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.
LITERACY
Via literacy-related programs, including Reading Buddies and Mini Libraries, we provide at-risk students 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 13,000 books a year for students to bring home. Reading Buddies matches students with caring adult volunteers to read with children weekly during their lunchtime. This program helps children foster positive feelings about reading, improves their self-confidence and compels them to set new academic goals.
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.
After School at North Springs offers academic support followed by enrichment activities, field trips, exposure to college and vocational schools and career opportunities.
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 CHOSEN 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.
The Junior Achievement program is delivered to students at North Springs Charter High School in collaboration with JA and the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce. It provides ninth grade students valuable financial literacy education and tenth graders receive a Career Success program. 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.
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