I have conducted three sessions with Citizen Schools, using a fabulous program developed for Citizen Schools in a cooperative effort with Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT.)  The amount of growth witnessed in the groups of middle schoolers in my classes has been astounding, the Citizen School objective of the building of basic skills out of the pursuit of exciting subject matter producing resounding success in a short ten week period. I have committed to continue my particiaption.

Citizen Schools is an amazing program that is a real "action tank" for taking full advantage of the opportunity of after school time. They are both doing amazing work with kids directly in their program AND helping to lead the charge with policy makers to ensure that after school programs generally are given the resources they need.

I have been involved with Citizens school as a volunteer and also an observer. This is a program that makes changes in student's lives.  You should just try it once to see it for your self.

Citizen Schools engages community in educating the whole child- not necessarily a new concept  but one forgotten in recent times. The concept of a rounded, engaging 'real' education is about high standards, excellence and nuturing young people into becomming responsible productive and engaged citizens of the world. I am proud to be connected to this work. It is without doubt, a definite inclusion in the top ten ideas in education.

Citizen Schools has built a model that transforms the way citizen volunteers can engage with children.  Focused, practical, and high-impact, the time you spend with a child or a small group of children can be the most rewarding part of your week.  If our goal is to engage more of our citizenry in educating and empowering our youth, we need to turn to organizations that have demonstrated that it is possible for each of us to make a difference.  Citizen Schools leverages our strengths as active adults - we need this organization in every city.

I taught at Citizen Schools and I strongly believe this program does make a CHANGE in low-income children lives.


Best,
Tanya

I was blessed to teach an apprenticeship about yoga and stress reduction at a Citizen Schools. I was truly moved by how well the overall after school program was organized.  I was moved by all of the students motivation to learn. It wasn't easy throughout the 10 weeks, but I learned just as much as I believe the program participants did. The final WOW performance involved middle schoolers teaching yoga to elementary students at YMCA. Everyone was amazed at how well the event turned out. A true life changer for all parties involved!

Best, Armen in Worcester, MA

Last week I saw Citizen's School in action. A group of middle school youth from the inner city presented their work as "apprentices" at the Harvard Art Museum. Their insights on art were insightful and profoundly unique. By providing them this opportunity, Citizen's School not only gave somehing to the youth, but showed how these youth can positiviely contribute to others.

I've worked for Citizen Schools in the past as an Americorps Teaching Fellow and Campus Director, and I think it is an excellent organization that helps creates amazing opportunities for youth.  Not only did I see students develop positively and build academic, teamwork, and leadership skills, I also grew as a professional in the field of education through the work I completed at Citizen Schools.  I still see my former Citizen Schools students and they are excelling!  They still remember their time in the after-school program and reflect on how important it was to them in middle school.  

Citizen Schools engages adults to volunteer with youth, an experience that is extremely powerful, meaningful to all people involved, and a vital part of communities.

My brother and I have been apart of Citizen Schools all our lives coming from middle school transitioning into high school and now into college. The most influencial program i have ever been apart of and the program with the most connections, which come in handy for any situation. When Citizen Schools say they know people, trust me THEY KNOW PEOPLE! If i never entered this program i would not be where i am today. I would have never entered my high school which has been the best option i ever made. Without Citizen Schools i would not have as many references and connections and mentors i have in my life today. Everyone i worked with through Citizen Schools i still keep in touch with today and they are constantly always supporting me and checking up on my family and I. Citizen Schools is a top notch learning experience and i am forever thankful for this program.

I was introduced to Citizen Schools by a old employee of the organization.  I love the programs and vision that was put together for the well-being of our children across the states.  I have been in the education field in two different states the last couple of years and truly more after school help and programs are needed across the board.  I believe this program is trying to do just that.

Citizen Schools has an incredibly unique and comprehensive approach to the real-world situation that actually confronts youth today.  It addresses the pragmatics of key time periods, the need for community involvement, and the need for self-definition among the participants.  It is hard to think of a more well-strategized and executed approach to the core infrastructure of America's youth.

