Title
Introduction of the 2015/2016 Ticket to Success Class
Body
From:
Karen Palus, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Donna Nelson, Spirit of the Springs Program Coordinator
Summary:
The City of Colorado Springs and the Office of the Mayor created a new program, Ticket to Success, during the 2012/2013 school year that provided a unique leadership opportunity for local 7th grade students. Since its inception, the program has expanded to also include 8th grade students from multiple middle schools.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
The City of Colorado Springs and the Office of the Mayor created a new program, Ticket to Success, during the 2012/2013 school year that provided a unique leadership opportunity for area 7th grade students. The program expanded during the following school year to include 8th grade students. Students visit City government departments four times during the school year-meeting City leaders and gaining an awareness of various city government careers. In the 2012/2013 session, there were 14 students who participated. In the upcoming 2015/2016 session, we will have a total of 60 students from 6 local middle schools.
City staff worked closely with school counselors to ensure the inclusion of 21st Century Skills and Colorado Common Core Standards for participating students. The Ticket to Success program provides a unique leadership opportunity for local 7th and 8th grade students. At the end of the program year, 90% of the students have expressed a strong desire to pursue a career within City Government. We are happy to report that 100% of the 7th graders who return to their school in the 8th grade continue with this program and we have been asked by the students, teachers, and even Superintendents to continue this program. We are currently working with El Pomar and the Pathways Program to connect our Ticket to Success students from the 9th - 12th grades.
Financial Impl...
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