YDI-Elev8 New Mexico eBlast April/May 2017
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YDI-Elev8 NM Bids Farewell on High Note!

The YDI-Elev8 New Mexico community school initiative ends its 10-year run on June 30 on a high note.  Nationally, including in New Mexico, hundreds of Elev8 students have benefitted from a broad range of supports, with students' odds of positive academic outcomes higher during periods of Elev8's implementation.
 
"We've been honored to be Elev8's home in New Mexico. The high caliber of the program and staff has been a true gift to students and parents. Without a doubt, Elev8's legacy will be felt long into the future," said Dr. Diego Gallegos, YDI's president and CEO.
 
Though Elev8's benefactor, The Atlantic Philanthropies (AP), completed its grantmaking in 2016, Chuck Feeney, AP's founder, said, "Our grants, now completed, are like sown seeds which will bear the fruit of good works long after we turn out the lights at The Atlantic Philanthropies."
 
Between 54% and 81% of Elev8's students nationally achieved GPAs of C or better. One study found that every dollar invested in Elev8 produced societal benefits of $4.39 through prevented hardships and reliance on publicly funded support systems.
 
Elev8 provides a rich trove of takeaways for community school efforts that follow in its wake. Benefits, said Elev8 principals and school staff, come from staff who deliver resources and supports to schools and from bolstering opportunities for enrichment that students might not otherwise have.
 
An important finding from Elev8's national evaluators: "In (some) schools, an effort like Elev8, which is designed to address the myriad barriers students from deep poverty face when attempting to achieve their educational potential, may require an equally deep parallel investment in school reform."

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YDI-Elev8 Program Staff Transitions

Arnold Ontiveros is program manager for YDI's
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Ready to Achieve Mentoring (RAMP), Elev8 and AmeriCorps VISTA programs.


Katie Hellebust, Elev8's community engagement coordinator at Wilson Middle School , is YDI's RAMP program coordinator.
A Special Thank You to YDI-Elev8's Supporters
Wilson student gives thumbs up.
Photo from Wilson Middle School's website
Numerous partners have furthered Elev8's implementation and accomplishments.  First and foremost, Elev8 is deeply grateful to The Atlantic Philanthropies for its vision and investment in middle and high school success.
 
Also committed to that success have been numerous policymakers, health and education leaders, including principals, teachers and support staff, parents, volunteers, advocacy groups and organizations from across New Mexico.
 
Our heartfelt thanks to all who have boosted Elev8's impact over the past 10 years!

Removing Barriers Takes Many Forms at YDI-Elev8 Schools
West Mesa students model
Mustang Clothing Bank fashions
West Mesa Showcases Mustang Clothing Bank

West Mesa High School (WMHS) students hit the runway on April 13 for the 1st Annual Cinderella and Prince Charming Fashion Show, showcasing clothing from the school's onsite Mustang Clothing Bank, which is part of YDI-Elev8's community school initiative.  

Students modeled donated prom dresses and other items.  "The majority of clothing offered in our clothing bank are brand-new clearance items from Target," said West Mesa's YDI-Elev8 community engagement coordinator, Delma Madrigal.
 
The event was presented by the WMHS English Honor Society, YDI and the Family Resource Center.  Makeup was  courtesy of the Career Enrichment Center.   Student runway models appeared courtesy of the WMHS English Honor Society and JROTC.

In 2015-16, 1,239 items were distributed from the Mustang Clothing Bank, valued at $13,350.  Through March 30 of the 2016-17 school year, 1,842 items have been distributed, valued at $19,458.

Grant Holds Coffee @ the Curb Events

With the Chick Fil-A cow on hand to help, Grant Middle School's staff and students promoted after-school learning, volunteerism and kindness to the
Coffee @ the Curb thanks Grant community
school community during Coffee @ the Curb events this school year. Held as parents and guardians dropped off students at the beginning of the school day, the events were an extension of Elev8's parent engagement efforts. 

Melissa McDonald, Grant's YDI-Elev8 community engagement coordinator, said, " The first time we did it was to advertise our after-school clubs and recruit volunteers to help out our school.   The second time was to launch our kindness campaign.  At both, we focused on thanking our families for being part of our community."  A third event is planned this spring.

Sponsors and supporters are Chick Fil-A, The Range Cafe, Albertsons, Grant's school staff and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students.

Wilson Creates Resiliency Through Community

SpreadLoveAbq and YDI-Elev8 focused on resiliency at Wilson Middle School during the April 8 Creating Resiliency Through Community fair, which featured community resour ces available to youth.  Art projects, music and garden building activities were highlighted, with participants donating more than $1,100 in school supplies to support Wilson's teachers.
Photo from Enchanted Lens Photography
 
"We raised funds, gathered donations for supplies  and generated support for the Wilson Middle School community.  The connections made between organizations will continue to create change and support for youth across Albuquerque," said Katie Hellebust, Wilson's YDI-Elev8 community engagement coordinator.  Plus, she added, "we put countless smiles on the faces of children!"

Nearly 20 businesses and community organizations supported the fair, including Back To Nature, Casa Q, Central New Mexico Community College, DJ StarBuilder from Warehouse 508, Greater Albuquerque National Society of Black Engineers, Making Connections, New  Day Youth and Family Services and  Voter Registration Booth.
 
 
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