It Only Takes a SPARK
How do you motivate a young person to do well in school if they are uninterested in school? How do you encourage a young person to read more if they have a hard time sitting still for more than two minutes? The answer to these questions lies inside a personal passion for life. We call that passion a SPARK.
We are going into our second year of SPARKS Work at Nashville Inner City Ministry. Last year we began this after school pilot program for at-risk high school students because we knew we had to respond to the overwhelming need to assist young people in their educational development. This mentoring program is designed to connect each student with their spark in life. Weekly discussions on practical solutions to problems related to their personal interests focus on giving each teen purpose and satisfaction in life. We connect each students' "spark" to their need to complete school / home work and to increase their commitment to reading, math, and other skills necessary for success in today's high tech society.
Sparks Work is still very young, and we have some early indicators that are pointing to educational success. Even though there were many struggles, the oldest of our Sparks Work teens graduated from Metro Schools this summer. As students learn to master the skills of time management, reading, writing and math, mentors learn ways to support teens who are struggling with the daily presence of poverty, violence, drugs, and death of family members and peers. This is not easy work, but we believe it creates win-win solutions for all involved.
One thing is clear concerning our ability to help young people achieve in the classroom and in life: we must have more mentors during the times of
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT SPARKS WORKS BUT CANNOT BE A MENTOR RIGHT NOW, HERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO HELP:
1) Donate a new or used laptop that is in good to excellent condition, has an internal wifi modem and current software necessary for school activities - such as Microsoft Office or Open Office. We need a total of 15 to 20 laptops.
2) Donate one afternoon a year to share your story of hope, recovery, reinvention, or success with our students.
3) Invite us to your place of business for a field trip so students can see first hand the careers available to them after graduating high school or a post-high school institution.
4) Donate money by clicking on the link below this line.
5) Tell a friend about Sparks Work. Let's get the entire community involved to make Nashville a stronger, safer place to live.
We thank you for your support!
