PREPARING SCHOLARS AND FAMILIES FOR CHOICE-FILLED LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC MOBILITY
ANNUAL
REVIEW 2023
CORE’S MISSION
IS TO ENSURE HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES ACHIEVE ECONOMIC MOBILITY AND LEAD CHOICE-FILLED LIVES.
CORE: 2023 IN REVIEW
Dear Core Champion, 2023 stands as a year of unprecedented growth and achievement for CORE. Our expansion to five school sites and the addition of pivotal roles within our team, such as the Development Director and Director of Innovation, have significantly bolstered our capacity to create lasting impact in the communities we serve.
Highlights of 2023
• ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH: Expansion to five school sites, broadening our impact across communities.
• STRATEGIC ENHANCEMENTS: Strengthening of core operations through the introduction of a volunteer component and key staff appointments including a Grants Manager and Program Managers.
• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Launch of new Community Engagement Director position to forge valuable partnerships.
• FAMILY SUPPORT: Over 2,000 individuals served through our comprehensive family programs, with notable expansion in our Parent Academy.
In the coming year, our focus is on meeting the increasing demands of students and families in our community. We invite you to become part of the process and make an impact in our schools and in our community.
Executive Director, CORE
CORE:
A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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A YEAR OF GROWTH
2023 was an unprecedented year of growth for our organization. New schools, new staff, new positions for staff, new supporters, and of course, most importantly, new Scholars, and families.
We’ve achieved amazing growth in 12 months, and these are just a few highlights.
3 NEW SCHOOL SITES ESTABLISHED
Percentage of scholars passing in CORE classes:
83% passed Math
85.2% passed English
80.7% passed Science
326
STUDENTS onboarded for a total of 450 SCHOLARS OF OUR SCHOLARS RECEIVE WRAPAROUND SERVICES
100% completed individual SCHOLAR SUCCESS plans
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE RATE
72.5% 80%
272 scholars benefitted from our Holiday Express program
CAREER WE CAN
CAREER WE CAN PROGRAM RE-LAUNCHED:
62 Families assisted by our Operation Santa program
73 Scholars across the 5 SCHOOLS with 204 PARTNERS participating in various mentoring opportunities
• Launched "SPEED MENTORING" and partnered with Leadership Las Vegas for quarterly speaker panels
• Scholars were exposed to a wide range of career clusters
CORE: 2023 IN REVIEW
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As we strive to enhance our services and programs, we uphold the following guiding principles:
IMPACT:
While scalability is essential to our growth, we will continue to emphasize the necessity of upholding the quality of our work to ensure a meaningful impact. Our commitment to community-driven work is evident in initiatives like our Parent Academy program, which has proven to bring lasting change to families and Scholars. Career We Can will continue to grow, offering Scholars insights into real-world opportunities they might otherwise never have encountered. The 2-Gen approach remains a cornerstone as we strive to assist families in overcoming barriers and achieving economic equity.
Our unwavering commitment to a data-driven approach allows us to refine our strategies and leverage technology to capture real-time feedback, ensuring adaptability to the evolving needs of Scholars and families.
VISIBILITY:
Our commitment to championing underserved students and families is unwavering. To address the inequities they face, we actively work on building visibility and awareness. Recognizing that systemic oppression and institutionalized racism often underlie these inequities, we strive to counteract deliberate efforts to diminish their visibility.
SCALE:
Having achieved our goal of Five sites by 2025 early, we now begin working towards the next phases of growth in our long-term plan. Capacity-building is integral to our growth strategy, allowing us to provide quality programming and resources to a growing number of students.
CORE: PROGRAM GROWTH
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CORE ACADEMY
Clark County Title One District schools expressed a strong interest in expanding the CORE model, primarily because it directly addresses performance plans at high-demand schools. This demand is driven mainly by the remarkable results achieved by West Preparatory Middle School's initial program. The CORE model's effectiveness stems from directly aligning interventions with school performance plans.
As CORE moves into the first phase at our newly expanded sites, 326 of the most underserved students were identified in the Summer of 2023 for inclusion in the program, which is now in its fourth month. The CORE model focuses on social-emotional learning, academic support, and comprehensive family needs assessments. Despite a waiting list of eligible students, our capacity to serve is limited.
CORE applies targeted methodologies, paving the way for a substantial, long-lasting program. With tangible, sustained improvements. In the short term, CORE aims to foster a sense of belonging among students, which is expected to lead to better attendance, A factor the National Center for Education Statistics associates with academic success. In the long term, from sixth through twelfth grade, the program aims to achieve a 100% graduation rate and positive post-secondary outcomes.
