November 2008 Hall of Fame
Tutoring and vocational education for underprivileged youth
We're a nonprofit providing free tutoring in math and reading to underprivileged kids in inner-city Atlanta who are at risk for poor performance in school, or already falling behind. We also provide mentoring and vocational education to teens who otherwise have little support and guidance.
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Q1: We are always looking for more fun and engaging math- and language-based activities that will get the kids excited about learning. Do you have any suggestions for activities or resources for such activities -- particularly those geared towards older youth (ages 13 to 17)?
(8 pieces of advice)
by kyleperks11.25.08 | 03:13 PMhttp://www.godmanguild.org/ - a similar venture in my community. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to help you with unique activity ideas. One of my favorites is their gardening program, in which they teach the kids a bit about gardening and sustainable living.
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11.24.08 | 05:44 PMThe internet is a great tool and I think that with some time googling around you could really find some great stuff. I found a website with math worksheets that you can print and use, it is:
http://www.funmaths.com/worksheets/index.htm
Another is:
http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/math/
And I'm sure you can find a lot more if you play with the key words that you are using on google.
You could even get guest speakers come in from different industries that use math. The kids might take a bigger interest if they can see real life applications. Also, seeing that real people use this math in the real world might make them more receptive because they know they might have to use it some day to make money.Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by ajf20011.24.08 | 12:50 PMCheck this out if you haven't already: http://www.826national.org/stores/
They use the revenue from the stores to fund the tutoring programs they offer inside.Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
11.23.08 | 02:59 AMas an older youth, i suggest that you think of any activity that may look new to experience for the older youth. its always amazing to explore new things and makes it much more easier for us to learn better while were enjoying it. and also activities which will involve the student itself like Story Plays for Language will enhance more of their skills in the subject and will also let them have fun and mingle with the others. i hope my advice helped. nice idea.
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by chrissyberna11.13.08 | 06:32 AMI have a few Math resources I'll bring to the Holiday Gift Wrapping. I also have a really cool game called 24.
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by elDuse254311.12.08 | 10:28 PMTry the Stock Market Game. It's been around for 30 years and allows students to invest hypothetical money into the real stock market.
www.smgww.orgAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
11.10.08 | 12:21 AMMaybe you could have them translate popular media, such as popular songs (clean of course) or their favorite movie lines.
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by arces5611.07.08 | 02:18 PMFirst off I wanted to say what a great thing you are doing for these young kids.
Now down to business. There are a couple of links I found on the subject. One in particular had some story book ways of teach as well as some other survival guide mathematics for older kids for algebra and things similar in nature.
http://www.fun-books.com/mathematics.htm
http://www.edutainingkids.com/buyersguidebestmathlogicgames.html
http://www.learningvillage.com/html/mguidemath.html
However, for younger kids its always easier to take their minds on some kind of adventure outside the subject in the classroom, for older kids especially high. I might advise some material to relate what they are learning to how they can use it in their everyday lives as they go on with their lives.
With what ever you decide, its still a really great thing you guys are doing all the way around. good luck in your efforts.Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
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What advice do you have to help me grow my idea?
(17 pieces of advice)11.27.08 | 03:29 PMI would recommend researching and reaching out to some of your local technology and social media organizations. There may be some members of these organizations that would be able to assist you with locating and obtaining software and hardware and volunteers to participate as tutors and mentors in your program. If you would like assistance in researching your local organizations, please feel free to contact me. Best wishes, you are doing admirable and necessary work.
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by kariuki11.26.08 | 01:01 PMTap into the Federal Pre K funding that Obama has pledged to keep going. I think it is the 21st Century funding.
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by eastatljill11.25.08 | 11:23 PMNonprofit organizations need revenue to operate just as for-profit companies do. The distinction for a nonprofit is that the goal is not to pile up extra cash earnings for owners or investors, but to turn the revenues received or earned back into the programs which meet a critical need in our society. So, "profit" for an organization like ours means more children receiving tutoring in math and reading, more teens learning job skills, more youth engaging in healthier behaviors. Profit for the larger society benefiting from our work means less high school dropouts, juvenile crime, teen pregnancy, and more young people achieving in school and prepared to add value to their communities, to our economy, and to our world.
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by johnmooney11.25.08 | 02:04 PMIn my personal opinion if your looking to create a nonprofit organization this is the last place you should come to. If you're looking to create a nonprofit organization then why would you enter a contest with the idea of a nonprofit organization Tutoring and vocational education for underprivileged youth in which you receive a profit for the idea. If your intentions were heartfelt for the underprivileged youth then you would not enter this idea in ideablobs profitable contest.
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by timkey11.25.08 | 09:43 AMSEE THE U.S. GOV. loans and free grants.....
