Academic Success

Transition Readiness and College Knowledge (T.R.A.C.K.) is a High School Readiness Program for middle schoolers. T.R.A.C.K. is a 5-day-a-week, 3-year academic enrichment program designed to help 6th-8th grade South Side students access selective enrollment, parochial, and private high schools. T.R.A.C.K. prepares students for competitive admissions through:

• Academic coaching
• Humanities & S.T.E.M.
• Test prep
• Social-emotional learning & mentoring
• Executive functioning skill building
• Leadership & Sports
• Monthly family engagement events
• Field trips to high schools, colleges, etc…

R.E.L.A.Y. is a high school readiness program for ninth graders. We support the ninth grade student with a holistic approach: we teach high school readiness skills, provide small group social emotional learning and mentoring, as well as help freshman look towards their future and build career readiness skills. We also provide one-on-one academic supports and a space for ninth graders to spend time together and enjoy themselves.

R.E.L.A.Y. stands for the pillars of the program:

• Readiness to Work - participants are introduced to workforce readiness skills like resume writing, professional dress, and financial literacy
• Emotional Intelligence - a core component of the program is Social Emotional Learning (SEL), engaging participants in wellness activities and self-regulation skill building
• Leadership - empowering youth to find and use their voice
• Accelerated Academics - tutoring, academic coaching, and building executive functioning skills
• Youth Development - a strengths-based approach to help participants take on 9th grade prepared to suceed

Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves: high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education

Our Gary Comer Youth Center Upward Bound program will provide:

Key Services

• academic tutoring to enable students to complete secondary or postsecondary courses, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects
• information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint youth participating in the project with the range of career options available to the youth
• mentoring programs involving teachers or counselors, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of these persons
• during the academic year and/or the summer, courses to enhance the academic performance of students in the following subjects: mathematics through pre-calculus, lab science; foreign language, composition (English), literature (reading)
• exposure to the campuses of institutions of higher education, as well as cultural events, academic programs, and other sites or activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth
• assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations and completing college admission applications
• information on the full range of Federal student financial aid programs and benefits (including Federal Pell Grant awards and loan forgiveness), and assistance in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• resources for locating public and private scholarships

Other Services

• advice and assistance in secondary course selection and, if applicable, initial postsecondary course selection
• connections to education or counseling services designed to improve the financial literacy and economic literacy of students of the students’ parents, including financial planning for postsecondary education
• work-study positions where youth participating in the project are exposed to careers requiring a postsecondary degree
• guidance and assistance in secondary school reentry; alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts that lead to the receipt of a regular secondary school diploma; entry into general educational development (GED) programs; or postsecondary education

The Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to and complete their postsecondary education. The program publicizes the availability of financial aid and assist participant with the postsecondary application process. Talent Search also encourages persons who have not completed education programs at the secondary or postsecondary level to enter or reenter and complete postsecondary education.

In short, the goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education.

Our Gary Comer Youth Center Talent Search (GCYC-TS) program will provide:

• Key Services:
• connections to high quality academic tutoring services to enable students to complete secondary or postsecondary courses, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects
• personal and career counseling, including activities designed to acquaint youth with the range of career options available
• mentoring programs involving teachers or counselors, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of these persons (also GCYC staff)
• assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations and completing college admission applications
• information on the full range of federal student financial aid programs and benefits, and assistance in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• exposure to the campuses of institutions of higher education, as well as cultural events, academic programs (i.e. summer programs for high school students), and other sites or activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth
  
  Other Services:
• advice and assistance in secondary course selection and, if applicable, initial postsecondary course selection
• workshops and counseling for families of participants served
• connections to education or counseling services designed to improve the financial literacy and economic literacy of students of the students’ parents, including financial planning for postsecondary education
• guidance and assistance in secondary school reentry; alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts that lead to the receipt of a regular secondary school diploma; entry into general educational development (GED) programs; or postsecondary education
• personalized referrals for services related to mental health counseling with our Youth Support Services team, health and nutrition guidance from our Culinary Arts team, medical needs from our on-campus ACCESS Community Health clinic, and more based on need