STUDENTS BECOMING SCHOLARS IS AT OUR CORE.
Behind the incredible statistics (including a seventh straight year of all CORE seniors graduating from high school), are the stories of the students themselves.
>>> CORE: PROGRAM GROWTH 4
Zay has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength in navigating his emotional journey. He identifies moments of intense emotion as opportunities for growth, acknowledging that he is learning to guide his reactions with intention. Collaboratively, we have explored effective strategies to channel his energy into positive outlets. Six months ago, we embarked on a transformative exercise with an anger management booklet, which has proven to be an invaluable tool for Zay. He proudly shares that this resource has empowered him to de-escalate potential conflicts, preventing physical confrontations on three separate occasions. By embracing our shared coping techniques and breathing exercises, Zay is cultivating a mindful approach to his emotions, showcasing his commitment to personal development and emotional intelligence.
Juan, a reflective and introspective scholar, has shown incredible growth in his emotional expression over the past six months. Initially, his mother noticed his need for support and reached out for assistance. The CORE Social Emotional Champion engaged with Juan, and through patient and respectful engagement, a trusting relationship was fostered. By the third session, this bond allowed Juan to share his feelings of loneliness, turning a significant corner as he spoke openly for over an hour. Since then, Juan's school attendance has notably improved, and he has actively engaged in conversations
Desiree
Desiree is working on grieving. She lost her father in the beginning of 2023. She never had a great relationship with him, and found it very difficult to grieve. The Core Champion staff member worked provided Desiree with a grief journal. Desiree recently started therapy and stated that she has been doing much better.
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn was always nervous to talk to her family and friends about sexuality. She attended an LGBTQ workshop that CORE held. She asked to speak to a Champion in private, where she was questioning her identity. CORE continues to work with her on acceptance. She recently told her family and friends“I feel like I can be my authentic self.”
CORE: STUDENT PROFILES 5
Zay Juan
PARENT ACADEMY
CORE’s growth this year included growing our PARENT ACADEMY PROGRAM. Parent Academy is now at all five school sites Brinley, West Prep middle and high school, Findlay & Swainston middle schools. We had over 115 parents participating in various workshops and activities, including:
Family Interest Meetings
Raising Responsible Teenagers
Raising Competent Teenagers
CPR Certification
Sound Bath/Mental Health Workshop
Parent Information Night
Foundations of Money Management Parent University
Trauma Responsive Yoga
Tie-Dye Art Family Learning
Financial Literacy (Interest, Budgeting,
CORE: PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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PARENT SUCCESSES
Jennifer
Jennifer joined CORE a year ago. During this time, she became engaged in the programming that Parent Academy had to offer. She shared that she had a small business that she was working on. With the support of Parent Academy she was able to take English learning classes and computer classes to build her skills to help her business. She also was introduced to Nevada’s Small Business Development Center at UNLV where she completed their 6-week course for small business owners. She has also been receiving support from them and gained the confidence to join the parent advisory board this school year.
Dionicio and Imelda
Dionicio and Imelda had a shared goal to learn English. They had put this goal aside in the past due to their busy schedules and raising their children. Now that their children are older, they gave themselves the opportunity to learn English together. Parent Academy gave them both the opportunity to join a rigorous English learning program and they are now one class closer to completing the program. They also received English learning materials to support their goal at home. Their instructor has shared their significant improvement in their language skills and dedication. They have also participated in more Parent Academy events due to the support that they received.
Elsa
Elsa has been a part of the CORE community for over seven years. She has had four of her children participate in CORE. Elsa has participated in all aspects of Parent Academy through advocacy, volunteering, and participation. She has attended the majority of parent meetings and shared with new parents coming into CORE about her experience. She has grown into a strong advocate for parents, scholars, her family and herself. Through the support of Parent Academy, she has been able to learn English, gain computer skills, get CPR certified and attend a variety of workshops. She has gained great English skills, and her confidence has grown immensely throughout the years to become a leader for Parent Academy.
PARENT ACADEMY NOW HAS A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER THAT GOES OUT TO PARENTS AT ALL SCHOOL SITES TO HIGHLIGHT PARENT INVOLVEMENT AND UPCOMING EVENTS.
