BELL is a non-profit organization that exists to transform the academic achievements, self-confidence, and life trajectories of children living in under-resourced, urban communities. Because we believe in the tremendous potential of all children, we recognize them as “scholars.”
APPROACH BELL pursues its mission by expanding learning time in partnership with schools and school districts in Baltimore (MD), Boston (MA), Charlotte (NC), Detroit (MI), Newark (NJ), New York City (NY), San Jose (CA), San Rafael (CA), Spartanburg (SC), Springfield (MA), and Winston-Salem (NC). BELL’s Summer learning and schoolyear programs are research-based and include elements proven to increase scholars’ time-on-task and accelerate learning, such as small-group instruction, social and cultural enrichment, and parental engagement. BELL Summer is a full-day learning experience that helps scholars gain core skills and transition effectively from grade to grade. BELL Summer operates up to eight hours per day, five days per week, for six weeks. Academic instruction in the morning is reinforced by hands-on enrichment courses in the afternoons and field trips and community service projects on Fridays. BELL After School provides tutoring and enrichment activities to equip scholars with the skills and attitude needed to succeed in school. The program operates during the school year for up to three hours per day, three to five days per week, for up to 30 weeks.
www.experienceBELL.org
IMPACT
15,436
Scholars Served
98
Schools
Summer Learning Outcomes
+9%
Percentile Rank Increase in Literacy and Math
88%
Increase in Self-Confidence
After School Outcomes
+5%
Percentile Rank Increase in Literacy and Math
91%
Increase in Parent Engagement
our scholars are our success.
SCHOLARS
BELL expands learning time for students in grades K-8 who are performing below grade level. BELL’s team of educators delivers targeted instruction based on scholars’ unique learning needs to help them accelerate their learning, catch up to their peers, and gain the confidence they need to sustain success in school.
STAFF
Certified teachers from partner schools, aspiring teachers from local colleges and universities, and community educators work together to expand learning time for scholars. Principals help identify and recruit high-performing teachers to lead academic instruction, while BELL recruits and hires additional staff fom the community.
PARENTS
BELL involves parents in the expanded learning experience. From orientations to “Bring Your Parent to School” day to special events and field trips, parents become active participants in the learning process at BELL.
EVIDENCE
A random-assignment study conducted by the Urban Institute proves that BELL Summer increases student achievement and parent engagement. BELL also uses standardized tests and computer adaptive assessments, social skills assessments, and a series of scholar, parent, teacher, and principal surveys to measure program impact.
SCHOOLS
BELL partners with schools to expand learning time. By combining public and private resources, BELL increases the capacity of schools to deliver more hours of high-quality learning experiences to the scholars who need it most.
Summer & After School Program Management Academic & Enrichment Curricula & Supplies Student Enrollment & Attendance Teacher & Tutor Recruitment & Training Field Trips & Community Service Parent Engagement Assessment & Evaluation Classrooms, Facilities & Transportation (if necessary) Snack & Meal Service Philanthropic Funding Public Funding (e.g., Title I)
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 60 Clayton Street Dorchester, MA 02122 617. 282. 1567
www.experienceBELL.org