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About Us
MISSION: Building long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth, equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community
In Savannah, a large majority of urban youth lack even one caring adult in their life, leading directly to increased dropout rates, unemployment, crime, and other roadblocks to their success. Elevate has proven effective in changing these trends and transforming the lives of our nation’s youth. Elevate Savannah is being launched using the same model that has been successful across the U.S. to help change the outcomes for students in our city.
What We Do
Accredited Classes
Full time teacher-mentors teach ACCREDITED ELECTIVE high school and junior high classes in public high schools.These classes incorporate 13 vital character qualities and life skills into our daily classroom curriculum through experiential learning, group activities and discussions. These qualities and skills are designed to develop the personal character, leadership abilities and capabilities needed for success.
Mentoring
Teacher Mentors spend 50% of their time mentoring high school and junior high student after school, weekends and throughout the summer. They pay attention to the WHOLE CHILD, discovering their talents, interests and hopes for the future, and then investing in those through activities and time together. Through these positive and caring relationships, students begin to care and invest in their futures.
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Adventure
Elevate students develop teamwork and leadership skills year-round by participating in outdoor activities after-school, on weekends, and during the summer. These programs allow students to build confidence in their own abilities by exploring experiences outside their comfort zone. This adventure component also challenges students to utilize their in-classroom training in practical ways.
College & Career
At Elevate we know that high school graduation day is just the beginning. We provide support to students taking their next steps by assisting with the
Career planning
College scholarships
Admission applications process
Running interview practice sessions
Exam preparation
What makes us unique
Teacher-Mentors representive of students
Teacher-mentors are hired from the community or similar backgrounds, so they can relate to the students and serve as role models.
Cross Age Mentoring
High school students visit a local elementary school each week to to teach the same character qualities and life skills they are learning in class; becoming leaders and role models.
Year-round Programming
Programs are not limited to the school year, but offered year around.
Long term relationship approach
Teacher-mentors work with students from year to year, allowing for a "pipeline" of influence from 2nd through 12th grade.
What Happens When Elevate Shows Up?
IMPACT
Whether you measure it in academic outcomes, lives changed, or the cost savings to society, one thing proves true: the Elevate model is effective. Outcomes from Elevate affiliates across the U.S. show the following results.
90% Graduation
The average graduation rate in urban schools across the United States hovers around the 60% mark. For students who participate in Elevate programs for three years or more, the graduation rate improves to a 90%.
86% Post Secondary
Whether these graduates go on to college, technical training or the military. These students are being prepared for future success and leadership in their spheres of influence.
Character Growth
Along with improved school success, a six year longitudinal study conducted by a third party evaluator shows significant growth in all 13 character and life skill areas. This is the basis for CHANGED LIVES.
Meet the Team
Invest in Savannah
Make an Impact
We wouldn’t be able to run Elevate Savannah without the generous contributions from donors across the globe. Your support has the power to immediately make a difference in someone’s life. All of your support goes towards making a difference, so every penny counts. We look forward to working together and changing the world.
Contact Us
Get in touch with Elevate Savannah to learn more about our work and find out how to get involved. We appreciate your support!
Email:
Phone:
706-829-0152
Board of Directors
Judge J.F. Bass
Karen O’Brien
Judge Lisa Colbert
Christian Demere
Dale Holloway
Paul Meyer
George Oelschig
Dr. Zke Zimmerman
Advisory Board
Cydney Cunningham
Paul Hinchey
Curtis Lewis III
Cliff McCurry
Dr. Paul Pressly
Jay Thompson
Pastor Da’Henri Thurmond
Pastor Thurmond Tillman
Jim Trolinger
Our Status
Early Stages
2018
Formation
2019
Community Launch
Fall 2019
School Launch
Spring 2020
Preliminary discussions started with city leaders about starting an Elevate affiliate in the Savannah.
A board of directors was formed with plans to raise startup funds and hired Angel Sorochak as Executive Director.
Elevate Savannah hired three Teacher-Mentors (Cassie Thompson, Dre Orr, and Kendall Walker) to begin working in the community with students through school activities and community collaborations.
The Elevate course will be taught as an accredited, elective course at a Beach High School in Savannah.