CORE: PROGRAM OVERVIEW 7
ALUMNI NETWORK
Carlos, once cloaked in the shadow of isolation during the pandemic, embarked, on a transformative journey. The world had contracted into silent and like many felt the weight of solitude as he entered the 10th grade. During these trying times, the CORE program extended a hand, becoming a beacon of support and guidance. The nurturing environment of CORE, with its dedicated staff and robust social-emotional training, became the crucible for Carlos's resilience.
As the world outside battled the upheaval, Carlos channeled his energies into the nourishment of his mind and spirit within the supportive embrace of CORE. Each day was a new step, each challenge a lesson in growth. With unwavering determination, he endured and thrived, his potential unfolding like a vibrant blossom. Once a quiet observer, now stood proudly at the pinnacle of his class as Valedictorian.
The
CORE support system
doesn’t end at high school graduation.
Through the Alumni Network, we continue to check in and provide support to our Scholars as they enter the college and career arena.
50 ACTIV ALUMNI 6 ALUMNI GRADUATED from a FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE and received their BACHELOR’S DEGREE
1 at the LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS
22 currently in HIGHER EDUCATION
CORE: PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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CAREER WE CAN
In 2023, our Career We Can program took off to new heights. Instituting a “speed mentoring” program at each school allows a number of community professionals and industry leaders to meet with numerous Scholars and give them a taste of what their career paths and goals can be.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERSHIP LAS
VEGAS, we present quarterly speaker panels focused on different vocational tracks. And field trips to businesses included taking Scholars to visit operations at House of Blues, UNLV and GIRRL Live 2023.
PLANNED 2024 CAREER TRIPS INCLUDE A VISIT TO HARRY REID AIRPORT and MELROSE PRODUCTION STUDIOS
• 73 SCHOLARS from both the AGASSI and BRINLEY cohorts attended at least one Career We Can event
• ATTENDANCE for all Career We Can events in 2023, including scholars who attended more than 1 event, total to 204 TIMES .
CWC also provided six group mentorship sessions. Three sessions were part of a monthly group mentorship series with Anthony Spiegel, in which a group of 4 scholars discussed goals, challenges, and received guidance from Mr. Spiegel. Three sessions were part of a limited series teaching resume building and interviewing skills with a group of 5 scholars
In 2024, we look forward to the following events:
CAREERS IN HEALTH
CAREERS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
POST-HIGH SCHOOL
EDUCATION PATHWAYS
CORE: PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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VOLUNTEERS
This year we had over 200+ volunteers performing over 1,200+ hours of volunteer service.
Our middle school Scholars are required to perform 30 hours of community service. This year 145 Scholars met their goals and helped our community with 616 hours of service!
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT INCLUDED:
• CORE End of Year Celebration
• CORE Orientation
• Nevada Department of Education “Lights On Afterschool” event
• Holiday Express
• The Just One Project during the month of April to assist in the distribution of food to the community surrounding J.D. Smith Middle School.
CORE: COMMUNITY PARTNERS
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
We couldn’t do what we do each day if it wasn’t for the incredible community support we get from all our partners:
CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
WEST PREP ACADEMY
SWAINSTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
BRINLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
FINDLAY MIDDLE SCHOOL
DEMOCRACY PREP
CORE SERVICE
PROVIDERS PARTNERS
PROJECT 150
THE JUST ONE PROJECT
PROJECT MARILYN
THREE SQUARE
GENESIS PROGRAM WITH ROSEMAN UNIVERSITY
BABY’S BOUNTY
EYE CARE FOR KIDS
OLIVE CREST
SOLUTIONS OF CHANGE
VIVIDA DERMATOLOGY
YOGA HAVEN
PARENT ACADEMY PARTNERS
FDR Institute
Affordable Computer Training
Host Global
Small Business Development Center
CPR Society
SCE Credit Union
Dad Inc.
