The SPIRIT Educational Program

A collaborative program in urban education

What is SPIRIT?

SPIRIT is an educational enrichment program serving over 100 students annually from Providence, Pawtucket and Central Falls, Rhode Island. In its 25^th year, it is now under the umbrella of Blackstone Academy Charter School Inc. SPIRIT serves students from approximately fifteen schools in addition to those who attend Blackstone Academy. The College Crusade, Blackstone Academy, The Central Falls School District, UCAP, Lincoln, Moses Brown, and Wheeler School are continuous supporters of the program.

The purpose of SPIRIT is to help students improve their chances of finishing high school and go on to post-secondary education

Why was SPIRIT formed? What is its history?

SPIRIT was incorporated in 1984 after lengthy discussions between superintendents of the public school districts and the headmasters and headmistress of Lincoln school, Moses Brown School, Providence Country Day School and The Wheeler School. The superintendents were concerned about the unacceptably high drop out rates in their districts and the headmasters were both willing and anxious to serve a group of students that do not attend their schools in large numbers. Most of the original partners are still involved with SPIRIT. SPIRIT was its own private-non-profit organization, was a part of Rhode Island Youth Guidance Center for 10 years then became part of Blackstone Academy when SPIRIT leaders and teachers formed the school in 2002.

How does SPIRIT work?

SPIRIT works primarily with rising 8^th-10^th graders from those public school districts that have the highest drop out rates and from schools which serve some of the poorest students in the state. SPIRIT targets this age groups because it is during the transition from junior high to high school that most students dropout  or begin to make the decision to drop out. Students are recruited by visits to the local public schools in the late spring (application attached). Acceptance is on a first come, first serve basis with the stipulation that 75% are members of the College Crusade of Rhode Island (link).

SPIRIT accomplishes its goals by exciting students about learning and their future. In a six week summer program hosted by the independent schools, SPIRIT runs an enrichment program which breaks away from schools as usual and which concentrates on the life skills of reading, writing and speaking-skills in which many of these students are most deficient. Students work on a project based curriculum and produce a book on the summers topic. Past topics have included “Water in Rhode Island,”  “Neighborhoods,” “Food,” and “Travel and Tourism to name a few. Aside from the project, the students go on field trips and take part in a variety of afternoon activities such as sports and games, dance, drama, art, newsletter, cooking and computers.

During the school year, SPIRIT runs a follow up program for the students which includes twice per month Saturday Academies, college visits, a mentoring program with college students, school visits, workshops, tutoring and counseling referrals.

What are the results?

Nearly 90% of SPIRIT students report increases to their academic and interpersonal skills after their summer at SPIRIT. Over 85% graduate and go on to higher education. SPIRIT students tend to join other organizations that assist them throughout high school and college. Several SPIRIT students have been given scholarships to attend the sponsoring independent schools. SPIRIT alumni have become teachers, lawyers, accountants and social workers. SPIRIT leaders and teachers have developed two schools: UCAP( The Urban Collaborative Accelerated  Program) in Providence and Blackstone Academy Charter School in Pawtucket.

Who funds SPIRIT?

It has taken a variety of funding streams to keep SPIRIT going and always a mixture of public funds, private funds, individual and foundation funds. The biggest donor to SPIRIT is the College Crusade of Rhode Island through the use of federal “Gear-Up” funds. Seventy –five percent of participating students are members of the College Crusade. Consistently maintaining cash and in-kind support are Blackstone Academy, Central Falls School District, Lincoln School, The Wheeler School, and UCAP. Students and parents contribute annually during the summer “Serveathon.” Several foundations have given to SPIRIT including The Providence Shelter, Nordson, The June Rockwell Levy Foundation, and John Clarke Trust to name a few.

Contact us: Program and Academic Coordinator Al “Doc Augusta” (401) 831-0062 or Director Carolyn Sheehan This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Pdfs:

The Summer 2007 Student Book of Writing

The Summer 2007 SPIRIT Newsletter

SPIRIT Application

The SPIRIT Staff

Saturday Academy Schedule

Links: College Crusade of Rhode Island

UCAP, Moses Brown School, Lincoln School, The Wheeler School