Becoming a scholar is no easy feat. It requires strong education, academic training and a love of learning. More than anything, however, a scholar is bred with nurture, affirmation and encouragement from those who see their potential. The Edina Young Scholars Program, which launched a pilot program at Concord and Cornelia elementary schools last fall, is a program designed to foster these three things.
This school year, the program extends into third grade at both pilot schools and will be implemented into three new buildings. This means “five out of our six elementary schools will have the Young Scholar Program,” says Deb Richards, coordinator of Gifted Education Services. The program serves high potential students who might not otherwise have an opportunity to excel. Students from ELL (English Language Learners), free and reduced lunch, and minority backgrounds are among the population groups targeted. “The program has been affirming their ability to learn at a quick pace,” Richards says.
The program’s long-term goal, according to the Edina school district, is for Young Scholars students to participate and succeed in advance placement courses in high school and continue on to higher education. —Katy Ervin
