Extended Learning in Action: Citizen Schools
Almost 300 Newark middle school children are leading mock trials guided by attorneys, working with structural engineers to plan new residential buildings and participating in other experiential learning experiences through Citizen Schools. This month, we profile Citizen Schools' unique approach as part of our series on extended learning in action.
Citizen Schools, an organization founded in Boston in 1995, connects students to community professionals through real-work experiences and apprenticeships. Through its volunteer training, Citizen Schools prepares adult 'Citizen Teachers' to create rigorous hands-on learning projects and meaningful engagement with middle school youth.
These programs focus on middle school students because research has shown that middle school years are a critical turning point for students. Relating to youth through enriched activities during the "golden hours" – the hours after the school day ends – helps keep students engaged in learning and offers them access to new people and experiences. Adult mentors become powerful role models to students, keeping youth on a motivated track for academic achievement.
Evaluations attest to Citizen Schools’ impact through improved attendance, grades, and career planning for youth involved in its programs. With successes in hand, the program is growing in New Jersey; it served 85 students in 2008 and will serve 270 students this school year. The program operates five days a week, from three to six PM. Through support from partners such as New Jersey After 3 and the Prudential Foundation, the cost per student is fully funded by the organization.
Partnerships are key to Citizen Schools’ success, says Jarrad Toussant, Executive Director. Important partners include schools, parents, volunteers and supporting organizations.
"The core of our work lies in the strength of our interaction with our partner schools. Our full-time staff attends department and grade level meetings, meets regularly with our principals, and accesses grade and assessment data in order to tailor our support to the needs of our students and our school community."
Citizen Schools also reaches out to parents bi-weekly to keep them informed. An end-of semester showcase is an opportunity for students to share their accomplishments with families school staff, funders, and the community at large.
Part of the job of Citizen Schools staff is volunteer recruitment. They have developed partnerships with Prudential Insurance, McCarter and English (a law firm), NJPAC, the Newark Museum and others. "We need a large number of very deep relationships to succeed," says Howell. "We are constantly working on new ways to make it easy for volunteers to engage with and share what they know/love with our middle school students." Currently Citizen Schools is looking to expand its partnerships in New Jersey in science, technology, engineering, math, business, arts and law.
For more information, visit www.citizenschools.org.
