“When we first saw these effects, we thought, wow, can this be right?” said Sara Heller, a University of Chicago researcher. She was speaking on the Freakonomics Podcast on September 9th.
”In the first year, we saw a 44% drop in violent crime arrests and a 36% decrease in non-violent crime arrests and an increased school involvement that is predicted will lead to a possible 22% increase in graduation rates.”
In 2013, the state and city governments asked the University of Chicago to conduct randomized, double-bind research into what, if any, of their crime reduction and success promotion programs in the Chicago public school system were actually working. Some of those programs included mentoring, job training and even direct payments for scholastic achievement.
The results: almost no measurable reduction in arrests and no measurable increase in scholastic achievement.
No measurable results from any approach except one: group coaching.
The kind of coaching that sought to do something previously thought to be almost impossible – changing behavioral patterns through cognitive process assessment. In other words, setting up scenarios and getting students to discuss and evaluate their automatic response and other possible responses that might result in better outcomes. The groups almost bear a resemblance to cognitive behavioral therapy – an approach to therapy that focusses on behavioral change through self-examination and discussion. CBT has been shown to be successful with treating depression, addiction and other difficult problems, but that a version of this approach by non-therapists could be that effective was a result that was unexpected.
It wasn’t unexpected to our team of coaches. For over 3 years, StudentReach has been using that approach with groups as varied as leadership students, continuation school students, gang-affiliated young men, Afghan and Somali refugees, and homeless students. Combining weekly group discussions and coaching with other relational activities has been an amazing way to reach some of the most difficult and seemingly unreachable students.
One of the most surprising results of the study was that with programs ranging in cost as high as $15,000 per student per year, the group coaching/CBT model was the cheapest by far – about $1100 per student.
StudentReach has presented school assemblies to over 1,000,000 students and taken over 5,000 on summer volunteering trips, but when we decided to start coaching students in small settings of 5-10, we were surprised at how effective it really was and how rewarding seeing real change in the lives of these students really was.
To listen to the Freakonomics podcast, go to freakonomics.com
To learn more about ALIVE coaching on our Student Coaching page.
KFBK Hometown Hero Interview
On October 28th, 2016, we were honored to be featured as part of the KFBK “Hometown Hero” segment. Thanks to KFBK and all our supporters for believing in us and the students we serve.
www.studentreach.org/donate to help us reach more students
PAINFUL PROGRESS IN THE BAY AREA – Feb 11, 2016
emotions rising up within me with each step. Hearing reports of at least 16 girls being rescued, just from the books we were passing out is the tip of the iceberg, however those girls are now in a safe place. They are getting the help the need.
Our time was spent, between, the assemblies during the day, passing out “missing” flyers at local hotels (which there are about 10,000 hotels, most of the places were really scary) and walking the streets till 2am. We made a difference and we couldn’t have done it without our partners.
At our last assembly, the principal got up after the assembly and told the students how serious this issue was because just last year the school had lost three girls to this issue. It brought the assembly to a whole new level of seriousness. This issue is everywhere.
Thank you for your help and support, we did this!
Karl Hus
Intern Director and Trip Leader
Karl@studentreach.org
How Giving Changes Your Life – Nov 4, 2015
In October StudentReach recognized the best of our students, as Guests of Honor at a fundraising event we held for the Sacramento community. Our students told of how StudentReach has been apart of their life changing experience. One of those students was King.
King first started coming to Baja with StudentReach in 2012. He was one of our first life coaching students at a school that we’ve worked with for 4 years. King, decided to come on the advertised Baja trip to build a home for an impoverished family. His ability to speak Spanish and confidence to translate at such a young age was invaluable in Baja. After returning home he continued in our life coaching program and soon after graduated from high school. His work did not end there.
King has been apart of 8 house builds with StudentReach, and is now leading students at his former high school to success. He truly is, a shining example of why we push our students to give back.
Baja isn’t always about the people we are building homes for, many times it is for ourselves. Maybe you have been changed by a trip to Baja, like many of the students we work with have.Giving changes us to do more and be better in life.
