By Michael Trabert | Manager of Corporate Engagement
"I love the Apprenticeship – 10 weeks of a passionate Citizen Teacher, creating experiences the students would likely otherwise not have, and importantly, at a critical age when the future is just starting to loom large, as these students transition into young adults, as they wrestle with questions: ‘What do I want to be – what CAN I be?"
- Bob, Volunteer Citizen Teacher, CA
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 2016-17 school year, Citizen Schools enrolled 4,700 students from disadvantaged urban neighborhoods, 94% of whom are children of color. Our Citizen Teachers continue to be a source of great support for Citizen Schools – not only through financial contributions but especially through their human capital, teaching our students in 10-week, hands-on apprenticeships.
“One of the most beneficial aspects about the apprenticeship was being able to connect with students -- oftentimes we become siloed at work with only people our age or older, but being able to connect with a younger generation can put things in a new light.”
-Christine, Volunteer, CA
This past May we celebrated the conclusion of our spring apprenticeships at our WOW!s, held across our network. From Massachusetts to California, Chicago, IL to Houston, TX, New York to North Carolina, we had 366 apprenticeships featured at our WOW!s. These semester-end events are where students are able to show what they’ve learned during their apprenticeship to the community. Here are some of examples of what was on display this May:
3D Printing - This apprenticeship was taught across our network, including at the William Sheppard Middle School in California. These students experimented with the design process to ultimately build, test, and present a prototype of an innovative product at the WOW! In the process, they learned to think like designers as well as learn to empower and support each other.
Video Game Design - This apprenticeship, taught at Isaac Newton Middle School in Boston, featured computer scientists from Google as Citizen Teachers. They introduced students to the basics of coding, who then were able to build their very own operational video game. At the end of the semester, students showed off their creation to family, friends, and members of their community.
Secrets of a Millionaire - Students learned basic financial literacy skills and how they can save money like a millionaire. Through the applied knowledge of budgeting, saving, interest and more, students were empowered to assist a real client with their individualized financial plan at the WOW! and to make smart financial decisions themselves for years to come.
“I really enjoyed seeing the students' attitudes about Math change over the course of our time together. By the end of the apprenticeship, they seemed to really enjoy the challenges and saw that Math could be enjoyable.”
-Jackie, Volunteer, NY
Citizen Schools is so grateful for the support of our Citizen Teachers and you, our donors. The enthusiasm of our 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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