SSEF is an amazing asset to the youth and families in Sandy Springs. Thanks to SSEF I have personally been able to make an impact through their Reading Buddies and Link with a Leader programs. I am now lucky enough to serve on an extremely talented board helping them with continued growth and impact.
I have volunteered with Sandy Springs Education Force for eleven years and have seen many of our local students benefit greatly from our programs - going from failing multiple classes to graduating from high school, having support through the process of applying to and being accepted to colleges, being exposed to STEAM and other careers, improving their reading scores, having materials they need to be prepared for classwork, participating in free after school tutoring and enrichment activities, and improving skills through math, drone and robotic tournaments. SSEF is a very well run organization with many dedicated board members and volunteers.
SSEF provides after school programs for students who would often be going home alone Not only is it a safe place - it is also a learning place and a fun place. SSEF programs are tailored to meet needs in a particular school with tutoring and special science and art activities to enrich the students lives. Watching students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to work with robotics, drones and conduct other extra science activities I see first hand their excitement. They share that now their vision of what they can do with their future has changed and now they aspire to college or technical schools.
SSEF is a life-line for us here at Lake Forest Elementary. By supplying tutors and reading buddies, they build relationships and skills within our student population. This organization is a tremendous source of materials for our students by providing books, individual hand sanitizer, school supplies, and playground equipment. Every year they reach out asking for more and more ways to support our school. Thank you, SSEF, for all you do for our Lake Forest Family!!
An educational nonprofit with a proven track record of helping at-risk students graduate and lead productive lives, the Sandy Springs Education Force is also a wonderful place to volunteer. With its warm and welcoming staff, supportive business partners, and dedicated volunteers, the organization is first-rate! I began as a community volunteer six years ago and am now a member of the board.
Sandy Springs Education Force provides a wealth of resources to our school. A majority of the students at Sandy Springs Middle School are classified as economically disadvantaged since they qualify for free or reduced priced meals.
This organization provides financial support, resources, and volunteers to help fund a 5 day a week after school program for our middle school stuents. The students have an opportunity to get help with their homework, have tutoring, and receive specific math and reading lessons designed to improve student scores on state level testing. Over the years, the program has proven to improve students scores.
During the second hour of the program, the students can choose an enrichment activity that many may not have had an opportunity to experience. Some of these activities include a Science Explorers Club, a Robotics Club, a Technology Website Design, Sports, Martial Arts, and Hip Hop Music where students learn how to use technology to write lyrics and music.
Sandy Springs Education Force cares about the students and impact education in all 11 schools in Sandy Springs. They are cognizant of the needs of the community and offer support to the at risk students. The organization looks for ways to assist the administration and staff to provide whatever support is needed. These initiatives provide students with the hands on experience with STEM. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) that many students would never have!
Sandy Springs Education Force makes it easy for local schools to reach their goals in serving at-risk youth. SSEF helps schools carry out their own initiatives, providing funding, volunteers, and connections to businesses and other organizations to make student support an almost effortless enterprise. They also bring us innovative ideas and opportunities that allow schools to reach more students, more quickly and more fully than we could without them. They truly help our students with the greatest challenges move closer to success.
Sandy Springs Education Force works to inspire and support all of our students in our Sandy Springs public schools so that they might all graduate and live productive lives. Although Sandy Springs is an affluent community, over 55% of our students in our public schools are economically disadvantaged. We offer programs and opportunities for all students, but particularly, these focused students so that everyone can succeed. We work with community, business and civic organizations to provide these opportunities. Together, we make a difference in the lives of these students every day. It truly does take a village!!
Sandy Springs Education Force (SSEF) is a grassroots effort created to help at-risk, economically disadvantaged students succeed in school and find a meaningful life path. Working with Sandy Springs' businesses, government leaders and other nonprofits, SSEF brings the highest quality programs and resources to our students in coordination with our school administrators. SSEF programs directly support school work and curriculum goals, as well as guide students in making advantageous social and life decisions. Programs include after-school support, mentoring, tutoring, college and post-secondary guidance, reading support and exposure to unique experiences. The SSEF program has been shown to be successful in both statistical and anecdotal reports. At the heart of SSEF's mission is the understanding that when our city's children achieve, our community as a whole flourishes.
Sandy Springs Education Force has created a successful model to bring together corporations and local businesses to support educational programs for the at risk students in our 11 Sandy Springs schools. These school initiatives are requested by our school principals, and executed by volunteers, teachers, business and community leaders. SSEF quantitatively impacts the at risk student population, encouraging students to broaden their academic horizons, graduate, as well as identify and attain secondary education.
Sandy Springs Education Force comprehensively and positively changes our community by improving the future of all of our students!
As past president of the Riverwood High School Foundation I saw first hand how Irene and her dedicated group of board members and volunteers made a real difference in the lives of the Riverwood students and the public schools in Sandy Springs.
At Riverwood, Their grants helped to support graduations coaches for our most at risk students, they supported our award winning robotics team , they provided contacts and were an integral part of our first large scale career fair, they helped fund the costs of college applications for at risk students many of whom were first time high school graduates , they supported our award winning future business leaders program, and provider mentors and speakers when requested.
Being impressed with the importance of their work I'm spending more of my volunteer hours helping them to grow.
Ross Perloe
Sandy Springs Education Force's programs reach those students in our community who need extra support, outside of the regular class setting to graduate and become productive members of society. The involvement in a robotic club, or participation in the after school program which includes tutoring and enrichment activities for these students are is life changingi. Talking with business men and women who have overcome obstacles and hearing first hand that they too can set and attain higher goals and working one on one with volunteers in making and executing plans for post secondary education makes the difference in these young peoples lives. It excites me to see these young people now on great paths to success. But not only does it impact these youth it has a tangibke benefit for our whole community.
Most people think Sandy Springs has no poverty, but over half of the students in our public schools are eligible for free and reduced lunch! The Sandy Springs Education Force is working to help our at-risk students by forming community collaboratives to provide opportunities and experiences these students might not have otherwise. Mentorships, after school programs, literacy, STEM experiences, role models, graduation support, partnering with organizations such as Junior Achievement, Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce and many other public and private partners gives these kids a chance to see a productive, engaged life after high school graduation. Everyone should check out the work being done at SSEF (www.sandyspringseducationforce.org)!! What a great organization!
I was new to Sandy Springs in 2012 and looking for opportunities to give back through education channels. Fortunately I was introduced to the Sandy Springs Education Force and have had wonderful chances to participate and positively effect change in my community. My involvement has ranged from reading to students all the way to conducting science experiments with eager 3rd graders!
I am proud to call myself a SSEF volunteer.
Review from Guidestar