DANBURY GRASSROOTS ACADEMY

Results:  To date, all of our students have achieved a 100% high school graduation rate  Homework completion level and study habits drastically improve during a student’s first semester in the program  After one year in the program, all of our students show significant improvement with work habits, social skills, self-esteem, leadership skills, academic performance, and school attendance  The majority of our students boost reading levels by one level over the summer and by one or more levels during the school year  Our students realize significant advances in math performance and an overall increase in standardized math test scores  All of our participants have gone on to attend college or begin a career  The DGA promotes general health, fitness, and wellness by keeping of students active, fostering the importance of healthy behaviors, and providing healthy snacks. This leads to a reduction in body mass index and improved self-esteem  In 2014, Director, Lauren Dalton, was awarded the Danbury Area Mentor of the Year Award from W.C.S.U. for her outstanding work in mentoring area youth through tennis and tutoring  The 2012 USTA NJTL Program of the Year for New England  Since 2006, over 20 participants have played Varsity High School tennis at Danbury High School, Abbott Tech, Immaculate High School, and Wooster School

Target demographics: instill productive behavior in Danbury’s at-risk youth through education, mentoring, empowerment, self-advocacy, and individualized attention.

Direct beneficiaries per year: Over 50 kids with education, character, tennis, and health and nutrition.

Geographic areas served: inner city Danbury

Programs: After school homework help, mandatory extra reading and extra math work, character development through guest speakers, field trips, health and nutritional guidance, tennis lessons, fitness sessions, Summer Enrichment, and more.