Research shows that one-on-one coaching is one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes for struggling students. In the 2010-11 school year, Asheville City Schools Foundation recruited, screened, and trained over 65 community volunteers to work with district students. Over 60 of those volunteers were paired with students to work one-on-one during or after school, for at least 1
Community Involvement
hour each week. As “academic coaches,” these volunteers served as both tutor and mentor to students, helping them with academics, but also in developing social skills that improve their lives in and out of school. Asheville City Schools Foundation community volunteers and academic coaches come from all walks of life and bring a wealth of experience to the students with whom they’re matched. During the 2010-11 school year, the Academic Coach program worked with students in all of the district schools and many community afterschool programs including Delta House, The YWCA, and Youthful HAND. The program was supported in this fiscal year through the generosity of the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation and the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. Through our Asheville Learning Links Americorps VISTA Program, Asheville City Schools Foundation works with community organizations to help build their capacity to serve school-age children and their families. In the 2010-11 school year, our VISTA volunteers served community organizations including: LEAF, Asheville Homeless Initiative, Our VOICE, Asheville Design Center, Children First, The Center for Diversity Education, NC Stage Company, WNC Alliance, and the IRL program. Families also received $5,732 in emergency assistance directly from ACSF this year. Community volunteers are making a difference Because of You.
Community members receive training on how best to work wi th students.
I love having a coach I think is awesome! I like that my coach is nice even when I am grumpy because I am tired. I ENJOY all the things she does for me. She always encourages me to keep working no matter what. I love that motto! 5th grade mentee
10