Citizen Schools has truly shaped my life as an individual. It is a program that helps kids become successful in almost all aspect of life. They really focus on practicing the skills necessary to become successful adults like communication skills, professionalism, manners and teamwork. I have been a part of citizen schools since the 6th grade and I am a senior in High school who still looks back on all the wonderful things I have learned. Being an individual who didn't grow up with much money, I wasn't sure if i was ever going to obtain the skills necessary for middle school, high school and college, but, Citizen Schools makes it possible for students to learn, be happy and make new friends with little to no cost. Everyone i have worked with at Citizen Schools is friendly, educated and respectful. They are there to help me whenever I need it and help maintain peace when it's necessary. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Citizen Schools community and I am even more grateful for the priviledge to share my thoughts and experience with others. Hopefully one day this program will spread all around the country so others can experience what this program has to offer.

Citizens Schools has the right idea, a grassroots movement asking those who have  some knowledge, and the wisdom that comes from experience,  to pass it on. Drawing on  the wisdom of the past , we are preserving the future. In my case, I learned farming from a generation of farmers who managed to feed their own community and  the urban areas around them, before agriculture was even mechanized.  That is the wisdom I want to preserve, and to pass on. Citizen's school does that,  asking people to pass it on.

I am an 18 yr old college student who has mentored with Citizen School's 8th Grade Academy for 3 consecutive years. Citizen Schools is such a fulfilling program not only for the students who attend but for people who work and help out in the program. I can honestly say I learned a lot while attending 8th Grade Academy when I was 13, and even when I started helping out at age 15. It made me a stronger person when it comes to things like networking and building connections with my peers and my future.  

Citizen Schools is an inspiring program with huge impacts for at-risk students, at a time in their lives when they are creating themselves out of their potential. It is an incredible opportunity for students to foster their own leadership qualities into the type of influential and positive leadership that will lead their generation in its impact on the world.

Citizen Schools is a powerful program for middle school youth and the adults that support the program. Young and old learn and teach through their association. I have watched the Boston organization grow and spread the word and have been delighted to see it come to New Bedford-- a city and its young people so in need of a self-esteem boost!

As a 6th year coach in the Citizen Schools 8th Grade Academy program, I can say without reservation that Citizen Schools is reaching out and making a positive difference in the lives of the inner city students in its programs.  Whether it is giving students the skills to succeed in high school and beyond or making college a goal that these students expect to achieve, Citizen Schools changes the trajectory of the lives of the students it reaches. 

As a writing coach, I appreciate the fact that the Citizen Schools programs provide an opportunity to have a hands-on impact on Boston students.  As a working professional, I appreciate the fact that the Citizen Schools programs are tailored to make effective and efficient use of the time of non-educators.  As a person whose job requires a focus on results, I am impressed by Citizen Schools' commitment to tracking its students over time to measure objectively (as compared to matched peer groups) the impact of its programs. 

Most of all, I am proud to be a part of such a dynamic and successful organization.

As a former teaching fellow at Citizen Schools, I can attest to the powerful work of this organization. Not only does Citizen Schools equip youth in low-income communities with important skills and strong networks, but it also transforms the adult volunteers and teachers along the way.

Citizen Schools is noteworthy in so many ways but what inspires me the most is its multiplier effect.  Students are engaged as well as their families, their teachers, the citizen teachers who volunteer to share their professional passions and the young adults and others who lead this dynamic program.  It's the power of "it takes a village to raise a child" in modern terms.

I had the awesome opportunity of teaching an apprenticeship at Citizen Schools in Boston and it was a powerful life experience.  I only hope that the students I taught benefited as much as I did.  This truly is a wonderful program.

I've participated in this program. It is a powerful example of how much fun learning -- and teaching -- can be.  At the same time, fun is not only an end in itself but, more importantly, a means to helping students discover and fulfill their potential.

I have had the privilege of working with Citizens Schools for a number of years and am amazed at the power of the idea of the "ciitzen teacher".  I have seen it quite literally change lives.  The explosive growth and success of the Citizen Schools program demonstrate the effectiveness of this idea.  With backing from the White House there would be almost no limit on what can be done to help at risk inner city kids become successful citizens of tomorrow.

