OUR PROGRAMS

The Challenge Program

The Challenge Program Goal: Reinforce students’ academic progress, pride in learning, pride in their heritage and communities, and to enhance each student’s potential to graduate from high school, go to college and become active, contributing leaders of their local and global communities as thriving adults.

Challenge program is comprised of three core programming components.

Challenge Achieve – an innovative classroom‐based, for‐credit education program designed to close the educational achievement gap. The Challenge Achieve program is designed to operate within a host school’s internal systems: the Challenge Achieve instructor works closely with school administration, teaching staff, counselors and social workers to maximize opportunities and academic achievement of Challenge Achieve students. Students enrolled in Challenge Achieve participate in a program curriculum that includes reading, writing, math, cultural awareness, arts, health and nutrition, and “Circle,” which teaches youth leadership and teamwork skills, problem solving and relationship building skills. Challenge Achieve was designed specifically for youth and young adults of color at risk of failing or dropping out of school.

Challenge Freedom School Extension – While the Challenge Achieve in‐school program has always included after‐school activities including academic tutoring from the Challenge Achieve instructors and collaborative partners and “fun” activities focused on leadership achievement, the Circle of Discipline this year formalized its after‐school program. Through a partnership with the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) and its Freedom School Initiative, the Circle’s after school program now includes an enhanced academic enrichment reading curriculum and additional trained mentors to ensure a 10:1 instructor‐to‐student ratio. The Circle’s after‐school program is now the Challenge Freedom School Extension.

Challenge Elite – Young adults selected to participate in the Challenge Elite program have achieved significant body, mind, and spirit goals for themselves and are ready to take the next steps to transitioning into adulthood. Challenge Elite provides invaluable community leadership opportunities, experience, and training to become future non‐profit leaders or leaders in their chosen career field. Opportunities for young adults accepted into this program include internships with local businesses, internships within the Circle itself, opportunities to participate on community neighborhood committees, to meet with legislators, to participate in the Circle’s Toastmaster’s program, and more.