Tell them your idea.....Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by CJReynolds11.22.08 | 02:42 PMYour program is so important! I wanted to donate. But don't know what my $ does. This means your website isn't working as hard as it could for fundraising goals. Suggest evaluating Heifer.org and WorldVision.org -- effective parallel models. Contact their execs to discuss which donation 'packages' appeal to different income levels, people vs. companies etc.. Then define your own "packages" based on your needs/programs/benefits delivered and what appeals to your existing and potential donor base. Lastly -- ask for funding to pay an agency to revamp your website to improve fundraising solitication (need strategy people, not just designers) -- its a great ROI. Smart Boards love it.
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by eastatljill11.22.08 | 11:12 AMA few people have asked about how we get funding and support. We seek it from all sectors -- private, public and corporate foundations; local, state and federal government; from individuals who believe in our work, and from a variety of fundraisers that we put on throughout the year, including an annual bike rally. We even sell grilled cheese sandwiches at a local beer festival each year! Guess what? Each sector in which we seek support is quite competitive. Many worthy causes are competing for the same funds. (This contest is a case in point). So, we must try every avenue possible to find revenue to keep our program going, and to keep serving these kids who need and deserve the attention and resources that we're able to provide them.
We also try to keep the quality high and expenses down by partnering with a number of great organizations who specialize in certain program areas. They include other nonprofits offering math and science education, nutrition counseling, fitness and exercise activities, SAT preparation, and job training.
And we're always looking for…more new partners and volunteers with ideas and connections. Some of our best program activities have originated with volunteers. Many of the suggestions made here sound wonderful. We thrive on innovation and keeping the program fresh to attract more youth into it.
So, thanks to all of you for your thoughtful and helpful ideas! Keep 'em coming!
Jill
p.s. If you'd like to learn more about our program, visit http://www.eastatlantakids.orgAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
by tonyd11.16.08 | 10:52 AMnon profit ? why $ 10,000.00 ?
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by jlwaller2211.13.08 | 12:12 PMI am so impressed with you work towards our community!
I am not sure what partnerships that you already have but what about partnering with the YMCA?
Also what about professional groups are industry's that are in demand such as nursing. Maybe a company or professional group that needs educated people to enter the field could sponsor a career discussion at a tutoring group.Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by drewunger11.13.08 | 08:35 AMIf you are non profit why not get gov. help ??
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by ladd02411.12.08 | 10:34 PMWhat an incredible idea, and very well thought out. My thinking is, along with continued funding, you will need a steady stream of well-qualified educators.
Do you know about Teach for America? It is a non-profit organization whose mission is "to build the movement to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting our nation's most promising future leaders in the effort." TFA recruits recent college graduates to teach for two years in schools in low-income communities throughout the United States. The goal of TFA is for its corps members not only to make a short-term impact on their students, but also to become lifelong leaders in pursuing educational equality.
http://www.teachforamerica.org/
TFA currently has teachers in the Atlanta area, and you should try recruiting these people to volunteer for you program. Good luck, and PLEASE keep up the good work.Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
11.12.08 | 03:26 PMThis is not an idea, this is a need, can you not get government or State funding..
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by eastatljill11.11.08 | 12:44 AMThank you for this very specific advice! We do pursue a mix of private and corporate foundation grants, as well as contributions from local businesses and individuals. We are always looking to identify more people and organizations that want to support our work, whether that means financial contributions, inkind contributions, or partnerships where we can share resources. We currently partner with other nonprofits offering science classes, dance instruction, leadership development, nutrition and fitness activities, and art enrichment. The suggestion to look for tutors among people who are pursuing a masters in education is a great one, as we have a few colleges in the metro area offering that degree. Many thanks! --Jill
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11.10.08 | 09:53 PMMaybe place an ad in your local newspaper offering a community yard sale or some sort of fund-raiser to help with awareness?
- www.StretchThatDollar.comAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
by greenlawn8611.10.08 | 11:16 AMI think that educational grants are both available and necessary in order for your venture to work well. I also think that the private sponsorship idea is great. Teaching languages to children in underpriveleged areas is a great idea and could have benefits in achieving college admittance as well as high test scores. I would also work to find private dollars in order to put together a scholarship fund for those who complete the project. This would add incentive to kids who otherwise may not see the point of school. A tangible and accessible flow of college money may be the ticket to increasing your program's sustainability.
Look at the Margaret Maddox East SIde YMCA in Nashville. They have a few programs like this for another disadvantaged demographic in the Southeast. Giving them a call would be a great asset for you as you begin your venture.Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by beebechica11.09.08 | 10:49 PMIf you don't already do so, have you looked into educational grants to fund your growth?
