Operation Xcel Promoting Excellent Communities Education & Leadership

Programs: Operation xcel serves students at two locations, in stokesdale and in high point. Most students come from low-income backgrounds and have various other factors in their life that have left them labeled as at-risk students. We are passionate about giving our students and families all the time, resources, support, and encouragement they need to have the same opportunity to attain their goals as any other student. We partner with local schools to identify students that could benefit from our program. We currently serve students from eight different schools in three different counties, primarily guilford county. Operation xcel offers our services free to our families. As we continue to grow and provide our services to more students and families, we are seeking new partnerships to support our programming which includes the following:operation homework is an academic enrichment program emphasizing math, reading, and science enrichment, homework completion, test preparation, social skill building, and the establishment of effective study habits. Through partnerships with parents, students, and school personnel, we work to establish a successful plan for each student. Each day, students receive academic assistance with homework, specialized skill building determined by individual needs, hands on enrichment activities in science and math, and social skills/character development. Operation saturday academy, in partnership with shield mentoring, offered interactive workshops, team building exercises, and leadership development. Monthly, youth and adults focus on a specific theme, such as goal setting, decision making, conflict resolution, effective communication and teamwork. This teen mentoring program provided an opportunity for youth to develop leadership skills and a personal plan for success through fun, interactive, technology-based learning sessions with peers. The shield mentoring model is a life-changing professionally managed, year-long leadership building intensive program focused on four-stage sessions: strengthen, help, inspire and encourage leadership development. Shield specializes in the integration of group mentoring, online mentoring and peer mentoring, which enables youth to receive greater positive influences from more than one individual. Operation 3 steps ahead is a summer enrichment program offering academic rigor and enrichment in fun and exciting lessons that are relevant to real world situations. All children were assessed and placed in level appropriate reading, math and science classes. Certified teachers and specialists with specific expertise staffed classes. Students completed post assessments at the end of the summer to measure growth in reading and math. Students focused on academic work in the morning hours and then had extracurricular activities in the afternoons after lunch. Activities included science and math enrichment, educational field trips, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games, guest speakers and off site recreation such as swimming. Breakfast and lunch were provided. This past year (2014) we served 135 students. Teacher surveys showed the following evidence of increased academic performance, students coming to school motivated to learn, and volunteering for extra credit or more responsibilities. 100% of teachers surveyed cited improved academic performance. 75% of teachers surveyed cited improvement in students motivation to learn. 63% of teachers surveyed cited improvement in class participation. 100% of teachers surveyed cited improved academic performance. 75% of teachers surveyed cited improved homework completion to their satisfaction. 63% of teachers surveyed cited improvement in turning in homework/projects in on time. 75% of teachers surveyed cited students maintained or improved their class attendance. 88% of teachers surveyed cited students maintained or improved on volunteering for extra credit/more responsibilities. For the 2014 summer program, 95% of students showed growth in one or more area in reading (word recognition, accuracy, rate, and comprehension)operation xcel built relationships and attended community events regularly, arranged presentations and outreach at area schools, businesses, and local youth groups, and created marketing materials for distribution. Promoting operation xcel at parent nights, athletic events, pta meetings and volunteer outreach events within participating schools provoked the attention of area companies, community organizations, and individuals. We will continue,and increase staff trainings, and attendance at invaluable state-wide conferences such as synergy. These activities have created a firm foundation for operation xcel to build upon, and increase our organizational capacity.