With the help of our community partners and donors, SSEF implements programs with a "whole student" focus. Students explore and develop new skills and interests and set new goals.
SSEF programs strive to be:
- Inclusive: serving diverse populations equally results in an improved quality of education and life experience for everyone
- Results driven: providing oversight and evaluation of programs maintains the highest standards for program recipients, funders and for our community
We coordinate programs and services in four primary areas.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS AND MATH: STEAM
Each year, SSEF presents our STEAM Showcase for the 11 Sandy Springs public schools and the community. This annual event provides students insights and exposure to exciting workforce opportunities in highly sought-after fields. SSEF uses sponsorships from the event to fund STEAM outreach events, field trips and after-school programs in all 11 public schools in Sandy Springs. These programs extend the learning and help inspire students to explore fields of study they may not otherwise have considered.
Sandy Springs Education Force hosts a Math Olympiad. In 2024, it was the only tournament in Georgia, for the International Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools.
LITERACY
Via many literacy-related programs, we provide students with resources to help improve their reading skills. Mini Libraries offers immediate, home-based access to high-quality books that they can read and keep and distributes about 12,000 books a year for students to bring home. Reading Buddies matches students with caring adult volunteers to read with children weekly. This program helps children foster positive feelings about reading, improves their self-confidence and compels them to set new academic goals. Our Summer Book Club invites students from Dunwoody Springs, High Point and Ison Springs Elementary schools to work virtually for six weeks with teachers to discuss the book of the week and participate in related activities that positively impact reading scores. Our Author Connection program brings authors into schools to speak with students about their work. VOX ATL is a teen-driven, nonprofit organization committed to uplifting the voices of youth from diverse backgrounds across metro Atlanta. SSEF manages this podcast program at North Springs High School.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS: ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND TUTORING
Academic support and tutoring programs target homework support and study skills training to help students succeed academically and increase graduation rates. The After-School All-Stars program at Sandy Springs Charter Middle School is a comprehensive after-school program implemented in collaboration with the Georgia State University Research Foundation and After-School All-Stars Atlanta. Participating students consistently show an increase in test scores and grades, a decrease in disciplinary infractions and an increase in attendance as a result of participation in this program. Aspire, the after-school program at North Springs, offers academic support followed by enrichment activities, field trips, exposure to college and vocational schools and career opportunities. Tutor Teams is a weekly virtual program that pairs high schoolers and elementary students to help with homework, math and reading skills.
MENTORING
Mentors from the business community share information about real-world experiences that prepare youth to meet the challenges of life, career and citizenship in the 21st century. Programs, such as Link With a Leader help empower students and increases their self-esteem. SAIL and Senior Push are programs at the two high schools. Trained volunteers suggest options and assist students who need help identifying plans for post-secondary options. SSEF provides funds for application fees as well as SAT/ACT fees for students needing financial assistance. SAIL and Senior Push connect economically disadvantaged high school students who are on target to graduate, but do not have any post-secondary plans with trained volunteers who present options and assist students with post-secondary applications.
Our Cradle to College program brings 5th graders from Dunwoody Springs Elementary School to Georgia State University's Perimeter campus. We expanded this program to bring students back to Georgia State when they are in middle school to experience another college experience. Students participate in interactive learning, such as in a chemistry lab, the Nursing Simulation Lab as well as other college-like classes.
Business Bridge is a program with the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Committee to engage members of the business community in our Sandy Springs public schools.
The High Demand Career Fair introduces Riverwood and North Springs High School students to careers that hire students right out of high school, pay well, have many job opportunities, provide on-the-job training and opportunities for advancement, and/or allow the student to work and gain experience to help pay for college.
FOR TEACHERS
The Teacher's Supply Closet, a collaboration of the Sandy Springs Education Force (SSEF) and the Community Assistance Center (CAC), is available for teachers to request required classroom supplies for their economically disadvantaged students.
