Launch |
WEDI Educational Programming |
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Launching High School Students Into A Future Of OpportunityFor the first time, we will be Launch-ing our pilot workforce development and career exploration high school program at Lafayette High School. |
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Academic Support |
Soft Skills Development |
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This program is geared towards preparing English Language Learners (ELLs) as well as Students with Interrupted Formal Education not only for their coming years in high school but for life after high school as well. We will work with students on developing organizational skills, studying techniques, writing clear and well-formed essays, etc. |
Our schedule will provide homework help, a hot dinner provided by Buffalo Public Schools, and at least an hour of activity time, which could include, but is not limited to, guest speakers, projects, financial literacy, college prep, and job readiness training.
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Career Exploration |
Meaningful Experience |
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Through partnerships with local organizations like Mission Ignite: Powered by Computers for Children, which will teach students how to build a computer and basic Microsoft Office skills, The Foundry, which will expose students to possible STEM careers, WEDI clients, which will expose students to successful entrepreneurs, and community members, our students will be provided support throughout their four years of high school and will feel ready for whatever career or higher education they may wish to pursue afterwards.
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We will offer academic support, college prep guidance, shadowing and internship opportunities, financial management, and so much more, in order to combat the low graduation rates and job readiness for ELLs in our community. |
The Launch school-year program meets at Lafayette High School, Monday through Thursday from 4:05 PM to 6:30 PM, and follows the Buffalo Public Schools calendar.For more information about participating in Launch, please contact the program coordinator, Courtney Yonce:Email: cyonce@wedibuffalo.org | Phone: 716-364-3988For more information about volunteering with Launch, please click hereor contact a WEDI associate at 716-393-4088. |
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Focused Learning for Youth (FLY)
We designed our FLY Program to meet the specific needs of middle-school students from refugee families on the West Side of Buffalo. FLY students are from various countries, including Burma, Burundi, Ethiopia, Iraq, Nepal, Rwanda, and Somalia. As Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE) and English Language Learners (ELLs), refugee students play an endless game of academic catch-up. Without assistance, many would be lost in a new school system, in a language that is unfamiliar to them, and with new ‘cultural rules.’ With a low student-to-mentor ratio, we provide academic support that helps our students overcome many of the barriers that they face. We conduct our program in English, allowing our students to grow in their ability to converse, write, and read in this language. We provide:
- one-on-one homework help for all academic subjects
- project-based learning curriculum that provides a structured atmosphere, giving way for positive enforcement of pro-social behaviors
- book clubs that work at each student's level to increase their comfort and love of reading
The FLY school-year program meets Monday through Thursday from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, and follows the Buffalo Public Schools calendar. The summer program runs Monday through Thursday 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
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For more information about participating in FLY, please contact the program coordinator, Donna Glasgow:
Email: dglasgow@wedibuffalo.org | Phone: 716-853-9469
For more information about volunteering with FLY, please click here or contact a WEDI associate at 716-393-4088.
ENERGY Literacy for Children
The ENERGY after-school program began as an outreach mission of Westminster Presbyterian Church in 1998 for youth on Buffalo's West Side. The name ENERGY reflects what we value: Education, Nurture, Encouragement, Readiness, and Growth for Youth.
Over the years, ENERGY has evolved into a robust place for children, whose families are refugees and recently immigrated to this country, to develop English-language skills, self-confidence, and cultural awareness. We are united in our belief that these students in grades 1-6 from the Buffalo Schools can indeed succeed! Our English-language learners find the confidence to meet each day, knowing that there are people at ENERGY who will guide them through their academic and social challenges. Engaging conversations over a meal, patient review and repetition during homework time, partner reading, and writing help to develop our students’ language skills. ENERGY children receive a one-on-one experience with trained volunteer tutors and staff.
The ENERGY school-year program gathers Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4:30-6:30 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 724 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209. ENERGY follows the calendar of the Buffalo Public Schools.
Enrollment
If you are interested in enrolling your child in the program, please contact us at 716.393.4088 or awojciechowski@wedibuffalo.org.
Volunteer
If you are interested in reading with children, helping with homework, cooking meals, or leading lessons or activities, please apply here!