Yoga Haven Roseman University (Genesis)
A.D. Guy Knowledge Center
CCSD Family Engagement Center
Baby’s Bounty
Solutions of Change
Culinary Academy
SCE Federal Credit Union
Piero’s Italian Restaurant
Nevada Donor Network
Nevada Small Business Development Center
Nevada PBS
Three Square
CORE: 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING PARTNERS
Prevent Child Abuse of Nevada
The Aspen Institute
Fulfillment Fund
Local 872
First Friday Foundation
RTC
Odobo Collective
United Way of Southern Nevada
Ladies in Training
SPRAT
House of Straus
Unshakeable
CAREER WE CAN PARTNERS
Lizbeth Lazaro, Core Alumni
Gregorio Alberto, Core Alumni
Vincent Rotolo, Good Pie
Kortney Olson, GRRRL
Live Nation -
House of Blues Las Vegas and Foundation Room
Kristin Vargas and Lindsay Howard, Leadership Las Vegas
Jason Jorjorian, LGA Architecture
Myron Martin, The Smith Center
Flor De Liz and Jack-Peter Guior, Flor De Liz Guior
Fashion
Senator Edgar Flores
Jennifer Hurtado, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Tony Penn, Penn Restaurant Group
Anthony Spiegel
Chase Kobrin and Zaur Alikov, Beacon Evo
Dr. Archie C. Perry, Jr., M.D. - Desert Orthopedic Center
Jill Schneider - Vice President of Sales/West Coast / HOSTS Global
Nathan Pinkney, Casey's Cleaning
Michael Birch
Sarah Frankosky, Pacific Advisors
Michael Flores
Dan Sinyard, Reliable Pest Control Business
Steven Peralta, Nevada Donor Network Foundation
Eric Strain, assemblageSTUDIO
Laurae Clifford, Dreamscape Companies
Ricardo Guzman, Interior Logic Group
Rachell Villasenor, RN
Dr. Bo Bernhard, UNLV
Michelle Sanders
CORE: PARTNERSHIPS 13
FUNDING
PUBLIC & PRIVATE FUNDS
In 2021 we began developing a funding model based on the philosophy that it takes long-term, whole-community investments to solve whole-community problems - like achieving equity and excellence in underperforming schools. With this in mind, we set to work on combining both public funds from sources such as federal and state grants with private funds from foundations, corporations, and individual donors. Our aim is to create a combined community investment in which everyone has a stake.
POWERED BY THE ROGERS FOUNDATION
CORE is “Powered by The Rogers Foundation” - this means that through a long-term commitment of support, The Rogers Foundation continues to support Core with a 10% contribution to annual operating cost. This unique funding model continues to nurture the long- term development of a local, community-based approach to building an education infrastructure designed specifically for our needs right here in Las Vegas. We are so proud to be part of The Rogers Foundation family of organizations and causes, a network that is leading the way in pursuing change and excellence for the education of Southern Nevada’s youth.
NV DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 21ST CENTURY GRANT
CORE is now in its third year of funding from the Nevada Department of Education. The 21st Century Community Learning Center program is designed to provide out-of-school academic enrichment opportunities along with activities designed to complement regular academic programs. The program also has a 2Gen mindset, focused on funding Learning Centers that can offer resources to parents and school-age students. The CORE model is a natural fit for realizing the aims of the NDE 21st Century grant program, and the program provides CORE with a pathway for sustainable investments that will allow us to match state funds with private resources.
The grant allowed us to launch our successful Parent Academy, as well as support the establishment of a long-term site at West Prep Academy focused on high school Scholars.
CORE: 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW 14
ARPA
The pandemic changed life and education as we know it. The American Rescue Plan Act was enacted to help bridge gaps caused by the pandemic. With education and socialemotional learning so impacted by the crisis, CORE knew that utilizing ARPA funding to help bring equity into the mix as schools returned to in-person learning was critical.
CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS
ARPA funds from the City of North Las Vegas helped establish our first new middle school program at Swainston and Findlay Middle School.
CITY OF LAS VEGAS
ARPA funds from the City of Las Vegas are going towards the selection and implementation of CORE programming at a new school in the community zip codes most needed in early 2023.
CCSD ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL
EMERGENCY RELIEF (ESSER) FUNDING
Funding from ESSER went to establishing CORE programming in West Prep Middle School, allowing us to deepen our presence there.
VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS FOUNDATION
Hometown heroes, the Vegas Golden Knights, continued supporting CORE this year with a $10,000 gift to support programming at West Prep. We appreciate the support of the franchise.
UWSN COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT
Now in its third year of the United Way of Southern Nevada Community Impact Grant, the $50,000 grant for this year allowed us to support growing our staff as we expand programming into other schools.
IT TAKES DEDICATED MENTORS AND PROFESSIONALS SUCH AS OUR SOCIAL EMOTIONAL CHAMPIONS AND NEW SCHOLAR ADVISORS TO TURN THE PLANS FOR OUR PROGRAMMING INTO REALITIES. We are incredibly grateful for the investment of the UWSN network in strengthening our organization’s ability to meet the needs of more Scholars and families.