I'm constantly amazed by Citizen School's ability to raise the bar of innovation and quality in their work, and in citizenship in general.

Citizen Schools is so much more than providing students with exceptional educational opportunities. They understand the power of linking members of the community not normally involved in supporting children, to opportunities where they can share their knowledge and experience with youth in constructive and creative ways. Citizen Schools builds community around education.

The Citizen Schools program model works. Kids who particiapte get support in their learning, get exposed to amazing careers and people, and are immersed in a culture of achievement that drives them to believe in themselves and work hard. It is a one-two punch of relevance and support that middle grade students seem to enjoy and respond to...Professionals and everyday folks who step in and serve as Citizen Teachers get unique insight to the challenges of urban schools, and see how a relatively small amount of their time, perspective, and their story can add so much to get kids thinking and working towards real goals...

My experience as a National Teaching Fellow was transformative. The young people, volunteers and fellow staff are some of the most hardworking, dedicated and passionate I think I will ever encounter.

I've participated as a teacher for 2 years and worked to get support from my company for Citizen Schools.  It's the right idea at the right time with the right approach - getting the community to help. This is the kind of industry/government/non-governmental collaboration that can get results, and has a proven track record behind it.  Working with and in the schools, Citizen Schools gets volunteers and volunteer companies to give back to the community with their most valuable asset - their knowledge and love of learning.

I hope to see the program continue to grow, and personally will work to keep its commitment to STEM expanding.

What will you teach?

Citizen Schools does an amazing job getting tangible results with kids.  I have seen the program up close and am firmly committed to supporting this great organization.

If every middle school student in America had an after-school program comparable to CitizenSchools, the high schools in the USA, particularly in low-income areas, would brim with motivated, hopeful students. The entire culture could be changed for the better.

I worked my first semester at Citizen Schools this year and it was an experience. The "culture" of CS is to instill and cause young minds to re-evaluate what "academic success" really is and the importance of them establishing themselves and future, NOW!

Citizen Schools is a great program.

Take a closer look and see that it is all about forward movement!

Isn't that what's life all about?!

I volunteered as a Citizen teacher recently. It an amazing program where teachers can get involved in innovative and creative ways of teaching young children things they are passionate about. I really hope this program makes it to national level. It is a fantastic program!

I served as an apprenticeship leader for a Citizen Schools program on Career Planning.  CS is one of the finest educational examples of experiential learning combined with student leadership development.  It can be a key building block for cultivating life skills.

Although Citizen Schools does some interesting work, they are expensive and more focussed on promoting themselves (note their PR jihad to get votes here) than on addressing local conditions and collaborating. It's certainly not a "Top 10" idea.

Boston schools are failing many kids.  Less than 50% of balck and spanish students are graduating from high school.  This is unacceptable.  We need to promote every possible idea for changing this.  Extending the school day is one of those ideas that nees support.
John

I am voting for Citizen Schools.

Citizen Schools is an amazing organization that benefits many under-served youth by placing them in dynamic after school mentoring programs. It mobilizes people from the community, harnessing their talents and giving them opportunities to give back by sharing what they know with kids who might never be exposed to such a myriad of professions.  It is a tremendously innovative and successful program!!!

I have taught ethnic cooking six times with 6th and 7th graders from the Caribbean and Central America.  The quarters are cramped (teachers' lounge) but the food is good and the youth are enthusiastic.  It is wonderful seeing them proud of their own heritage.  BUT, when it comes time to vote for what the youth want to make it is always fried chicken and ice cream sundaes.

I volunteered at Citizen Schools in California. It's a amazing program. This program should get more focus and should be propagated to all cities in the country. The middle school kids in low income neighborhoods involved in these type of programs actually benefit from it. I have seen the transition in the kids and hence was able to understand its effectiveness.

It also helps the volunteers to give back to the community and make a positive impact.

