A Different Life - Article in the San Diego Union Tribune April 5, 2008
New: Spotlight on the Outdoor Adventure Club
Imagine arriving to the United States in the 9th grade. Without friends or very much English ability, you would feel pretty left out. The Students Plus After School program aids refugee and immigrant teens in the challenging process of integrating into the American school system. Students Plus is a walk-in voluntary after school program at Crawford High School in City Heights.
Our goals are to
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improve student language acquisition
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improve student performance on standardized exams
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improve student grades
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advocate on the students' behalf
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provide a sense of belonging
Most importantly, we provide a safe place after school where caring and consistent adults are available to help with homework, answer questions about the school day, and offer encouragement.
The program is open to all Crawford students:
The most effective ways to serve refugee teens is via providing academic assistance, enrichment programs, and outreach to parents and teachers. Each school day, an average of 60 students attend the program where they meet with a tutor, complete their homework assignments, and are then free to participate in any of our scheduled activities including
| College Visits |
High School Exit Exam Prep |
| SAT Practice Tests |
Garden Club |
| Sports |
Outdoor Adventure Club |
| Chess and Checkers |
One World Youth Project |
For the most recently arrived students, two levels of English as a Second Language classes are taught after school. The extra hours of English instruction in a relaxed and teen friendly environment pushes these students to acquire language skills more rapidly. Fun field trips and incentives for reading keep the young people coming back day after day!
For more information about the IRC's Students Plus program, and to find out how you can get involved or volunteer, please contact:
Christina Piranio
Youth Program Specialist
Phone: (619) 641-7510 Ext. 256
E-mail: christinap@theIRC.org
Click here for information on volunteering with IRC
Crawford School Garden Website (award winning: Best of Show at the San Diego County Fair!): www.crawfordgarden.org
Link to photo essay on the Students Plus Girls Basketball Program
CLICK HERE to view video of the Students Plus Girls Basketball Program
