Jasmine’s Story

I entered foster care at 16 years old and was placed in the home of “Aunt” Nessa, as I liked to call her. Few people knew of my situation; it was our little secret. I was embarrassed by the family dysfunction that led me to this strange place in my life, and with the support of my SCO caseworkers, I realized that education was my way out.

My goal was to attend Spelman College. I faced some naysayers; guidance counselors who said it was too expensive, others who felt I would never get in. But my SCO caseworkers and staff supported my decision. They stayed on top of me, making sure I filled out every document and scholarship. It was the staff’s unwavering support and positive reinforcement that sustained me.

I was accepted to Spelman with scholarships from several organizations as well as financial support from SCO’s education and permanency program, which helped me afford my housing.

But that was just the start of my journey. During summer break, I earned an internship volunteering with foster youth and their families through AmeriCorps that changed my life. I didn’t want any special treatment, so no one at my job was aware of my status as a foster youth. But as I worked in the family visiting room, much like a fly on the wall, I watched young people about my age visiting with the children they had lost custody of, some pregnant again. I saw a vicious cycle happening before my eyes.

It was that summer I realized that as a woman of color, as a foster youth, and as a human being who just cares, it would be a disservice if I didn’t take advantage of my unique pairing of lived experiences and desire to affect change.

Today, I am at Teachers College Columbia University earning my Masters in Clinical Psychology on a full scholarship, so that I, too, can be a source of support for youth in need.

Wilson’s Story

You don’t always know you have a gift. People said Wilson was special for solving a Rubik’s cube in under a minute. He just thought he was good at puzzles. People said he had amazing confidence on the piano for a five-year-old. He just thought music was fun. His experience at Westbrook Preparatory School taught him that people can have many gifts-and that discovering them within yourself can change every aspect of your life.

Before attending Westbrook, life was different for Wilson at school, where he felt lost, misunderstood, uninterested, and socially out of place. He was down on his luck, longing for focus, friendships, fun, and rediscovering his confidence playing the piano. At Westbrook, Wilson formed new friendships and rediscovered his strength and confidence to excel in both the academic and social worlds.

The nurturing environment at Westbrook continues to drive momentous goals for Wilson – from helping him thrive in school, to preparing him for a successful future career. Wilson landed a position as an IT intern, enabling him to continue following his passion for technology.

Today, he is playing the piano with full confidence, challenging himself with pieces of Chopin and Wagner. He excels in his classes, loves taking part in sports such as the student-staff football competition, and has rediscovered an interest in exciting and eye-opening subjects including computers, cooking, and chess.

“Thanks to SCO Family of Services and Westbrook Preparatory School for being part of my success story,” said Wilson.

YouTube Link

Wilson playing Billy Joel on the piano.

 

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Bronx Arena High School

Bronx Arena High School is a partnership between the NYC Department of Education and SCO Family of Services. We work with over-aged and under-credited students who have not succeeded in traditional high schools. Our students and families make a serious commitment to successfully completing requirements to earn a New York State Regents diploma. Our staff makes an equally serious commitment to supporting students through that process.

Bronx Arena is an asynchronous blended-learning educational environment  aligned to Common Core and Regents requirements that is structured to meet the needs of individual students. Our curriculum is delivered electronically via a web-based platform, and is accessible to students both in and out of school. The electronic curriculum allows students to move through classes as they are able and we do not impose a structure of semesters or trimesters. We require revisions of work in order to insure that students who graduate are ready to meet the demands of college and/or career. Students can graduate at any time of year that they satisfy NYS requirements for a high school diploma.

Bronx Arena High School provides students with a supportive and personalized learning environment. Our school features:

  • A small learning community of 200 students
  • Advocate Counselors (AC) support each student’s academic, personal and social development
  • A full social service counseling and referral program
  • Parent participation is encouraged and parents are fully informed about student progress.
  • Paid supervised internships at a worksite in the school and/or community are available for students in good academic standing
  • College and career support
  • Students are expected to develop and implement a post high school plan prior to graduation

To request information and/or to attend an Open House please call 718-860-5056.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Students 16 through 20 years of age who are under-credited and want to receive a high school diploma

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Admission to Bronx Arena High School is based on NYC DOE established eligibility criteria, an assessment of student motivation and need, a willingness to engage individually and in groups with Advocate Counselors, teachers and peers.

How to Access this Program or Service

To request information and/or to attend an Open House please call 718.860.5056. We have a rolling admission and graduation process.

Visit our website»

 

 

Success Stories

Jasmine’s Story

From Foster Care to Advocate

Today, I am at Teachers College Columbia University earning my Masters in Clinical Psychology on a full scholarship, so that I, too, can be a source of support for youth in need. Learn More

Wilson’s Story

You don’t always know you have a gift.

“Thanks to SCO Family of Services and Westbrook Preparatory School for being part of my success story,” said Wilson. Learn More

100%

of eligible residents at our Dix Hills Residential Treatment Facility participated in work, internship, or volunteer activities

We inspire

5,400

children and teens through academic, after-school, summer and work readiness programs

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