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What We Deserve: The Promise of Kids in the Middle Coaching and Mentoring Scholarship Program
In the bustling corridors of a high school, where dreams are often overshadowed by challenges, twenty-one students embarked on a transformative journey. Identified by their high school as at-risk for not graduating due to factors such as truancy, failing grades, and poverty, these students had faced unimaginable hardships. Their experiences included the loss of a parent, family substance abuse, sexual abuse, bullying, criminality, homelessness, and self-injurious behavior. Out of these twenty-one brave souls, sixteen completed the Teen Leadership Coaching (TLC) program, marking a significant milestone in their lives.
The journey began with coaching teens with low energy levels which was a reflection of their lack of awareness, engagement, and motivation in school and other life areas. However, this was just the beginning of their transformative journey. Do you remember your teen years? Do you see yourself in any of these teens?
A certified professional IPEC coach met with each student weekly for a full semester, utilizing the Teen Energy Leadership Development System (Teen ELDS). Each session, typically twelve in total, started with traditional coaching on the student's most pressing issues, followed by various exercises from the Teen ELDS tailored to their needs. The belief was that through Energy Leadership, students' self-awareness and creative, expansive energy would increase, leading to success in school and other life areas. The results were outstanding.
Impact on Academic Performance
One of the most tangible outcomes was grade improvement. Twelve of the sixteen students saw their grades improve, with some achieving remarkable success. One student proudly shared, "I turned F’s into A’s," while another celebrated making the B Honor Roll. This academic turnaround felt effortless to the students, a testament to the freed energy previously consumed by past traumas and now redirected toward their studies.
Improved Attendance
Attendance issues, a significant barrier to academic success, also saw dramatic improvement. Initially, seven students struggled with truancy; by the program's end, six had significantly improved their attendance. One student, who used to attend only two out of eight classes daily, set a goal to attend fifteen out of sixteen classes. Remarkably, he exceeded this goal in one week and maintained near-perfect attendance for the rest of the semester. This shift impacted his education and boosted his confidence and sense of accomplishment.
Reduction in Crisis Interventions
Before Teen Leadership Coaching (TLC), five students were high-need clients, frequently visiting school counselors and support staff. Post-intervention, their visits became nearly non-existent. These students learned to manage their life stressors independently, moving towards self-sufficiency and demonstrating their ability to solve their problems.
Beyond Academic and Behavioral Improvements
The impact of the Teen Leadership Coaching program extended beyond grades and attendance. The students achieved several other significant milestones:
- Two students with a history of suicidal or homicidal ideation eliminated self-injurious behavior.
- Three students secured part-time employment.
- Two students engaged in extra-curricular activities, becoming more involved in their school community.
- Four students transferred to less restrictive alternative school settings instead of dropping out.
Among the sixteen participants, five students stood out for their exceptional success, raising their emotional intelligence significantly. Their progress is directly correlated with their enhanced sense of achievement and well-being. This is what we deserve. Healthy minded. Resilient. Capable young people who are our future and will be better equipped to handle crises in the future.
Stories of Transformation
While statistics and outcomes provide a snapshot of the program's success, the personal stories of transformation truly capture its essence. From tears of heartache to tears of joy, these students' journeys were profound. Coaches often wonder if teens can grasp the concepts of Energy Leadership. The answer is a resounding yes. Teens, closer to their natural childlike state, often understand and embrace these concepts more readily than adults. They remember what it feels like to operate at higher energy levels, making their transformation even more poignant.
One of the foundational principles in working with these young individuals is the idea that "Each person we meet is both our student and our teacher." The lessons learned from these incredible teens are everlasting, and watching them transform into their true selves is a gift, knowing they are our future leaders.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Reach of Teen Leadership Coaching
Based on student feedback, the program has introduced group coaching to expand on the skills already learned and promote peer learning. The students who raised their EQ and EI the most are the most engaged in continuing with TLC in a group setting. Their next goal is to start a peer coaching program for middle school students, developed with oversight and supervision from a professional coach. These teens have moved from leading themselves to leading others, embodying the true spirit of leadership.
The Teen Leadership Coaching program is not just about improving grades or attendance; it is about transforming lives. By addressing the root causes of their struggles and empowering them with tools for self-leadership, these students have unlocked their potential. They have shown that with the right support and guidance, they can overcome their past traumas and pave the way for a brighter future. As we continue to support and expand this program, we look forward to seeing even more students transform into confident, capable, and resilient leaders.
This is what the Kids in the Middle Program promises to deliver to young people starting in high school and rolling back to elementary schools going forward.
Our kids are our future. This is what we deserve. Do you agree? Will you support our efforts?
Source: S. Hartmann Research Study, CPC, ELI-MP
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