New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School Since Hurricane Katrina, a lot of kids in New Orleans have had access to only the most basic core classes.  Many schools still lack funding to provide more advanced science and arts classes.  The result is fewer opportunities for students to explore the arts and sciences and prepare themselves for their college educations and careers.     That’s why Operation Kids is raising money for the Professional Electives Program at New Orleans Charter Science & Math High School (Sci High).

This program provides opportunities for students to pursue a depth of study that is generally not available in Orleans Parish public schools, including geology, environmental science, computer literacy, engineering and robotics, fine arts, and film and photography. The program furthers the real-world application of elective courses by engaging community members, professionals whose careers and expertise relate to the content of these elective courses, and partnering them with Sci High teachers. The teachers integrate the professionals into their lesson plans, allowing students to learn new skills, interact with caring adults, and learn about future career opportunities. These adults are seen as teachers, role models and mentors. 

 Students graduating from Sci High display excellent levels of academic achievement.  One reason for that is access to professional electives.  Won’t you help provide those opportunities to Sci High’s newest students? 

The Sci High project is part of our “Operation Kids: Rebuilding Dreams in New Orleans” campaign.  Working with New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees and his Brees Dream Foundation, Operation Kids has committed to raising $1.9 million to rebuild and restore children’s programs and facilities in New Orleans.  These include parks, playground facilities, academic programs, child care facilities, after-school programs, mentoring programs and athletic facilities.   

It’s now been a little more than a year since the announcement, and thanks to your help, we have raised $1.6 million and completed several projects. So we’re not done yet!  We really need your help with this project:  We want to raise funds for these programs by October 1, so they can be available throughout the school year. 

We hope to raise $20,000 from people who want to help in New Orleans. Every dollar raised is needed, and every dollar used is well spent.  That’s our promise. Won’t you help?  For more information on Operation Kids’ New Orleans rebuilding projects, visit www.operationkids.org/accountability.html