How it works: one public figure, for example, Huntington Park mayor, Mario Gomez, is paired with a particular Aspire freshman. The public figure donates $3 per week ($120 per academic year) to the project and spends 3 hours per year (typically one outing) with his or her student partner.
In return, the student partner sends to his or her public partner three or more thoughtful letters and/or videos throughout the year outlining personal and academic achievements and providing valuable feedback on the public figure's work.
So, it's a two-way partnership. The student gets funding for classroom essentials and a role model, and the public figure is rewarded with an informed and engaged citizen.
Each partnership lasts for one academic year, with the opportunity to renew for more.
Instructional Materials to be Purchased:
- Student licenses for Vantage My Access so that students may write and submit, electronically, a variety of essays for which they get immediate, helpful feedback. My Access is known to exponentially increase student motivation to both write and revise.
- A school-wide license for Turn It In or other similar originality checker so that Aspire students are held to the absolute highest standard.
- Classroom libraries of at least 40 titles each for use during Sustained Silent Reading. Student favorites have included The Perks of Being a Wallflower; Monster; Always Running; Concrete River and Speak.
- Two Flip cameras to record video letters and, importantly, best instructional practices.
- Consumable grammar workbooks so that students have in their possession throughout their academic careers a complete collection of essential lessons. When students are allowed to write in the book, they are more likely to truly own the book.
- At least two Smart Boards and accompanying responders for increased access to both discourse and technology.
- Additional materials, as needed.
More Information:
> 3 Dollars 3 Hours FAQ's
> Student Pre-Project Interviews
> Participating Public Partners