Student Services and Federal Programs Information Item

DATE:	Tuesday, February 15, 2011
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Recognition of the AmeriCorps Volunteers Serving the Hillsborough County Graduation Coach Program (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In the fall of 2010, the Hillsborough County Graduation Coach (HCGC) program was launched utilizing AmeriCorps volunteers.  The HCGC program was implemented as an outcome of the 2009 Graduation Pathways Summit and offers longitudinal support over a period of three years to elementary through high school students in the Leto High School cluster which include:  Alexander, Cannella, Crestwood, Morgan Woods, Tampa Bay Boulevard and Woodbridge Elementary Schools, Pierce and Webb Middle Schools and Leto High School.  The HCGC program utilizes seven AmeriCorps volunteers to work collaboratively with site-based personnel to identify and provide early intervention services to 175 students who are at risk of dropping out of school.  Each AmeriCorps volunteer being recognized will serve a one year commitment as mentor, advocate, and ambassador for each student on their case load.  This will ensure that at-risk students receive the support and services needed to achieve academic success and graduate with their cohort class.  Not only are they building a model that can be replicated to other parts of the district in future years, they exemplify volunteerism and service to the community.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  No)
This agenda item is for recognition and has no financial impact on this district.
EVALUATION
SUBMITTED BY:  Elsa Tuggle, Director, Student Services and Federal Programs Velia Pedrero, Supervisor, Parent/Family & Community Involvement

		Gwendolyn L. Luney
		Assistant Superintendent, Student Services and Federal Programs (813) 272-4879
		C 09
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20110215_453 (Board Recognition Meeting) * Section C Item# 09