Patfacts Literacy Luncheon – March 10, 2023
February 9, 2023
Saturday School Program
In a transformative collaboration spanning three years and counting, Aspire and Meharry Medical College have created an impactful initiative known as the Saturday School program. Partnering with Meharry’s B.R.I.D.G.E program and Aspire Dream BLDRS, this semester-long program is dedicated to unlocking the dreams and aspirations of Metro Nashville Public School students.
Through a series of workshops, the program not only delves into the students’ social-emotional well-being but also fosters the development of important soft skills, aids in identifying students’ vision, passion, and strength, learning how to collaborate with peers through connectivity and elevator pitches, and introducing students to proper networking etiquette.
This case study explores the impact of this partnership on the educational landscape, shedding light on the journey of aspiring minds within the vibrant community of Nashville, Tennessee.
Our Objectives
Idea
The Saturday School program is a collaborative initiative by Aspire and Meharry Medical College's B.R.I.D.G.E program, fueled by Dream BLDRS. This initiative embodies a visionary approach to nurturing the dreams and aspirations of metro Nashville public school students. This transformative semester-long experience is designed to dive into various key elements that are deemed important for holistic student development. Through a series of workshops, the program addresses social-emotional learning, unlocking the minds of participants to foster a deeper understanding of their strengths and passions.
The curriculum strategically incorporates elements such as vision, passion, strength, connectivity, and networking, which instill soft skills that empower students to articulate their goals confidently. Teaching students how to present elevator pitches served as a cornerstone of effective communication.
By merging these components, the Saturday School program provides a dynamic platform for students to explore, grow, and connect within a supportive community, laying the groundwork for a future where their dreams can flourish.
Objectives
- Enhance students' social-emotional well-being through targeted workshops and activities.
- Facilitate meaningful connections between students, mentors, and industry professionals to broaden their networks.
- Foster a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages students to express their goals and aspirations freely.
- Develop and strengthen students' soft skills, including vision, passion, strength, connectivity, elevator pitches, and networking etiquette.
Highlights
Insights
Conducted in person in the McKissack Middle School auditorium on Fridays, the program emerged as a transformative experience aimed at positively shaping the lives of students who participated. A total of 125 students engaged in the semester-long initiative, dedicating 2 hours each Friday to unique learning experiences.
This diverse cohort comprised 40.3% 7th graders, 34.7% 8th graders, and 25% 6th graders. More than half of the participants were female (53.8%). The program’s success is evident in the overwhelming response from students, with a remarkable 82.4% rating it as a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. These numbers are a testament of the significance of the program, highlighting its ability to engage and inspire.
Impact
The impact of the Dream BLDRS program resonates profoundly as students’ visions and aspirations unfold across 8 major fields. Notably, education led as the most common aspiration, attracting the interest of 26.4% of participants. A striking example is Tyrann Hill, a student from McKissack Middle School, who envisions becoming a school district director and eventually founding his own educational institution. The likes of sports and entertainment closely followed at 22.2%, while business ambitions resonated with 19.4% of students. Beyond career aspirations, the program took a dive into societal concerns, revealing a sharp awareness among students.
In our session on Passion through world problems. An overwhelming 25.7% expressed a passion for addressing violence, showcasing a commitment to community well-being. Homelessness, an issue affecting their immediate surroundings, gathered concern at 23%. This program’s success is shown by the effect it had on the students participating in it. It didn’t just help students grow individually, but it also worked to create a new group of leaders for tomorrow who care about society and have big ideas, aiming to make a positive difference in their communities.
The Dream BLDRS program Closeout was attended by all 125 students, 15 teachers and staff members, and 5 parents.
The program featured partnerships with: Nike, Slim & Husky’s , Nashville SC, and 101.1 the Beat.
Students
Teachers
Parents
Partnerships
Thank you to our partners
