KDP Out Front

KDP and Simon Youth Foundation partner for at-risk students. Across the United States, unique learning centers serve students for whom the traditional high school setting has not worked. So when these students head to the mall, they actually are going to school—and with great success—thanks to Education Resource Centers (ERC) developed by the Simon Youth Foundation (SYF). Now through a KDP and SYF partnership, seven university chapters are planning programs with specific ERC locations. The Eta Zeta chapter at Texas State University launched its area partnership this past semester.

Eta Zeta Chapter Partners with Simon Foundation School in San Antonio
By Nathan Bond, KDP President-Elect and KDP/SYF liaison  

This semester Eta Zeta at Texas State University (TSU) formed a partnership with Judson Learning Academy, a Simon Youth Foundation School 50 miles south of TSU’s San Antonio campus.

As counselor, I initially met with Judson Principal Carolyn Ross to learn about innovative ways that her district provides high school students with an alternate pathway to graduation. After brainstorming several possible projects that would benefit her students as well as my chapter members in their educational pursuits, we decided to focus on tutoring in the areas of math and science.

To generate additional interest in the project, I invited TSU professors who teach math and science methods courses to encourage their students to participate in this invaluable endeavor. Interested students then made their own arrangements to tutor at the Judson Learning Academy throughout the semester. Tim Tesch, one participant in the project, summed up his experience this way:

“The kids were really hard-working, and I felt like I was getting through to them. It was a relaxing and fun atmosphere. I had a very good time.”

More Info for You

Is there a Simon school in your area?

Learn more about ERCs and their success.

Read more about the program through “Using Malls to Reach At-Risk Youth” in the winter issue of the KDP Record.

Seven KDP chapters have volunteered to collaborate with Simon Youth Foundation schools. These chapters are clustered in three different and strategic geographic locations in the United States.

Their work will serve as models for future chapter partnerships in other geographic locations.

For more information about this partnership opportunity, contact Dr. Nathan Bond at NathanBond@txstate.edu.

With fall semester ending, Principal Ross and I reflected on our efforts and began planning for the spring semester. To familiarize ERC students with the university atmosphere and encourage interest in education beyond graduation, we determined that rather than my students traveling to Judson, her students will travel to TSU. The students will tour the TSU campus after spring break, attend a university class, and eat lunch with KDP members.

Additionally, Eta Zeta invited the members of the KDP chapter at Texas A&M–San Antonio to join the partnership, because this is an excellent opportunity to gain educational experience in an alternative school, reach at-risk students, and encourage community and school involvement. The Alpha Delta Omega Chapter has agreed to host students on its campus as well.

Eta Zeta Chapter members recognize and believe in this unique opportunity to build an ongoing relationship with Judson. As the project evolves, we view this partnership as a win-win situation for everyone and look forward to further KDP partnership schools.

  President-Elect Dr. Nathan Bond is acting liaison for the KDP partnering chapters and Simon Youth Foundation and he also serves as Counselor of the Eta Zeta Chapter at Texas State University. For information about establishing a partnership through your university, e-mail NathanBond@txstate.edu.