These Shocking Results Were No Surprise To Us – Sept 21, 2015
“When we first saw these effects, we thought, wow, can this be right?” said Sara Heller, a University of Chicago researcher. She was speaking on the Freakonomics Podcast on September 9th.
”In the first year, we saw a 44% drop in violent crime arrests and a 36% decrease in non-violent crime arrests and an increased school involvement that is predicted will lead to a possible 22% increase in graduation rates.”
In 2013, the state and city governments asked the University of Chicago to conduct randomized, double-bind research into what, if any, of their crime reduction and success promotion programs in the Chicago public school system were actually working. Some of those programs included mentoring, job training and even direct payments for scholastic achievement.
The results: almost no measurable reduction in arrests and no measurable increase in scholastic achievement.
No measurable results from any approach except one: group coaching.
The kind of coaching that sought to do something previously thought to be almost impossible – changing behavioral patterns through cognitive process assessment. In other words, setting up scenarios and getting students to discuss and evaluate their automatic response and other possible responses that might result in better outcomes. The groups almost bear a resemblance to cognitive behavioral therapy – an approach to therapy that focusses on behavioral change through self-examination and discussion. CBT has been shown to be successful with treating depression, addiction and other difficult problems, but that a version of this approach by non-therapists could be that effective was a result that was unexpected.
One of the most surprising results of the study was that with programs ranging in cost as high as $15,000 per student per year, the group coaching/CBT model was the cheapest by far – about $1100 per student.
StudentReach has presented school assemblies to over 1,000,000 students and taken over 5,000 on summer volunteering trips, but when we decided to start coaching students in small settings of 5-10, we were surprised at how effective it really was and how rewarding seeing real change in the lives of these students really was.
To listen to the Freakonomics podcast, go to freakonomics.com
To learn more about ALIVE coaching on our Student Coaching page.
These Adults Were Acting Like Teenagers So We Taught Them A Lesson – Sept 14, 2015
“Why would students sit in a class after sitting all day in class at school?” – Matt James
Matt attended our A.L.I.V.E. Life Coaching seminar this weekend to get that exact question answered. During Session 1 of the A.L.I.V.E. Seminar we were able to bridge the gap between students and adults as we had the adults sit in our week 1 coaching session.
We didn’t change a thing – we spoke to them just the same as our students to help them see exactly what would be experienced and see the level of communication we try to achieve. “We want to be as genuine as possible” said Coach Mason Gizard to his class of adults.
During Session 2, as the attendees moved from participant to coach, it became clear that the curriculum is intended to be much
more of a conversation between the coach and their students then a lecture. “I would rather have a student interrupt me then no one be talking” said Coach Raquel Shipp during training.
The Life Coaching material is intended to keep the facts interesting and the stories applicable. One of the adult leaders blurted out “Oh this is fascinating!” as she was reading through her coaching section in front of the group.
The A.L.I.V.E. seminar was designed to build relationships with administrators, teachers and adult volunteers and hopefully create new Life Coaches. We accomplished this goal through the exact same process we use to build relationships with our students.
Stories were shared, there was lots of laughter, and people became vulnerable which together helped build relationships quickly.
This is why students are willing to come sit in a group, in a circle of chairs even after hours in the classroom. We don’t sit in rows staring at the front; we circle up, engage and build relationships in order to speak truth into the lives of students. Matt and many other adults left the A.L.I.V.E. Seminar with the tools they need to succeed as coaches; just as students leave Life Coaching with the tools they need to succeed in their life and future.
For more information on how you can implement this program at a school in your community contact us today!
9 YEAR OLD IN DISTRESS AND THEY CHOSE TO WALK AWAY
Mark described Ellison saying, “She was so bad she was wonderful, she had a really vulgar mouth, she was brilliant.” Mark added: “I was something of a problem kid. I was emotional, wild, rebellious at school. I’m very touched by kids who don’t have advantages; they are much more interesting than kids who have everything. They have a lot of passion and emotion, such a strong will.” She was so moved by Ellison’s strong will that she made her the focus of her piece. She highlighted, for a moment, this little girl’s story on a national stage.
The rest of Ellison’s story is what you would probably expect. At age 11 she was taken into foster care, lived in group homes for years, became addicted to hardcore drugs at age 16 and ended up incarcerated as an adult. She admits, she is still surrounded by drugs and crazy people to this day.
