The Boys & Girls Club of Dane County provides a continuum of academic and social support programs for low-income, first generation, and students of color from elementary school through college. Their mission is to transform the lives of 10,000 young people by 2018 by ensuring 90% graduate high school and are prepared for post-secondary opportunities. Their programs include tutoring, mentoring, career exploration, test prep, and assistance with college applications from elementary through high school. In college, their TOPS program aims for 95% enrollment, 80% persistence to the second year, and 50% graduation rates.
3. Mission & Goals
Mission
Transform the lives of 10,000 young people by 2018
90% of members on track to graduate from HS
90% be prepared for post-secondary opportunities
Goals
Create world class experiences for young people
Establish a strong partnership with local school district (MMSD) & Higher Education
Provide opportunities to connect young people with paid internships
4. A Continuum of Support
BGCDC Clubs
College Club (Grade 1-8)
Tutoring from a Certified Teacher
Career Exploration & Life Skills
Academic & Personal Goals
Financial Literacy
Guest Speakers
Campus Field Trips
Family Events
5. A Continuum of Support
Middle School
AVID/College Club (Grade 7 & 8)
AVID Elective Class (Effective Study Habits)
Note Taking
Time Management
Tutoring (during school day) with AVID certified tutors
Mentoring
Career Exploration
Campus Field Trips
Family Events
6. A Continuum of Support
High School (continued)
Verona HS College Club (Grades 9-12)
Tutoring during the school day
ACT Exam Prep
Mentoring
Career Exploration & Life Skills
Job Shadowing
Service Learning
College Application & FAFSA Assistance
Campus Field Trips
Family Events
7. A Continuum of Support
High School
Verona HS College Ready Scholars (a two –year cohort of 75 11th Graders )
Tutoring during the school day
ACT Exam Prep
Mentoring
Career Exploration & Life Skills
Job Shadowing
Service Learning
College Application & FAFSA Assistance
Campus Field Trips
Family Events
8. A Continuum of Support
High School (continued)
AVID/TOPS (Grades 9-12 @ MMSD High Schools)
AVID Elective Classes (Strategies for Success)
Note Taking
Critical Thinking
Time Management
Writing
Tutoring during the school day
ACT Exam Prep
Mentoring & Guest Speakers
Career Exploration & Life Skills
College Application & FAFSA Assistance
Campus Field Trips
9. A Continuum of Support
College
TOPS College Success
Mission: To empower TOPS Scholars to earn a post-secondary degree
Goal: To support TOPS Scholars with Enrollment & Persistence through Graduation
from a post-secondary program
Enrollment: 95% of AVID/TOPS HS Graduates/TOPS Scholars enrolled in a post-
secondary program
Persistence: 80% of first year TOPS/Scholars persist into their second year
Graduation: 50% of TOPS Scholars earn a degree from a post-secondary program
10. A Continuum of Support
College (continued)
Support Staff/Coaches
Goal
Help students identify an appropriate post-secondary program
Build community via a network of supports on & off campus
Help students with the identification of a major
Assists with career exploration that lead to employment upon graduation
Proactively address common roadblocks that hinder enrollment and persistence
towards graduation
11. A Continuum of Support
College (continued)
Coaches Support to Students
Enrollment: Works with AVID/TOPS HS Seniors providing individualized support on the
College Application process in conjunction with the School Counselor and TOPS school-
based staff
Transition: Works with new TOPS Scholars during the summer prior to enrollment and
during their first year with becoming acclimated to the college setting
Success: Works with TOPS Scholars in their second year and supports persistence to
graduation
Partnership w/Madison College
Dedicated staff to support our largest population of TOPS Scholars
12. A Continuum of Support
College (continued)
Targeted Student Support
Financial: FAFSA Advisement, Strategies to Make College more Affordable,
Information on Scholarships & Internship Opportunities
Academic: Advisement on Choosing a Major, Direct Connections to Campus
Resources & Data Monitoring of Progress towards Graduation
Socio-Emotional: Encourage a belief in “belonging” & believing in their abilities.
Encourage participation in campus life (clubs, intramural sports, etc.) and Stress
Advocacy: Advisement on utilizing on campus resources, Networking with faculty and
the importance of being your own “Brand/YOU”
13. Take Aways
Clear Mission and Goals
Have a Holistic Approach
Develop a Continuum of Support from Grade 1 to Earned Degree
Patience & Time for Programs to Yield Desired Results
