Adopt A Class is such an incredible organization! Our firm, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, first got involved in 2010. What started as a small group of volunteers going into one classroom a few times a year has evolved into our firm adopting four classrooms, visiting every single month, and with the help of the AAC Staff we are delivering financial literacy programs and life-skill activities to our students. The impact is immense, our employees love the students, and we are advancing the community through Adopt A Class.
I had a phone interview with the Adopt A Class CEO and 2 weeks later was brought in for an in person interview with her and another colleague. From my perspective, the interview went very well and they said they'd reach out in 2 weeks. I never heard from them again despite reaching out multiple times. This is extremely inconsiderate of people's time and energy. If I wasn't the right fit, I can accept that, but the lack of communication is disrespectful and creates a bad reputation for your organization.
AWL LOVES Adopt A Class! At AWL, our students look forward the arrival of their mentors each month, excited to learn and grow from their positive energy and real-world experiences. Our teachers love the opportunity for their students to engage with adopters who pour their hearts into every visit, enriching the classroom experience and providing learning opportunities that wouldn't be possible otherwise.
And the impact doesn't stop there. Many of our adopters have taken their classroom on educational field trips, expanding the students' horizons and showing them what's possible when they work hard and dream big.
From the moment you step into the classroom you realize that Adopt A Class does not just serve children. This is a program that encourages businesses to become a part of community development that works in both directions. The adult volunteers, the supporting businesses, the students and participating schools all develop a relationship that drives growth in every direction. You cannot help but to be transformed. You won't spend a better hour at work than your Adopt A Class hour.
Adopt A Class is an amazing organization that I've been involved with for 10+ years since I began work with my current company. I started as a volunteer and loved the work so much, I moved to Team Lead for the last 8 years. Adopt A Class works to leverage the many talents and resources of organizations and provide those to students and schools throughout the community, providing students a variety of different opportunities and experiences they would not have otherwise have. It's a win-win-win for the schools/students, the organizations/volunteers and the community at large.
Adopt A Class is so special. I have been able to work with the organization for over a decade in a few roles. My first experience was as a Resource Coordinator and I was able to see first hand the impact that the program has on children, schools and teachers. And now as a Board member, I can see the impact that the organization makes in our entire region.
I have had the privilege to partner with Adopt A Class on many levels as a former resource coordinator in a public school within Cincinnati Public Schools. I still partner with Adopt A Class administration to work in a manner to bolster the reach of their partnerships to continue to impact the lives of families across the City.
The AAC mentors, administration, and staff have always been amazing when in our building, especially when they are in the classrooms, in the presence of the students. The time, resources, energy, enthusiasm, passion and talent the mentors (and staff) bring to each visit is so heartwarming and truly one must witness to understand. The students learn so much from each interaction and whet their appetite for more learning and relationship building with their mentors.
If I may use a metaphor to describe the work in which Adopt A Class and the mentors do the work behind the scenes...it is truly the work of a duck paddling like crazy under water and all the students see is the beautiful choreographed dance on top of the glorious lake!
Keep doing the magnificent work to push all of the students to be their best! Many thanks for your passion and energy to share your best.
I have had the honor of being a mentor for the last 5 years with 4th graders at Hartwell Elementary. Every time I walk into the classroom, the kids greet me with excitement and it always brings a smile to my face! The Adopt a Class Program is an amazing program that touches children all across Cincinnati and they make it very easy for the mentors to teach and engage with the classroom. My favorite moment with Adopt a Class is when we took 120 students to Paycor Stadium to get a private tour of the stadium and have recess on the field!
Adopt a Class touches and improves the lives of so many children. The program structure enables students to interact with different companies from kindergarten up through eighth grade. The exposure to professionals of all types of industries helps students to form dreams of what they could do post high school. From designer to bankers to engineers to managers, the varied level of exposure plus the STEM activities encourages students to excel in their gifts.
I've had the opportunity to work with many organizations that serve children. Adopt A Class is one of the best on so many levels. I have witnessed the Founder, CEO, and everyone on their staff have such a heart for the children they serve. They are making an impact improving literacy and drawing children into stories. Everyone at Adopt A Class and the mentors who work with them are changing lives. Cincinnati is blessed to have such an organization as Adopt A Class!
I lead a team of volunteers at an elementary school in Middletown OH. We meet with a class of 4th graders once a month. This has been such a rewarding activity for each of us. We look forward to it every month. In March we went on a field trip to the Innovation Hub in Dayton. The children participated in an ideation session which challenged them intellectually and creatively. They also got to see several start-up businesses and students from the Entrepreneurship program at the University of Dayton. The concept of "starting your own business" came to life for them. It was wonderful to see this happen.
I love the opportunity to teach kids via our non-profit Adopt A Class! I've worked with mostly 2nd and 3rd graders and its been an inspiring experience! It’s an incredible honor to serve on the Adopt A Class board alongside our founder Bill Burwinkel and Executive Director Sonya!
My mom thought I was going to be a teacher when I was younger. Instead, I became an engineer. 6 years ago, I was introduced to the Adopt a Class program and became a mentor/volunteer. It's not the same as being a teacher, but I get a chance to work with student and teach them something. When I visit the classroom, it is the highlight of my week! I absolutely love to being part of the Adopt a Class program!
This has been an incredible personal experience and a great way for BGR to give back to the community in such a unique that’s also a lot fun for those volunteering. AAC makes the whole process simple. One hour once a month is all it takes.
Today I shared in the US Coast Guard's monthly visit with their class. I saw these Adopters share their knowledge of the Ohio River and how to contain oil spills. I could see the excitement of both the students and the Adopters as they asked questions and shared expereinces. I imagine, one day one of these students will make a career choice based on this expereince.