Mission: Beyond Basics works to change the destinies of students’ lives by guiding and supporting at-risk children in grades K-12 through literacy, literacy-enrichment and community partnership programs.
Through intensive one-on-one tutoring by trained staff, we get children reading at grade level in just six weeks.
Target demographics: Beyond Basics works to help at-risk youth develop in mind and spirit—nurturing their abilities, self-confidence and the impact that they will one day have on their communities.
Direct beneficiaries per year: 7,451 students (including students in Brazil, India, Philippines and South Africa through the Beyond Basics International Art & Writing Project).
Geographic areas served: Public schools in Detroit and Pontiac. Our reach extends internationally through the International Art & Writing Project.
Programs: -- “Read to Rise” reading program: We provide one-on-one, intensive, on-site tutoring services to students in grades K-12 during regular school hours. Our students work with a trained tutor for one hour sessions on a regular schedule, promoting trust and consistency. This gives students the opportunity to focus on learning, without the distractions of overcrowded classrooms or disruptive home environments. The program also involves a large number of volunteer mentors or “Reading Buddies,” who assist the tutors by reading to or with the children to help hone their reading skills.
-- Expanding Horizons: In addition to tutoring, we provide a variety of experiences – art, writing, field trips, cultural and professional programs – to help students develop a multitude of tools for future success.
-- The International Art & Writing Project: Through use of art and writing, this program reinforces literacy, encourages creativity and fosters students’ awareness and understanding of each other and the world around them.
This company truly cares about the academic success of children. My students absolutely love the program, services, and volunteers. The publishing center is one of my favorite activities. The center provide students the opportunity to publish their own stories, and take ownership for their writings. In the past my students would take turns reading their stories. We often used their stories to further develop their writing and comprehension skills. In addition, some of my students have made significant gains with their fluency and writing skills. To conclude, increasing student development is vital in education. As educators we strive to meet the needs of all students, and with the support of Beyond Basics I feel we continue to move children forward.
Earlier this school year Mrs. Pamela Good came into my office and expressed a desire to bring her organization Beyond Basics here to Finney High School. She shared information about her program and that customarily they tutor and mentor students on the elementary level. My first thought was that Beyond Basics may not work with high school students. But fortunately I decided to give it a chance. Well only four months later, the Beyond Basics Team has become an immeasurable member of our school family. Dozens of students have received one-to-one Reading help. We have launched a school newspaper and our students have heard from two corporate VPs, a Division 1 Athletic Director, an Astronaut and the Mayor of the City of Detroit. Most importantly the unique support that the Beyond Basics Team brings to our school is totally funded by community without any financial burden on the school or school district.
