St. Charles - Celebrating Our Youth and Families

Education Support Program Students Learn More than Basics

Students participating in the Education Support Program are learning more than the academic basics. They are also learning how to make a positive difference in their community.

Developed and operated jointly by Waukesha County Department of Human Services, WaukeshaSchool District and St. Charles Youth & Family Services, the Education Support Program serves up to 42 youth who are experiencing problems at home, or in the community, and are at risk of dropping out of school. The program offers Alternative Education, Family Counseling, and Life Skills training with the goal of helping youth resolve issues that are interfering with their ability to be successful in school and at home.

In 2002, 100% of all seniors participating in the Education Support Program graduated. Eighty-five percent of all students improved their school attendance. Participating students also improved their reading and spelling scores by 59%, and increased their math scores by 35%.

In addition to the academic successes, students participated in several Service Learning projects including:

Waukesha Memorial Hospital Pediatric Unit - Students held bake sales to raise funds, which were used to buy a rocking chair donated to the Waukesha Memorial Hospital Pediatric Unit.

Waukesha Women's Center Baby Blankets - Students made baby blankets, which were donated to the Waukesha Women's Center, to benefit families in need.

Thanksgiving Dinner - Youth planned and prepared a full Thanksgiving meal at the education center for their families.

Goodwill - Students built a picnic table to benefit persons with disabilities participating in Goodwill's Waukesha programs. Youth participating in the Education Support Program are succeeding in improving more than their academic proficiency. They are also learning the important qualities of working cooperatively to achieve goals and helping other community members in need.