Link with a Leader
Our Link with a Leader Program is designed to provide targeted students an opportunity to meet and learn about the world outside of school from members of the business community. Graduation coaches at the schools identify students who might be at risk of dropping out of school to participate, and volunteers challenge students to dream big and strive for excellence. These students benefit from connecting with successful role models and have the opportunity to attend events to help inspire them to succeed in college or career. Results indicated a positive impact on empowerment and self-esteem for participating students. This program serves 210 students per year at an annual cost per student of $25.00. Interested in volunteering?
SAIL & Senior Push
Each year in February, North Springs High School and Riverwood International Charter School counselors identify economically disadvantaged students who are on target to graduate, but do not have any post-secondary plans. Trained volunteers present options and assist students with post-secondary applications. SSEF provides funds for application fees as well as SAT/ACT fees for students needing financial assistance. As part of the program, representatives from local post-secondary institutions visit the school. As a result, approximately 84% of the SAIL students at Riverwood and 87% of Senior Push students from North Springs were accepted into colleges or vocational programs in recent years. These programs served 124 students at a cost per student of $40.00. Interested in volunteering?
Business Bridge
This program connects business leaders to requests from our schools. Volunteers may speak at career/industry-centered events and lend their expertise to a particular classroom to enhance a unit of study. SSEF also connects members of our local business community to our students through various SSEF programs, including SAIL/Senior Push, Link with a Leader and After-School All-Stars. In addition, the community collaboration with our local businesses provides opportunities for our students to participate in career fairs, field trips and business sponsored workshops. This program serves 200 students annually at a cost of $30.00 per student. Interested in volunteering?
Tutor Teams
We launched our pilot Tutor Teams program during the 2020-21 school year to support students who suffered pandemic-related academic setbacks. This weekly virtual program paired high schoolers and elementary students to help with homework, math and reading skills. SSEF initially recruited tutors from the International Baccalaureate and National Honor Society (NHS) programs at Riverwood International Charter High School. Once word spread, high schoolers from the Riverwood HS Community Service Club, Youth Leadership Sandy Springs and a Sandy Springs private school volunteered. The results were amazing: 78% of our Ison Springs students in 1st through 5th grades maintained or increased their reading scores and 94% increased their math scores. The pilot program was so successful, we expanded in 2021-22 to include North Springs High School NHS students and 1st and 2nd graders at Dunwoody Springs Elementary. We were thrilled that 100% of the Dunwoody Springs students improved both their math and reading scores! This program turned out to be a real win-win for tutors and students. Joshua B., a 4th grader, commented, “I’ve learned to be myself” while working on math with his tutor. Isabella Stahlman, a tutor who helped us recruit volunteers, noted, “I thoroughly enjoyed watching the children reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives through a personalized virtual connection.” This program runs from September through May. Interested in volunteering?
