STRIVE

Rod Carruthers, Creator - Director, Rotary Club Sun Lakes
STRIVE in Rod's Words - Representative STRIVE Activity Links
Phone: 480-895-6912 Cell: 480-363-0414 Email: rcarruthers@cs.com

What Is STRIVE:
A youth mentoring program Sponsored by Rotary for High Schools to ensure that academically-at-risk,
under-achieving high school students stay in school and achieve their educational and vocational goals

The STRIVE Program:
THE STRIVE PROJECT is a youth mentoring program designed to help academically at-risk high school
students complete their high school curricu-lum, and continue advanced education either at a community
college or technical school. STRIVE at-risk students are in the lower third of their class, but have the
intelligence and potential to do college work.
The common needs we have found among at-risk students are:
1) a need for someone to take a personal interest in them;
2) focus and organization in their lives;
3) guidance in establishing short-term goals to achieve long-term objectives;
4) mastering fundamental life-time skills; and
5) continuous mentoring support over a sustained period (6 months).

What About STRIVE:
Dr. Camille Casteel, Superintendent of Schools, Chandler Unified School District:
"Project STRIVE is a wonderful way for citizens to help improve the life of at-risk students. Not only does it make it
possible for these under-achievers to go on to college…but, it keeps them from dropping out of school.
Nicole Rae Martinez, 1999-2000 STRIVE Scholar:
"STRIVE was not only a huge help for me, but a light of inspiration that it was not too late to improve my grades and
get the most out of school. It gave me the burst of confidence I needed."
Mr. Terry Williams, Principal, Chandler High School:
"STRIVE gives students who normally are satisfied with borderline failing grades new hope by raising student expectations
and self-esteem. Some of our students have raised their grades over two grade levels.
Nicole Beagin, 2000-2001 STRIVE Student:
"I never thought a student like me, with a D-minus grade point average, could win a full tuition scholarship for 2 years at a
Community College."
Dr. Fred DePrez, Principal, Hamilton High School:
"It is the caring and encouragement of the mentors, as well as the exposure
to career and post-secondary options, that encourage the students to strive for success."
Dr. Fred DePrez, Principal, Hamilton High School

STRIVE for What?:
For Opportunities . . .
— STRIVE is an opportunity for reaching goals.
— STRIVE is for high school Juniors and Seniors who want to improve their status and future life.
— STRIVE recognizes and rewards qualifying students who demonstrate their desire for success
and by achievement in certain areas
— STRIVE honors participating students who accomplish the requirements of the program
For Goals . . .
BECOMING A STRIVE student means committing to the three A's:
— ACADEMICS -- Improving your cumulative GPA during your junior or senior year.
— ATTENDANCE -- Improving school attendance level and attending monthly STRIVE meetings.
— ATTITUDE -- Having a positive approach to life and learning.
For Rewards . . .
ALL STRIVE STUDENTS who achieve the three A"s will have the opportunity to earn:
— A CERTIFICATE OF MERIT is awarded to all students completing the program ... commemorating their hard work,
dedication and successful achievement.
— The 4-WAY-TEST medallion, awarded by their mentor in a special ceremony.
— SCHOLARSHIPS awarded during STRIVE Student Scholarship night at the High School.
— RECOGNITION at the STRIVE awards banquet for students and parents.

How STRIVE Works:
THE STRIVE PROGRAM mentors students for approximately six months. Students and mentors meet twice each month - once
for one hour at their school-and a second time during a vocational field trip hosted by a sponsor.
VOCATIONAL FIELD TRIPS to key businesses and institutions include: a mentoring session with instruction in lifetime skills, an
overview of the sponsor's operations, a motivational presentation, and an opportunity to talk to employees about their particular
occupations, educational backgrounds, and the education required for various occupations. Students lunch with representatives
of the host company to get a first-hand feel for their business or industry.
Students also get together with their Mentors at the high school to work on STRIVE projects, work out their problems, and receive feedback from their Mentor. The Student's relationship with the Mentor is based upon trust. A close bond usually develops within the first few meetings. What a wonderful experience for the Mentor!
Mr. Terry Williams, Chandler High School Principal views the result:
"I have seen first hand the affects of the STRIVE Program with my students. STRIVE gives students who normally are satisfied with
borderline failing grades new hope by raising student expectations and self-esteem. Some of our students have raised their grade over
two grade levels, while working with their STRIVE mentors. Students have shown remarkable improvement in attendance."

Recognition and Awards:
STRIVE caught the attention of a number of important organizations shortly after its launch six years ago:
— STRIVE took first place honors with the Arizona Commission on Post-Secondary Education for "Best Education Practices"
— STRIVE was recognized by the Chandler Unified School District as "Outstanding School Partner"
— STRIVE received the "Volunteers of the Year" Award from United Way
— The STRIVE program was introduced to members of the National School Board Associa- tion at its Spring Conference in New Orleans.

Scholarships and Rewards:
SCHOLARSHIPS for Community College or Technical School tuition are awarded to two or three students who show the greatest improvement. These are financed by the Sponsors.
Some STRIVE programs offer a small cash award for the student who shows the greatest improvement in attitude towards school, teachers, and the mentor.
After six months of mentoring, the sponsoring Rotary Club can organize an awards luncheon or dinner to honor every student who
completes the program.
Sponsors are given an opportunity to award the scholarships.
STRIVE medallions and certificates can be awarded .

What STRIVE Has Accomplished:
— 60% average increase in GPA for scholarship winners at Chandler High School
— Top STRIVE Scholar increased her GPA from .50 to 3.40 in her STRIVE Year
— 42% average increase in GPA for scholarship winners at Hamilton High School
— 94% of Graduates, in a blind survey, indicated that they planned to go to college
— 100% of Students indicated they liked their Mentor
— 100% of Students appreciated the usefulness of the STRIVE Academic Planner system

For Further Information…
Call or Fax Rod Carruthers
Phone: 480-895-6912 Cell: 480-363-0414
rcarruthers@cs.com

STRIVE Activity Links:
— Banquet April 20, 2001: Dinner - Awards - Awardees1 - Awardees 2 - Sponsors
— Field Trips: Trip 1 - Trip 2
— Awards/Recognition Breakfast
— STRIVE Mentors and Counselors Recognition Lunch 4-29-2004
— STRIVE Initial Training 10-20-2004
— "Get Acquainted" - Colors - 11-1-2004
— STRIVE Motorola Field Trip 11-30-2004
— STRIVE Awards Banquet 4-6-2005
— STRIVE Awards Banquet 4-18-2006
— EVIT Field Trip 2-19-2008
— Annual STRIVE Recognition Banquet April 17, 2008

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