If there was ever a program that deeply wanted students to succeed in life and not simply get by, it was CITIZEN SCHOOLS. In my opinion this program is the leading organization that focuses on the core problems with inner city youth students. One of those core problems around the city youth is that they don't realize that any dream or goal is possible with dedication. Citizen Schools does a fantastic job at allowing kids to think deeply what they want to do in the future by offering apprenticeship classes, and bringing in students from around the city teaching them their specific talent or gift. Citizen Schools helped me realize that I can do what ever i put my mind to and because of their dedication to my college success, i was fortunate to receive the POSSE scholarship; a full tuition scholarship to Denison University. Citizen schools helped me acquire the skills to receive that scholarship. The world needs more programs like this in the world to help the youth see the beauty of the world and all it has to offer.

Recent research in education and child/youth development really supports this approach. See the work of Gil Noam (of Harvard's School of Education) at his Program in Education, Afterschool, andResiliency.  Look for the article in their journal called "The Transforming Power of Adult-Child Relationships."
The only thing I'd add to the Citizen School idea is to make these opportunities to find individual mentors available to kids as part of the daily school curriculum.

Citizen Schools is one of the greatest, new ideas in education. There are not many organizations that recruit mentors, tutors, and citizen teachers to help kids and their peers succeed. This program can really change kids' lives.

I was a citizen teacher back in the late 90s and learned a lot from the middle school girls I taught in a creative writing class.  I was also coached by a citizen school staffer, and really appreciate the commitment and hard work of everyone involved in Citizen Schools.

I was one of the original apprenticeship teachers in the first summer pilot in the early 90s. The power of sharing my craft with middle schoolers reminded me of how mentoring can transform a young person's ideas about what's possible for their lives. this program should be in every school system across America.

Citizen Schools is an organization that WORKS.  It's a place that changes the lives of students, as well as the lives of staff members and citizen volunteers.  I was a member of the teaching fellows program from 2001-2003, and the experience led me and many of my former colleages into teaching- a career that I had never seriously considered before that time.  I still live and work near the neighborhood where I helped to run a Citizen Schools' campus, and whenever I run into my former apprentices, they often reflect on the positive and lasting effect than the program had on their teenage years.  Please help us share this incredible program with other children around the country.

My company Thomson Reuters has sponsored the Citizen Schools program for the last few years.  It has been an awarding program for all of our volunteers and me personally.  For a couple of hours a week, we've all had the opportunity to contribute to the development of children in the Boston area.  

My company Thomson Reuters has sponsored the Citizen Schools program for the last few years.  It has been an awarding program for all of our volunteers and me personally.  For a couple of hours a week, we've all had the opportunity to contribute to the development of children in the Boston area.  

As a long-time youth mentor, tutor, and teacher in the USA, Costa Rica, Cape Verde, and Botswana, I have seen the power of similar concepts.  However, Citizen Schools not only replicates the kind of work that I have been involved in, but takes it to a new level of quality and innovation that produces outstanding results.  This is hands-down the best education idea that I have come across and is truly needed in our nation.  May all 50 states eventually benefit from Citizen Schools!   

This is my first year as a teaching fellow with citizen schools. Citizen schools have allowed me to turn my hobby into an educational tool to reach out to my students in the after school program.

In our apprenticeship, Math in Motion: Origami for Peace, we learned about the art of paper folding, the Japanese culture, and visited the Japanese house in the Children Museum and the Japanese Mall in Porter Square. We created an origami peace tree in our school. During our WOW event, we were able to help promote world peace by sharing their passion for origami and teaching students, teachers, parents, and adults how to fold paper crane. I strongly fell that Citizen Schools is the perfect vehicle to promote social change.

I served Citizen Schools as a Campus Director and was privileged to coordinate and support many Citizen Teacher apprenticeships. This model of engaging students in genuine, structured, hands-on learning opportunities from experienced and dedicated community members is the real deal. Students benefit from access to caring adults and potential career paths. Citizen Teachers benefit from sharing and celebrating their passions and professions. It is a true win-win. This, in addition to the tutoring and the campus culture Citizen Schools brings to fruition, greatly enriched the lives of our young people. I have seen it first-hand and am in full support of the wide-spread replication of the Citizen School model.