Welcome to the Intergenerational School

Youth Corps

Youth Corps, a United Way Program

Thanks to the United Way of Greater Cleveland, TIS students have had the opportunity to participate in a free, afterschool program to develop leadership skills, participate in service activities, meet with success role models and visit area colleges.

The Youth Corps program is fully funded by the United Way and serves 30 - 40 students throughout the year.  This program concentrates on developing leadership skills through community service, and exposing students to applying and succeeding in quality high schools and colleges (including visits).  The program runs afterschool daily until 6pm during the school year and also runs a 6-week, full-day program during the summer.

To date, the Youth Corps program has provided students with an opportunity to engage, interact, and reflect on topics and experiences that will develop their leadership skills.  The program has incorporated student engagement through project-based learning, fieldtrips, and interactive and intergenerational lessons with members of the community. In addition, we have had opportunities for students to interact with our own younger students (K-3) in the regular Aftercare program; students from local colleges, universities, and high schools; business professionals, senior citizens, and teachers.

Some of the central themes evident throughout the programming, so far this have been:

  • Higher education
  • Language
  • Financial responsibility
  • Environmental sustainability

 

Higher Education

Leaders focused on gaining an understanding of what it takes to get to (and through) high school and college. We armed students with in depth information on the importance and expectation associated with continuing their education. Leaders and their families become aware of aid and scholarships available to them during the college process. Furthermore, we have allowed our students to become comfortable and confident in understanding the assessments and processes involved in college application, recruitment and admission.

Supporting this portion of the program, we have had guest speakers and more recently, visits to The College of Wooster and Baldwin-Wallace.

 Guest speakers:

  1. Mr. Hutchinson- a Shaker Heights High School academic counselor. Spoke to students on the keys of success as young people. Explained how he helps students choose a future that is right for them.
  2. Taylor Madal- Student at the College of Wooster. Talked and lead a student Q&A session about being a college student and what to expect in applying to college.
  3. Case Western Reserve a number of students gave a presentation on different types of schools.

 

College of Wooster visit:

  1. Students met with admissions staff and were familiarized with procedures and had Q&A
  2. Students had campus tour
  3. Student sat in on college classrooms in session
  4. Met with Athletic coaches
  5. Ate at the college dining hall
  6. Interacted with college staff and college students

 

In addition we program with a group of Case Western Reserve students setting up student committees that are planning a Leaders in Action trip to Case Western Reserve University.

 

Language

This theme has focused on equipping students with an understanding of the value of a strong and articulate vocabulary, and the importance that language can play as a tool for success or as a barrier to success. We helped students expand their vocabularies through creating vocabulary lists and forming creative and analytical writing as well as public speaking opportunities where students used what they learned.

 

Financial Responsibility

We are building a comfort level and an appreciation for the way in which money can be used responsibly. Aligning students with facts about how money is distributed in our society and presenting students with interactive activities that reinforce principles of responsible spending, saving, and investing. Students were asked to interview for positions in our own Leadership Economy. These ‘paid’ positions range from Leadership secretary to reading tutor for young students. This economy is sustained and run by the students. With earned currency, students may purchase privileges, special snacks, or other incentives. They are however responsible for balancing spending with key responsible expenses like bike insurance, investments, philanthropy, etc. This economy benefits both the students (allowing them an in-depth understanding of how money is handled) and the school (providing services and positive interaction with teachers and fellow students)