Groundwork for Success (GWS) is a four-year program that prepares East New York high school students for success in high school and college. GWS begins to work with young “scholars” the summer before they enter ninth grade and continues to develop their talents throughout their time in high school. GWS program features include:
College Readiness
Each Scholar receives college admissions counseling beginning in the ninth grade. PSAT and SAT test preparation classes are provided to ensure that they will have a range of college options. To make sure GWS Scholars are exposed to college life, they participate in local and overnight college tours. Scholars are also offered college application and financial aid tutorials. Parents of Scholars can attend workshops that focus on helping their child choose the best college and easing the transition.
Academic Support
Success Coaches provide academic counseling to Scholars, ensuring that they are taking the right classes and receiving the tutoring and other supports they need. Saturday English Academy provides Scholars in need with intensive grammar, writing and reading comprehension skills development three Saturdays each month. GWS also provides homework help, subject-specific tutoring, NYS Regents exam preparation and guidance in study skills and time and stress management.
Personal Development and Mentoring
Each Scholar is a member of a “success team”--a peer group lead by a Groundwork staff member--that focuses on establishing and meeting personal and group benchmarks. Success Coaches and volunteer mentors guide Scholars as they develop into responsible, productive, well-rounded adults. Seminars help Scholars build leadership skills, explore career opportunities, develop healthy living habits, improve financial literacy and successfully transition from high school to college. Scholars travel locally and nationally and are exposed to artistic and cultural institutions.
Incentives
GWS Scholars can earn stipends, trips, gift certificates and other rewards for active participation in program activities.
Paid Internships
During the summer, high performing Scholars can earn money through paid internships, operating “Fresh Ground,” our student-run fresh produce enterprise, working in classrooms as Team Leader Assistants with Groundwork for Youth or working at a local business.
Positive Peer Groups
GWS scholars build friendships with other highly motivated high school students. Retreats and other team building activities foster a commitment to individual and group success.
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