Success Stories
Ethan
Ethan is a twelve year old who has some difficulty with learning and has struggled with his self-confidence. Last summer Ethan struggled to get through a full day without losing his confidence, and often got picked up early because his inability to stay engaged and focused.
However, this year Ethan has participated in our Khan Academy program, as well as being deeply involved in our reading buddies as well! Ethan is now completing homework at the club, attending small group reading, and is enjoying quiet reading center time! His mother has commented on the gains he has made, being more social and growing mentally every day. We believe in building up in youngsters like Ethan every day through a positive, affirming environment, where we can give them the chance to learn and grow to their full potential.
Sam
Sam’s a 21 year old staff member who said he couldn’t remember the last time he picked up a book during his free time. In the beginning he thought to drop everything and read was only for the kids, something silly. Now? He gets that him reading a book to the younger kids gives them inspiration and drive.
Sam has grown fond of this daily time, and says that he feels like it’s almost therapy, “…it’s a nice break in the day for me, although I’m still working. We can all just chill and relax together, I think everyone should do this.”
Elyce
Fifth grader Elyce was incredibly shy when she entered ECF a year ago. She had difficulty relating to other students in her group, a result of her being home schooled since the pandemic. She used her laptop to engage in the Education Comes First Khan Academy math program, but what truly drove her education was our reading and music programs. She used her love of music to help her growth in math, and build a lifelong love of reading and writing, which has opened some incredible opportunities for Elyse! Working with BBTM Education thru Music, Inc. has provided Elyse a stage we are all excited to support her on with her talent!
Bethany and Mackenzie
Twins Bethany and Mackenzie reinforce their learning from the school year, preparing them for the challenges of fourth grade ahead. We know they will be well equipped for academic success since they have reached familiar and proficient levels with most of their exercises. Both of these brilliant minds show that they have a grasp of key concepts and skills, alongside their ability to tackle a wide variety of difficult tasks. The work they have done has more than prepared them for more advanced topics and academic demands.
Eva
Eva has faced setbacks, but her journey to success is truly inspiring. She faced bullying, academic struggles, and personal loss. However she is now thriving with the support of her friend Slade, and her caregiver.
At our 5k Eva proudly shared that she’s helping her younger sister with her homework, a massive testament to her incredible growth and leadership. A massive thank you to our partner Education Comes First for contributing to our Reading and Math Enrichment program and making stories like Eva’s possible and helping to #CloseTheGap
Enoch
At the start of the Summer Math and Reading Program, Enoch, a rising 1st grader who was struggling with math, felt overwhelmed by the difficulties of the subject. He was frustrated and sad after counting, he struggled when other kids were succeeding. His parents contacted Education Comes First, and with the help of a grant, we used all of our tools to help his confidence and ability.
ECF ensured that Enoch had a wide variety of education tools available to him, in the education room our educational specialist provided group tutoring sessions where he received the attention and guidance he needed to help his growth. Through this, an educational specialist provided interactive learning materials which helped Enoch begin to gain the confidence to be more bold, alongside interactive and engaging material that gained him confidence in math.
When the end of summer arrived, Enoch’s progress was remarkable. He not only was proficient at his level but was asking for more time in the education room. He has grown a love of learning and wanted to continue growing it. He learned about adding by twos, was able to count to 150, and even was able to learn about subtractions at a 1st grade age.
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