spending time in front of a classroom, and engage directly with K-2 students. As graduation and testing rates at these schools are some of the lowest in Charlotte, participating students are able to partner to prepare for a better future.
Though the full impact of the economic crisis on children and families is not yet known, child poverty rates have increased sharply and will continue rising for several years. Students engaged in this project attend some of the most economically disadvantaged schools in Charlotte. Statistically, children in poverty fare far worse than their peers well into adulthood in education, employment status and wage rates. It is vital that they are given the tools to succeed now, more than ever.
Through the JA-JROTC partnership, JROTC Cadets are trained by a JA staff member to implement JA curriculum in K-2nd grade classrooms at a partner school. The program not only builds valuable leadership and public speaking skills for the high school Cadets, but allows both instructors and elementary students to participate in valuable programming surrounding financial literacy, workplace readiness and entrepreneurship; inspiring low-income students to consider their potential for the future.
It's been proven that students who receive JA six times during their school career are 90% more likely to graduate from high school. The goal of our project will be for youth to develop attitudes aligned with high school graduation and 21st century skills that prepare them for success. In addition, JA programs improve student academic performance and achievement leading to increased graduation rates.