Additionally, if you don't already do so as well, have you thought about recruiting Masters of Education students to teach your kids and fulfill their practicum hours? You can have a certified instructor develop your curriculum and then the Masters students to tailor their lessons to the students. This would cut your costs while keeping a high level of educational quality.Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by arces5611.07.08 | 02:22 PMsome additional ideas i had on the subject might be to start working with some of the businesses in the kids areas and get some of their materials to show kids how math can transfer out into the real world. I realize this would take the cooperation of some businesses, but what if you could also offer as a extension of your service work programs for older kids.
This way they can learn responsibility both inside and outside the classroom to their own benefit. I know chic-fil-a is located in atlanta and has a pretty good work program for college tuition and stuff.
Providing a way ultimately these kids can get into school and stay in school and go to college will be the best way to keep them from ever ending up on the streets. Good luck in your efforts.Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
Idea Description
East Atlanta Kids Club ( http://www.eastatlantakids.org )is an after-school mentoring and enrichment program for disadvantaged, primarily African-American, youth ages 7 to 17. We engage the kids in a variety of fun and challenging educational, cultural and recreational activities designed to spark their love of learning, to improve their overall health and sense of well-being, and particularly, to improve their school performance in the critical areas of reading, writing and math. We serve youth from low-income families who can't afford to provide the kind of quality tutoring, mentoring, vocational education and other enrichment that we are able to provide to the children, free of charge.
What will you do if you win $10,000 for this idea?
The funds will enable us to hire certified teachers in language arts and math to further develop and lead our after-school tutoring program, and also help fund a vital program staff position. We will purchase books and learning software that will support the tutoring program as well as our vocational education program, which includes SAT prep classes, financial literacy classes, job readiness training and assistance with the college and vocational school application process. This support will prepare the teens to work with local companies and entrepreneurs in job shadowing, internship and paid positions, and to submit strong applications to colleges and trade schools.





props!
I am a part of the east atlanta kids club and i think it's great. it help us be engaged in achieving more in life. Many of us that attend EAKC love it and are always interested in coming we do many various activities like how to write an essay or a resume and as a teen we learn how to do job interviews. I have been a participant in EAKC for the past 4 1/2 years and i really enjoy learning different things they have to teach us. they teach us to expand my mind
EAST ATLANTA KIDS CLUB ROCKS!!!! I LOVE IT I THANK GOD FOR THE BEAUTIFUL STAFF THAT INVOLVED IN IT. PERSONALLY HAVING A KIDS CLUB THAT FOCUSES ON BETTERING THE CHILDREN, LISTENING TO THEM, AND JUST ALLOWING THEM TO BE THEMSELVES WITHOUT JUDGEMENT IS AWESOME. I LOVE IT KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I PRAY GOD BLESSING THIS WHOLE ORGANIZATION IN A MAJOR WAY AND YOU ALL CONTINUE TO REACH AS MANY KIDS AS YOU CAN .
This is a terrific program! It's got so much community support, and the community events are just plain FUN. Keep up the good work!!!
This program builds character in kids. It provides hope, opportunity, skills, and personal, caring attention to kids who otherwise may not receive them. It gives them something productive and healthy to do after school. They learn responsibility by taking on their own impressive projects and seeing them to fruition. It improves their chances in, and outlook on, life. The effects of raising a community of healthy, happy, hopeful kids and teenagers are a benefit to everyone -- especially these kids.
Keep up the good work Jill. You guys are doing amazing work with the kids with few resources. I look forward to leading another ride with the you and the kids next spring on the Silver Comet Trail.
AWESOME idea! Where does the funding come from? Would love to be able to help with my writing program! See my writing program here: http://ideablob.com/ideas/3426-Literacy-and-Art-Within-DisABIL You've got my vote! Rhonda
A Great and Worthy cause, GOOD LUCK!!!
Best of Luck Jill!!!! East Atlanta Kids Club is an amazing asset for our community and a model for other aspiring programs. I've sent the link to this project on to all my friends. Take care!! :)
Wow. Yoga and math. I must investigate! Right now we are in the midst of a series of movement & dance classes with Several Dancers Core. The kids get so much out of it. I will absolutely check out yogakids.com. And look forward to learning more about your approach! Jill
I totally support this! Pinged my network to further the support for this. This is a fantastic nonprofit.
Incredible idea! Would love for you to contact the gals with YOGAKIDS in Atlanta...Amy Haysman could incorporate movement wth the math ! Really cool stuff ! I am a cerfified yogakids trainer and teacher... Not just yoga but an educational approach using Howard Garnder's Multiple Intelligence Theory as the base of all the classes etc etc. Check it out www.yogakids.com or Tools for Schools ! Good for you Jill ! Susie McMahon