KHS Student Success Center Receives Generous Contribution from AT&T!
article by Meagan Ziegenfuss
In its three years of operation, the Student Success Center at Kingston High School has become a beacon for students looking to pave a path for their future. In collaboration with Family of Woodstock, this peer-led program trains and hires student mentors to assist fellow classmates with everything from college applications and employment skills training to homework help and tutoring. Now, the Student Success Center is receiving a boost from AT&T in the form of a $35,000 contribution! The AT&T organization has been a long time investor of programs that promote a socially innovative approach to college and career readiness and allow students, regardless of barriers, to achieve academic success.
“AT&T is proud to support Family of Woodstock’s Student Success Center to provide academic and programming support to some of Kingston’s most promising, but sometimes vulnerable students,” said Marissa Shorenstein, president of AT&T New York. “AT&T is committed to investing in the future success of our youth by partnering with community organizations like Family of Woodstock-organizations that give students the tools and support needed to graduate high school and obtain the skills required for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
In addition to continuing the efforts of the Student Success Center, Family of Woodstock will once again team up with Kingston High School to launch a new peer-led initiative, the Kingston Youth Leadership Council. The program will train high school students in leadership skills and give teens an opportunity to have a voice in their community.
“Family is deeply appreciative of the ongoing support given to our Student Success Center program by AT&T. As a result, the program has been able to help many Kingston High School students to focus on their future beyond high school and apply for aid to continue their studies,” said Michael Berg, Executive Director of Family of Woodstock, Inc. “We are excited at the prospect of developing a youth leadership program with the City and Kingston High School which will give our youth the opportunity to express their views on community issues important to them and their peers.”
Mayor of Kingston and KHS graduate, Steve Noble offered his support of the program. “As a mayor, this is exactly what I want to see-neighbors helping neighbors, youth helping youth. It’s a great opportunity for us to be able to work together with the City of Kingston, Family of Woodstock, and the AT&T foundation to be able to really make a creative, innovative program here at the high school and its been a really great success the last couple of years.”
The donation comes as the Kingston City School District is planning and refining the budget for the 2016-2017 school year. Creative partnerships, grant-funding, and monetary awards for innovative programming are an important part of balancing the school’s annual budget, as the KCSD continually seeks to provide the best education for students while keeping in mind the need for taxpayer relief.
“We’re thrilled to gain national recognition for this program,” said Superintendent Dr. Paul J. Padalino. “This award shines a spotlight on one of our educational best practices, and I am very proud to host it here in the KCSD.”
https://www.kingstoncityschools.org/news.cfm?story=114485&school=0
article by Meagan Ziegenfuss
