Aspire: Tutoring and Peer Mentoring

Program

WHAT IS ASPIRE?HELPING STUDENTS DEVELOP AND IMPROVE THEIR ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL SKILLS

ASPIREOne-on-one after school tutoring and peer mentoring program

Under-serviced Mississauga neighbourhoods

Kindergarten to Grade 6

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

To improve students’ grades and learning

To foster positive attitudes towards education and the community

To bring children, youth, and families together

CREATING YOUTH LEADERS

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS:

•Community Service Hours•Work experience•A reference•Giving back to the community

WHY ASPIRE?A Place-Based Program

EDUCATION AND CRIME

Poor School performance is a risk factor for involvement with crime

Educational experience has both significant direct and indirect effects on criminality

A PLACE-BASED PROGRAM

We bring Aspire to the community

All-inclusive program

Ensure accessibility to all children and youth

HOW DOES ASPIRE HELP COMMUNITIES?

BENEFITS OF A COLLABORATIVE MODEL

WORKING TOGETHERHELPING THROUGH:

•CollaborativeCommittees

•Community referrals

•True partnerships

Outcomes Measured Indicators Methods

Improvement in school grades and skill development

Improvement in family relationships  Improvement in self-confidence

• Parent reporting• Tutor reporting• Skill development

assessments

• More time spent with children when homework is finished

 • Parent reporting• Tutor reporting

• Surveys• Tutor logs• Student agenda’s• Report cards

• Surveys

• Surveys

Ongoing evaluation is key to success

METHODOLOGY

RESULTS AND OUTCOMESTHE IMPORTANCE OF EVALUATIONS

ASPIREImprovement in: •School grades•Academic skill development•Family relationships

Enhanced:•Self-confidence•Social skills

ASPIRE“The trip to the Ontario Science Centre made the summer for my three children who never get to go on any outstanding trips all summer” – Aspire Parent

“When I first started doing Aspire in grade 9, I had no idea how this would change me as a person. I helped my students do better at school and in return, they helped me become responsible, compassionate and improve my communication.” – Aspire Tutor

Writing Skills Oral Communication0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2012 RESULTS

Perc

enta

ge

HOW ARE THE KIDS DOING?

ASPIRE

IS CRIME GOING DOWN?

2008 2009 2010 2011 20120

50

100

150

200

250

Year Tota

l Num

ber o

f Rep

orte

d Cr

imes YES!

KEY LEARNINGS FROM PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

UNEXPECTED OUTCOMES

HELPING FAMILIES IN A MEANINGFUL

WAY Creating healthy communities and

increasing cultural sensitivity Advocacy on behalf of parents/Navigating

the School System ESL Student support Newcomers and French immersion

programs

ASPIRE NEXT STEPS

Expansion to additional site locations

Third-party evaluation

Parenting workshops