Aspire Tutoring and Peer Mentoring Program HELPING STUDENTS

Aspire: Tutoring and Peer Mentoring Program

HELPING STUDENTS DEVELOP AND IMPROVE THEIR ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL SKILLS WHAT IS ASPIRE?

ASPIRE §One-on-one after school tutoring and peer mentoring program §Under-serviced Mississauga neighbourhoods §Kindergarten to Grade 6

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES § To improve students’ grades and learning § To foster positive attitudes towards education and the community § To bring children, youth, and families together

CREATING YOUTH LEADERS §VOLUNTEER BENEFITS: • Community Service Hours • Work experience • A reference • Giving back to the community

A Place-Based Program WHY ASPIRE?

EDUCATION AND CRIME § Poor School performance is a risk factor for involvement with crime § Educational experience has both significant direct and indirect effects on criminality

A PLACE-BASED PROGRAM § We bring Aspire to the community § All-inclusive program § Ensure accessibility to all children and youth

BENEFITS OF A COLLABORATIVE MODEL HOW DOES ASPIRE HELP COMMUNITIES?

WORKING TOGETHER §HELPING THROUGH: • Collaborative Committees • Community referrals • True partnerships

METHODOLOGY Ongoing evaluation is key to success Outcomes Measured Indicators Improvement in school • Parent reporting grades and skill • Tutor reporting development • Skill development assessments Improvement in family relationships Improvement in selfconfidence • More time spent with children when homework is finished • Parent reporting • Tutor reporting Methods • • Surveys Tutor logs Student agenda’s Report cards • Surveys

THE IMPORTANCE OF EVALUATIONS RESULTS AND OUTCOMES

ASPIRE §Improvement in: • School grades • Academic skill development • Family relationships §Enhanced: • Self-confidence • Social skills

ASPIRE HOW ARE THE KIDS DOING? 2012 RESULTS Percentage 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Writing Skills Oral Communication Junior and Senior Kindergarten 75% 100% Grades 1 -6 69% 77% “The trip to the Ontario Science Centre made the summer for my three children who never get to go on any outstanding trips all summer” – Aspire Parent “When I first started doing Aspire in grade 9, I had no idea how this would change me as a person. I helped my students do better at school and in return, they helped me become responsible, compassionate and improve my communication. ” – Aspire Tutor

ASPIRE Total Number of Reported Crimes IS CRIME GOING DOWN? YES! 250 200 150 100 50 0 2008 2009 2010 Year 2011 2012

UNEXPECTED OUTCOMES KEY LEARNINGS FROM PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

HELPING FAMILIES IN A MEANINGFUL WAY § Creating healthy communities and increasing cultural sensitivity § Advocacy on behalf of parents/Navigating the School System § ESL Student support § Newcomers and French immersion programs

ASPIRE NEXT STEPS § Expansion to additional site locations § Third-party evaluation § Parenting workshops