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Programs: Alternative Education Options
The Alternative Education Center is a place for at-risk youth to go when they are expelled, suspended, or have dropped out of school. We show youth that they do have a choice for a positive future; we get them to believe that it is possible; and then we give them the tools and support to achieve their dreams. Full-time out of school program (5 days a week, for 3 or more hours each day) operates during school hours for youth who cannot attend regular school. We have special projects and offer field trips in the evening and on weekends. We also include many speakers and use other drug and alcohol prevention training and information that we have developed in-house. Young people also participate in other academic educational components of our program such as pre-GED, GED, and home school classes.The Center offers an alternative to young people who have little or no likelihood of graduating from the public schools. Through its programs, youth are given opportunities to further their education, to learn a variety of life skills, and to get valuable job skill training. By working through the public school curriculum with the support of caring staff and alternative delivery methods, youth develop the attitudes and competencies needed to move toward a satisfying career. The Center also offers pre-GED and GED classes for students who don't plan to return to school.
In addition to academics, part of the Center's curriculum is community service, where teens learn that they can have a positive impact on others. The youth in our program operate a year-round food pantry which feeds over 300 families a month. The food pantry is one way our students are able to put their skills to use, to be accountable, and to give back to the community.
The purpose of the Alternative Education Center is to provide an opportunity for high risk youth who have little to no chance to gain an education and develop a career plan for their future. We first show that they do have a choice for a positive future, get them to believe in it and give them the tools and support to achieve their dreams.
We use the Botvin Life Skills and Project Alert as part of our life skills training classes. These research-based programs were chosen because they are identified as top priority for the population that we serve.
The curriculum provides intellectual, physical, and social skill instruction. Literacy/reading, mathematics, science, social studies, tutoring/homework help, technology skill training, exposure to the arts, and job preparation are included. Physical development is promoted by sports and recreation initiatives and direct instruction about nutrition, health, and fitness. Emotional support is typically provided by mentors from the surrounding community. Social development involves leadership training and community service.
Pre-GED/GED Program.
For youth who have dropped out of school, Hearts to Nourish Hope offers individualized Pre-GED and GED support. We offer GED classes, job skills, and job placement. Students are grouped by ability. Student groups are generally 12-17 students under the supervision of two adults. Youth in the GED program are never mixed with students in Hearts' Suspension Center. In addition to the GED, participants receive career development training and encouragement to pursue advanced education at the technical school or college level.TABE testing is coordinated with the Clayton County Public Schools.
Summer School.
Grant from the Clayton County Public Schools provides free summer school. Certified teachers. Summer programs are provided for academic enrichment and recreation. Daily progress reports are part of the summer program.
Suspension Center.
In collaboration with the Clayton County Public Schools, Hearts to Nourish Hope provides a Suspension Center so that youth do not stay home unattended and do not fall behind in their studies, causing them to get into a cycle they cannot escape. Young people in the Suspension Center must be dropped off and picked up by a parent or assigned adult; if the youth rides the bus, written permission must be provided by the guardian.
The Suspension Center is run by certified teachers. The curriculum is based on the young people's assignments in their home school. The suspended youth are given assistance in completing their school assignments that we get from their teachers.
The Center is designed to keep 13- to 19-year-old suspended students from falling behind in their studies and staying home unattended. Suspended students not on probation are also welcomed, on a space-available basis. A parent or guardian must attend orientation before the youth can attend a second day.
Schedule: The Center is open from 8:00-3:00 Monday through Friday every day that school is in session.
Hearts to Nourish Hope holds youth accountable for improving their academic skills as well as their behavior. Our staff identify each person's needs and develop an individualized plan. Students are taught life skills and decision-making receiving assistance with their academic studies, and provide community service by helping run a food pantry. The Center's goal is when they return to school, they will not be behind their peers. The goal of the Center is to help youth make better choices, become more successful, and graduate.