Mentoring & Tutoring

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. Community mentors from the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and 100 Black Men of North metro share their stories while stressing the importance of getting a good education to students who may not otherwise hear this message. 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. SSEF evaluates the program by providing students a mindset survey before and after the program. 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.

SAIL & CHOSEN
Each year in February, North Springs Charter 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 CHOSEN students from North Springs were accepted into colleges or vocational programs in 2017. These programs served 124 students at a cost per student of $40.00. 

Junior Achievement
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. Students in ninth grade receive valuable financial literacy education and tenth graders receive a Career Success program. The program has a structured curriculum designed to educate students about basic economic and career success topics in a grade level appropriate manner. This program serves 800 students at an annual cost per student of $4.00.

Business Bridge
SSEF works with the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Committee to engage members of the business community in our Sandy Springs public schools.  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/CHOSEN, Link with a Leader, STEAM Grant After School Clubs, After School All Stars and Junior Achievement.  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.