This summer marks the end of the third year of the PSC’s Next Generation Scholars (NGS) program. The program, originating from a Maryland State Department of Education grant, provides mentoring, academic support, and case management for students to successfully transition from middle school to high school, and ultimately to college or a career of their choosing. The academic year began in September 2019 with a focus on guiding our 9th and 10th grade students as they explored and developed their academic plans. Our group sessions involved career assessments, goal setting, and creative arts and crafts. As the transition to distance learning took place in March 2020, NGS adapted its college/career readiness focus toward virtual social-emotional and academic support. In order for students to connect with our program and each other, we piloted a laptop distribution program in collaboration with Baltimore City Public Schools that allowed us to provide 11 laptops to our scholars.
Our individual student sessions similarly transitioned. These virtual sessions allowed us to connect students to additional virtual tutoring services, including SAT prep. We continued to meet bi-monthly to build stronger relationships and complete supportive activities together (i.e., Feelings Wheel, Circles of Influence, and Healthy Relationships). As the school year ended and summer break began, some of our students were enrolled in YouthWorks while others attended a variety of short seminars hosted by NGS staff including career prep, college Q&As, and a current affairs discussion group.
