Goal Card Program

We just completed a busy week of report card redemptions in the Goal Card program!  Our students brought their report cards and met with volunteer coaches, who helped them to tally up their points and set goals for the next 9 weeks.

We have over 500 students enrolled in the Goal Card program - more than 400 of those students banked their points this quarter!  The students are learning to save their points, to use to buy something bigger and better for themselves at the end of the year.

One of the students shared that he thought about redeeming his points this quarter for headphones.  He realized after talking with his Goal Card coach that he could save his points for this quarter and he would have enough points for a gift card, which he could use to buy his headphones AND music to listen to!  

We are building a community of savers, who are learning important financial literacy concepts, like the importance of delayed gratification!

With the report card period around the corner, the RISE foundation and its Goal Card staff are working to get all the necessary forms in place to make the upcoming student report card event a success. This year, October 16^th-23^rd is the date of the first redemption week. It basically serves as a starting point from where students will be encouraged to improve upon for the remainder of the 2013-14 academic-year.

The up-coming Goal Card Redemption Week Dates are as follows:

Redemption Week#1—October 16^th – 23^rd

Redemption Week#2—January 15^th – 22^nd

Redemption Week#3—March 19^th – 26^th

Last year, just over 400 students between grades five through twelve participated in the Goal Card program. Records show there is a positive correlation between students attendance, conduct and grade performance. Also, Goal Card students seem to apply themselves more and perform better when coupled with an adult who is genuinely concerned and consistently encouraging student achievement.

In 2012-13, Goal Card students earned an average of $57 throughout the school year (14.25 per report card).

High expectations are placed on proper attendance, academic and behavioral standards. Students are expected to follow school rules at all times and to be where they are assigned to be according to their school schedule. In theory, this discipline combined with an optimistic attitude will likely lead to a positive exchange and productive result.

Thus, with more than 500 students in the fold and another site (Melrose High) added to the mix, there is certainly more to look forward this year…more of the same wonderful time of reaching out to young people, encouraging them to be their best academically and socially. Please feel free to come join us; you’ll be glad you did!!!

For more information on how you can become involved as a volunteer Goal Card Coach or assist with any of the RISE programs, please contact us at (901) 507-6644.    

Links:

• Fox Memphis story about RISE's Goal Card Program