By Paul Riley | Director of Corporate Engagement
"Toward the end of the class, I gave my students some adapted AP Computer Science questions (I translated them to pencil code first and added some visualizations to make things more intuitive). But I didn't tell them they were actually AP questions until after they completed them. It was really inspiring to see their reaction when they realized how much they've learned, and how much they could already do compared to graduating high schoolers who are taking AP exams!"
-Yana Malysheva (MA)
Citizen Schools' mission is "Educating Children, Strengthening Communities." Our vision is to close the opportunity and achievement gap for middle school students from low-income communities and move students onto a successful track, heading toward high school graduation, college attainment, and positions of leadership in their careers and communities. Since its inception in Boston in 1995, Citizen Schools has partnered with middle schools and communities to reimagine the learning day and provide all students with rigorous and engaging experiences that connect students’ current learning to their future. We mobilize a second shift of afternoon educators, who provide academic support, leadership development, and apprenticeships - hands-on projects taught by volunteers from business and civic organizations. By focusing on middle school, Citizen Schools capitalizes on this critical developmental period and inflection point, effectively setting students' sights on graduation, college matriculation, and ultimately a successful career. Citizen Schools also seeks to build a strong and skilled pipeline of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and technology professionals to fill the national gap in qualified STEM professions. In the 2015-16 school year, Citizen Schools is serving 5,100 students from disadvantaged urban neighborhoods, 96% of whom are children of color. Google remains one of Citizen Schools’ leading supporters – not only through financial contributions but especially through the human capital of Googlers, who teach our students in 10-week, hands-on apprenticeships.
"I saw students learn something new, try new things and communicate what they learned. I saw them excited and proud. That's all I could ask for."
-Britton Picciolini (IL)
"I love watching the kids learn, and sometimes even enjoy learning! Watching their faces as they discover 'surprises' about math is priceless."
-Bob Cassels (MA)
During this past fall semester, over 60 Google Citizen Teachers taught 20 apprenticeships in Citizen Schools programs, bringing learning to life for more than 275 students. Apprenticeships taught by Googlers include Web Design, Lego Robotics, Rockin Rockets, Solar Cars, Travel Guides, Shark Tank & Debate. These apprenticeships provided students the opportunity to explore STEM concepts with skilled adults.
At the conclusion of their apprenticeships, these students - with support from the Googlers - participated in a variety of semester-end events where they could show what they’ve learned to the community. These events, which we call WOW!s, were held in December at the Cambridge, MA and New York, NY offices and in January in Mountain View. Students answered questions from guests, including family members and other Google employees. If you have never been able to attend a WOW!, we invite you to join us this spring after our next semester of apprenticeships.
"I learned a lot about developing a new curriculum and working with a team to implement it."
-David Saff (MA)
"I had carefully planned for the students to discover, while playing the 'Pick 15' game I had showed them, that they were really just playing Tic Tac Toe. The looks on their faces, when they figured it out, was worth all the effort that went into planning and teaching those lessons!"
-Bob Cassels (MA)
Citizen Schools is so grateful for our powerful partnership with Google and its employees. The enthusiasm of Google volunteers continues to inspire children and colleagues alike, as they explore new worlds with students and set them on a course for success in high school, college, and careers.
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