Raising Expectations

Struggling Edina High School students get the opportunity to alter their futures through the STRIVE program.

Eduardo Ruiz graduated from high school last summer. What makes Ruiz different from most of his fellow students? He is the first person in his family to graduate from high school. What makes him even more unique is his entrance into college life this year, in large part because of the STRIVE program at Edina High School (EHS).

Not everyone is accepted into STRIVE—short for Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education. Launched in 2009 as a partnership with the local Rotary club, the program initially targeted 58 juniors and seniors with grade point averages below 5.0. “The program is successful because the student wants to be and do something different than what they are doing right now,” says Heidi Howard, dean of students at EHS and one of the organizers of the program.

After referral by a counselor, an application, a guardian’s signature and an interview, 12 young adults kicked-off the first year of STRIVE. They, along with their guardians, agreed to focus on academics, attendance and behavior. “Most of these kids are at risk of not graduating,” explains Howard. “They may have never had success in school, or not for a long time, but they all have in common coming to a point of courageous decision.”

These students face their fears of failure as a team and, together, raise their expectations—setting long- and short-term goals, and holding one another accountable. “Their progress is measured against the goals they set for themselves,” Howard adds. “Some of them start with a 1.5 grade point average (GPA) and end up with a 4 to 5 cumulative GPA (on a scale of one to12). That’s a great gain. That’s a broken cycle.”

It takes perseverance to break habits that have persisted for years, and STRIVE is designed to support the new endeavors. Students receive academic support on Wednesdays from one-on-one mentors, and input into character development on Fridays. Monthly themes like service, confidence or leadership are reinforced by Rotarians who speak informally to the group. “They might hear from a speaker about interviewing techniques, being an artist or entrepreneur, what it takes to be a good employee, or simply listen to the story of a local lawyer and how he got into his profession,” says Leslie Kreofsky, a mentor who organizes the Rotary connection.

“The hardest thing is to go from where you were, to doing homework,” says Bryan Villacis, a returning senior in the program. “Before, I didn’t do homework—I didn’t remember it. I needed someone else encouraging me. The mentors motivate me so I can finish.” Villacis credits the program with his ability to graduate and says he would never have considered college. Now he hopes to pursue a degree in sports broadcasting within the sport he loves: soccer.

Ruiz also found his “calling” during the STRIVE program. “My mentor helped me get an internship at Fairview Southdale Hospital, where I shadowed a nurse,” he says. “I knew I was interested in medicine but not exactly what in that area.” Afterwards he became firm in his conviction to enter the Normandale College nursing program, with sights set on possibly becoming a doctor. “I am still in touch with my mentor; we text back and forth, she visits me at work, I’ve met her family. I’ll probably be in touch with her all my life,” Ruiz assures.

The high-school-to-college transition is an important focus of the program. “My family is Hispanic and don’t know anything about [college]; they don’t know English,” Ruiz shares. “I would have just blown it off.” Howard explains that a continued lack of success during a school career often translates into a sense of feeling overwhelmed. “Mentors don’t come with a lot of baggage. The kids have a chance to make a first impression,” she says. Mentors offer genuine interest, help make professional connections and seek out opportunities for their mentee.

As in any great endeavor, larger goals must be broken down and undertaken in manageable, day-to-day actions. The program reinforces positive patterns of behavior by pointing out and celebrating proven progress at this crucial period in life. “For a small group of students, it is perfect timing,” reflects Howard.

Expectations are high and those who do well in the program no doubt receive incentives like paid internships and college scholarships, but the knowledge of knowing that they are capable of changing the trajectory of their own futures (with a little help from friends) becomes a lifelong incentive.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in an medical situation some day and look up to see a Dr. Ruiz administering a bit of assistance.

AMPERSAND:
For more information about STRIVE, or to learn how to get involved through volunteering and mentorship, visit edinastrive.org.