AT BEACON PLACE STUDENTS MAKE PROGRESS BECAUSE LEARNING IS FUN!

Only 5% of the kids in our community meet state standards, but they really want to do better in school and are willing to work hard to improve. 

Covid-19 disrupted children’s lives in profound, serious ways, especially those living in
low-income neighborhoods. They had to adjust to remote learning, and many
unsuccessfully. They lost the social structure school provides and experienced
extraordinary stress from multiple factors. At the elementary school across from Beacon  Place, only 3% of students are at grade level in literacy; only 1% in math. Schools struggle
to educate students who are behind grade level in academic skills and are disruptive
because of poor social-emotional skills.

Beacon Place provides what is needed. Year-round support and enrichment for students in kindergarten through 8th grade in math, reading, science, art —  all in a hands-on environment that makes learning fun and ensures that students are getting back on track. 

Schools cannot close the growing achievement gap alone. Research indicates that summer and after-school programs like Beacon Place are vital to the nation’s efforts to close the severe achievement gap. Since 2012, Beacon Place has demonstrated the qualities that help create success. According to the American Institute for Research, these qualities include 1.) safe, developmentally rich settings for learning and development, 2.) programs are delivered through a trusted community partner,  and 3.) are delivered through organizations that have connections with other local organizations that can provide the supplemental support and services that schools and families need.

“I love coming to Beacon  Place afterschool! There are always fun things to do and they really make learning fun!” – Brittany, Age 11

 The Education and Enrichment program requires a commitment from the student and parents including assignments to be completed at home during the school year and over holiday breaks. Learning is made fun with field trips, special activities, performances, and end-of-semester showcases of student work.  Year round tutoring occurs 4 hours per week for up to 110 K-8 students enrolled after school and in the summer. Students in this program have shown significant progress and each summer students return to school the following year with no summer slide – all the result of the hard work they put in Beacon Place programs. All of the learning is hands-on in small groups and involves thematic studies such as science and the environment, exploring Chicago, studying our justice systems, reading challenges and hands on science experiments and problem-solving, etc. Chromebooks, laptops, Ipads, smartboards, and projectors integrate technology into all learning ensuring that the students in our programs keep pace with the tech access of their peers in other communities.

LAUNCH! WE HELP STUDENTS LAUNCH INTO LIFE BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL!

The Launch Program prepares students and their parents for a life beyond high school.  What has made Beacon Place programs so successful is the integration of support for the entire family. This philosophy continues with LAUNCH recognizing that parents and children each need support to move from teen to adulthood. The following are the 6 core components of the program and will be implemented as it grows:

ACADEMIC PLANNING :

Beginning in 8th grade, Beacon Place begins to work with students to help them start to assess their academic interests, abilities, and opportunities that will place the student on a path toward their post-secondary plans. Emphasis at this early point for students and parents will be on the importance of grades, attention to academics, course and school selection, and the behavioral discipline necessary for future plans. Individual and group mentoring will be available as well as exposure to programs and opportunities offered through Beacon Place and other partners (i.e. Schuler Scholars, Waukegan to College, College Bound Opportunities, CLC Tech Campus, ROTC, etc).

Through 7th and 8th grade, support is provided to students and parents as they consider high school selection and application if appropriate, along with helping students build basic skills in organization, responsibility, time management, and executive functioning.  For 9th-12th grade academic planning emphasis is on course selection, academic support and tutoring, and beginning sophomore year, individual mentoring for post-secondary plans and guidance.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT:

During middle school, academic support and enrichment is provided through our existing Middle School Enrichment Program. For high school students, LAUNCH will be their primary program and will include homework help sessions as needed, one on one and small group subject-specific tutoring, supplemental enrichment activities, and open hours for access to technology and other resource materials to support their academic needs.

CAREER EXPLORATION AND SELF-DISCOVERY:

To assist all students in exploring their future, interest assessments and career exploration opportunities will be provided at various points beginning in 8th grade and continuing throughout their participation in the program. They will have access through field trips, career fairs, job shadowing, on-site visits from various professionals, and exposure experiences to enable students to interact with individuals pursuing various career paths.  These activities will be tailored by age group, will build over time, and can be oriented to particular interests of individual students or a specific age group. There will also be aspects of this program that will be directly geared to parents as well to allow them to work with their children as they chart a path for their future.

LIFT OFF

Success in similar programs often hinges on a pivotal experience as young students move from middle school to high school. It helps them understand the impact of the next four years as a stepping stone to life. =Beacon Place partners with CHICAGO VOYAGERS to provide LIFT OFF experiences that build connections, confidence and help students get comfortable, being uncomfortable – building confidence to enable them to contemplate dreams that feel unfamiliar. 

TEEN TO ADULT LIFE SKILL DEVELOPMENT:

Addressing the issues of self esteem, confidence, leadership, service, and learning how to live as an independent young adult, additional elements of the program will focus on providing special workshops to assist teens as they navigate the tricky years of 9th-12th grade. These will include lessons on financial management (how to open and maintain a bank account, debit and credit cards, interest, loans, etc), lie skills like cooking,  as well as how to build a resume, apply for a job, use online tools for employment, etc. These same topics will be covered with parents to reinforce the material and planning at home as a family.

MENTORING AND POST SECONDARY PLANNING:

Each student will be matched to a LAUNCH  advisor which will serve as their mentor from 10th grade through the first year of their life ‘launch’.  Similar to other mentor programs, these adults make a commitment to work with the student on a regular basis guided by Beacon Place to create their post secondary path. These individuals will meet one on one with the students as well as participate with other mentors and students matches in group activities and outings. These mentors will undergo on-going training and support from Beacon Place, and mentor matches will be evaluated to ensure proper support is given to the student. These mentors will also participate in meetings with the student and parents to ensure family connection and interests are maintained. Mentors are not intended to replace or interfere with family guidance, but rather to provide support as the family and student may require.