My Nonprofit Reviews
c-martin
Review for Collegetracks, Silver Spring, MD, USA
I work with students to navigate the college application process. The majority qualify for free and reduced lunch and are first generation college aspirants and/or english is a second language so help from home is more limited. The subject matter of their essays shows maturity, bravery, and perserverance; they undergo experiences that most of their peers never face. They don't always understand that they are unique in overcoming unusual obstacles. They all understand the importance of a college education. I greatly admire how much they can/have accomplished on their own and with College Tracks guidance. The leverage to society of College Tracks' work is enormous.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Review for Collegetracks, Silver Spring, MD, USA
These high school juniors and seniors are primarily first generation college go-ers and lack guidance at home to complete the process. Their essays are wonderful testaments to the difficulties they have overcome, from homelessness to English as a second language, to working while attending school, to caring for their family members while attending school. There is no question that they want to attend college; they just need guidance to complete the process to get there.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the acceptances the students receive for college. Some are local schools becuase they are needed at home, but some are far flung and considerable financial aid packages, some of the packages quite complex.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
encourage more adults to get involved in helping them. the staff does an amazing job on a small budget.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
working with the achievement oriented students and the nurturing and knowledgeable staff.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
informed, gracious, patient, instructive.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
enrich the aspects they already serve, such as providing guidance during the school transition, helping with travel funds or uncovered school expenses, providing mentors or contacts while at college in order to help keep them there.
Ways to make it better...
I were more knowledgeable, but now, 2 years later, I am more helpful to the students.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
meeting the demand by students in underserved areas.
One thing I'd also say is that...
These students can make a real contribution to society. Getting them into college is so important for our society.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Review for Appletree Institute for Education Innovation, Inc., Washington, DC, USA
Apple Tree serves preschool children who are at risk of academic failure in one of the worst school systems in our nation - Washington, DC. The program is so successful that other states have hired them for teacher assessment and review implementation. They were just awarded an Obama I3 grant to take their program to others, and they are still growing their own school size. They opened 2 more sites this fall so their growth rate is strong. One Nobel Laureate economist recommends investment in young children as the best way to improve society; this program gathers hard data to support the program's success and works with and supports teachers in and out of the classroom. It is my highest philanthropic priority. Thank you.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
viewing the classrooms, the children, the teachers, the presentation of the results, and review by 3rd party experts.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
seeing the difference it makes in the lives of at risk children, including that crime is reduced in neighborhoods once the schools are put there.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Caring, nurturing, and smart about education. If a child isn't making progress in an area, they look at another way to teach the subject and have many others whose opinions they can solicit for best practices.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
complete the buildout of 3 schools of 140 students each in underserved areas of Washington, DC, and augment a federal grant which funds the expansion of this program to other schools and geographic areas.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
