Research from Johns Hopkins University shows that students who are at risk of dropping out can be identified as early as elementary school using three early warning indicators: poor attendance, disruptive behavior and course failure in math and English. A child who exhibits even one of these indicators as early as sixth grade has a 75 percent chance of dropping out.
But reaching that child, at the right time, with the right intervention, can be the difference in whether or not he or she makes it to graduation. City Year is leveraging the energy and idealism of our corps members – and the power of national service – to help transform low-performing schools and dramatically increase the graduation pipeline in America.
School Based Service
At City Year’s 24 locations across the United States, teams of diverse young people called corps members serve full-time in schools for 10 months working to improve student attendance, behavior and course performance in English and math.
As tutors, mentors and role models, corps members are uniquely able to help students and schools succeed through:
- Academic Support: Provide one-on-one or small group tutoring before, during and after school
- Attendance and Positive Behavior Encouragement: Lead energetic morning greetings, make attendance and positive phone calls home and lead mentor groups
- Community and School Improvements: Organize and lead activities, celebrations and projects to improve the community and school environment which includes performing physical service such as: painting murals, planting community gardens, renovating schools and refurbishing community centers
Youth Leadership
One of the important ways corps members share their belief in service and their commitment to helping children is by leading programs that teach elementary, middle school and high school students about how to be active citizens in their communities and make a difference.
For more information on what you will do as a corps member, check out Corps Experience