NSHE – UNLV
This $93K grant supports the Career We Can program, supporting mentorship, community service, increased academic standing, and knowledge of career pathways.
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DONORS
A. Roxanne Brown
A’Esha Goins Household
Advergus Taylor Household
Alan and Christy Molasky
Amy & Tim Hunter
Andrea Shay
Andrew Calhoun III Household
Andrew Furman
Angela Martin Household
Anna Beasley
Anne Winters Household
Antwine Blade Household
Aristocrat Technologies, Inc
Arnetta Meagher Household
Bank of Nevada
Barbara Molasky and Mike Sloan
Brironni Alex
Cari Marshall
Carmelita Smith Household
Charles Miles Household
Christina Lovato
Ciann Gray Household
Clarence Espinosa Household
Clark County School District
Claudia Rowe
Cristina Hinajon Household
Cultivate
Cynthia and Joseph M. Asher
Cynthia Ellis Household
Damean Hurt Household
Darrel Matthews Household
Darrell Thomas Household
Darren Barnes Household
Darryl Mickens Household
Dawn Mack
Deanna Riccardi
Deborah Jones Household
Derrick Young Household
Dion Davis Household
Donald Barlow
Falisa Deloach Household
Frances Ray Household
Francine Guarino Household
Frank Long Household
Franklin Griffin Household
Garland Jackson Household
Gary Ford Household
Gina Collins Household
Google
Greg Berkowitz
Greg Novak Household
Hosts Global
Jason Mills
Jason Wilhite
Jeff Jones
Jeffrey Burist Household
Jenny Tate Household
Joe Kennedy (jr.)
John "Chip" Carter
Johnnetta Lamb Household
K. Stephen Chapital Household
Kevin Nash Household
Lamont Hicks Household
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
LaShelle LeLewis Household
LaTonya Foster Household
Latoya Holman
Laura Johnson Household
Lincoln Dynamic Foundation
Linda Harrison Household
Lindsay Harper and Jeremy Hume
Live Nation
Lou Collins Household
Malik Asim Household
Marsha Miller and Sam Schaul
Marvin Bailey Household
McCarthy Building Companies
McKenzie Scott
Melissa Zamora
MGM Resorts International
Michael Frey Household
Michael Jones Household
Michael W Amie Household
Michelle Loosbrock
Michelle Sanders
Molasky Ventures, LLC
Nerolee A Bush
Network For Good
Nevada Department of Education
Nevada Donor Network
Nicolas P Stathakos Household
NV Energy Foundation
Orlando Jones Household
Phil Wilkes Household
Pitney Bowes
PlayStudios
Plaza Hotel & Casino
Premiere Audio
Proect Real NV
ProServ
Rachel Rojas
Rachelle Williams Household
Ralston Murden Household
Raman Sud Household
Rashad Strawter Household
Renee Gresham Household
Republic Services
Robert Turner Household
Robin and Danny Greenspun
Robin Mims Household
Robin Watson Household
Roderick A Oneal Household
Rodney Thomas Household
Roshan Samuel Household
RTC of Southern Nevada
Samuel Casey Household
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
Shannon Thomas Household
Sharon Beal-Fowler Household
Sheri Jones Household
Sherry Marlow
Speedway Children's Charities
Stanley Tomchin, Peter Co and Laura Johns Bolhouse
Stephen Kadoich Household
Sterling Black Household
Steve Martin Household
Steven Johnson Household
Steven Peralta
Stratosphere Las Vegas
Tang Foundation
Tap N Ash Social Club
Terrence Whittier Household
The Big Thistle
The Thomas Spiegel
Family Foundation
The Whitt Family Foundation
Timothy Simmons Household
Todd and Sandra Marshall
Tony Pierce Household
Tony Thomas Household
Tremayne Lundy Household
Trina Jiles Household
United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN)
Vania Richardson Household
William Spears Household
Windsong Trust
Wynn Resorts Foundation
Yolanda Brown Household
Yvette Taylor Household
CORE: 2021 IN REVIEW
2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
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AS WE STEP INTO 2024, CORE is poised for even greater strides in impact, visibility, and scale. With the early achievement of our goal of five sites by 2025, we are now focusing on further expansion and deepening our engagement with scholars, families, and the community. Our unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change through education remains at the forefront of our mission.
A heartfelt thank you to our donors, partners, and the entire CORE family. Your support and belief in our mission fuel our progress and inspire us to reach new heights each year.
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