How is it possible that no one did anything? The truth behind this photo is shocking. It is clear that this little girl is in turmoil. It is clear the trajectory of her life is in a spiral toward disaster. How did no one intervene? Her story was highlighted. National awareness was brought to her situation. The problem was clear. Mary Ellen Mark was moved by this kid that didn’t have advantages but not driven to actually do anything about it. Ellison hoped someone would do something. She said, “When she came along and took those photos, I thought, ‘Well, hey, people will see me and this may get me the attention that I want; it may change things for me,’ ” Ellison says. She thought someone would see the images and come rescue her. “I had thought that that might have been the way out. But it wasn’t.”
Bringing Awareness does not bring change. It does not matter how much we talk about the issues that our youth are facing. Well-meaning, contributing citizens being moved by the plight of disadvantaged kids does nothing if they aren’t moved to action. You can’t go back in time to save this 9 year old but you can do something now to help students just like her…
StudentReach is not just talking about the issues. We are actively reaching into the lives of students just like Ellison and creating opportunities for real change. We are attempting to look past the images our students portray to see the truth in the candid moments they allow us to experience.
We mobilize hundreds of volunteers each year to reach out to the youth of our nation and have a positive impact on their future and ours. Contact us today to find out how you can get involved!
REFUGEES IN THE WOODS – Aug 31, 2015
For years Joseph and his family have been fleeing from the dangers of war. Ethnically Afghan his family has gone from Iran to Turkey and now to Sacramento. He has for the first time in years started school and is now trying to navigate much more than the halls of high school. He is trying to learn English, find friends and enjoy life as a free person.
This past weekend Joseph, his younger brother and a few friends joined StudentReach on a trip to the mountains where we enjoyed the classic American past time of camping.
Hiking, roasting marshmallows, kayaking and swimming filled 2 1\2 days. During our down time we had English lessons designed to provide insight about who everyone was and what they plan to do with their new life in America. Learning about who your fellow campers are is essential to long lasting friendships.
WORKING WITH REFUGEE YOUTH IN SACRAMENTO – Aug 4, 2015
For the past 4 months Adam and I have been able to be a part of the lives of some pretty incredible refugee students. The students who we have had the pleasure of presenting our American Life Coaching program to, are recent arrivals from places such as Turkey and Afghanistan. They all have unique and sometimes tragic stories, but most importantly BIG dreams. Through a Life Coaching program developed by StudentReach, we are able to be a part of turning those dreams into GOALS. Some of our students are striving to get to college, others are learning English and are on their way into the workforce.
StudentReach is an organization that helps students accomplish their goals regardless of the circumstances they may be coming out of or facing. As with all refugees, the students we work with often have stories that would be debilitating to most. Through our life coaching program we are fostering a mindset in our students, of accomplishment and citizenship in their new homeland.
Adam and Raquel Shipp have been working with students for the past 9 years, their work with refugees began 3 years ago. They work with StudentReach and are involved with student mentoring, school assemblies and volunteering abroad.
STUDENTREACH: AMAZON SMILE – Jun 9, 2015
Do you like shopping on Amazon? Did you know if you use Amazon Smile instead of Amazon, they will give a percentage of each sale to StudentReach? The site works exactly the same as Amazon and your login and account info all stay the same.
It is so easy to help our new refugee and homeless life coaching programs and our summer trips to help the homeless in Baja. All you need to do is choose our non-profit. Thank you in advance!
Here is the info:
This is our new AMAZONSMILE link. If people buy through amazon using this link we receive 0.5% of each purchase.
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/80-0100930
A NEW GOAL!!!!!!! – May 5, 2015
We have an awesome opportunity to fund 2 more unique projects.
Our mentoring groups have expanded into refugee and homeless populations this semester and we need about $1000 to fund two leadership wilderness experiences. One of our donors provides the 95 acre ranch for free, we just need to pay for transportation and food for about 15 people each on of these weekends. The cost is roughly $500 each weekend.
Can you help us teach assimilation and life skills for these refugee and homeless students?