Service Academy’s Post

In collaboration with Better Purpose, the Leathersellers’ Foundation has published a high-level evaluation of its Sixth Form Scholarships and Student Grant Programmes to determine their impact on social mobility. With thanks to Better Purpose, Colfe's School, and the incredible students we support. The report has revealed that our funding is: ·     Enabling access to different educational opportunities. ·     Enabling students to make the most of their time at university by building social capital through joining clubs or associations, volunteering, and studying rather than working to support themselves. ·     Broadening horizons – students and alumni who responded suggested the support led them to new educational or career pathways that they weren’t previously aware of, including through meeting others via our networking events and programmes. ·     Improving self-confidence and well-being. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/e3XwvtwJ #socialmobility #education #studentgrants

Just FYI… In case you’re interested in an overview of some the educational aspects and topics discussed within AFP. And as always, please reach out to me anytime if you have any questions about attending a luncheon, becoming a member or you’re just interested in knowing more about what AFP can do to help you and your nonprofit organization!

Learn more about our career-connected learning work in this recent article published by the Bohemian! "For over a decade, the CTE Foundation has been reshaping Sonoma County’s approach to education, pushing career and technical education boundaries to bridge the often-daunting gap between high school and career. At the heart of its mission is a simple yet profound goal: to innovate the education-to-career pipeline, ensuring that students have the tools, knowledge and opportunities to thrive beyond graduation..." 📖 🚀

There has been an inspiration video that has been doing rounds. We can draw following lessons that relate to Alumni Challenge. Key Lessons from the Reunion Analogy: i) Perspective Shift: Perspectives evolve with age, prompting reflection on life's journey. ii) Humility and Reflection: Humility grows with time, fostering deeper introspection. iii) Appreciation for Life's Essence: Life is valued for deeper aspects like faithfulness and relationships. Iv) Tender Moments and Unity: Tender reunions evoke gratitude and unity among attendees. Acknowledgment of Mortality: The analogy underscores the importance of cherishing every moment. How Alumni Challenge Applies These Lessons: a) Promoting Reflection: Encourages alumni to reflect on their personal and educational growth. b) Fostering Community and Unity: Creates spaces for alumni to reconnect and bond over shared experiences. c) Emphasizing Values-Based Engagement: Prioritizes values like integrity and community service. d) Facilitating Meaningful Connections: Organizes events to foster connections beyond surface-level interactions. e) Celebrating Milestones and Gratitude: Encourages gratitude for life's journey and the relationships formed. Mark Faustin Macharia Alumni Challenge Betty Mbua JOSEPH KIOKO Felix Kiamba Michael Malenya Humphrey Kayange, OGW, OLY Mbuthia Irungu Beatrice Karomo

New Alumni Spotlight: Liza Shirazi (Baer-Kahn) '02 What are you doing now? Where are you currently living? I currently own and operate 7 food and beverage locations, with one more under construction. We have 1 full service restaurant and event space (Mothership), 5 cafes (Revival Cafe + Kitchen) and 1 employee cafeteria in and around the Boston area. I currently live with my husband and 2 kids (ages 7 and 10) in Lexington, MA (I know a rival of ours!). What connection, if any, do you still have to WHS or the community? Living so close I find myself in Winchester relatively frequently. I always have fond memories of WHS when I drive by, despite it looking quite different! I also still keep in touch with friends who are living in town and other community places that are near to my heart from growing up. I strolled through Enka Fair this last year with some dear high school friends! Was there a favorite moment, person or experience at WHS that you remember that has helped you find your passions or reach your goals? One that stands out happened in Mrs. T's English class. I never enjoyed (still don't) public speaking but within that class I found a confidence in presenting to our class when speaking from my heart during a book report presentation. It gave me pride and an increased self confidence that was powerful and clearly made a big impression. I learned that when you find a passion it leads you to excellence when you put your heart into it. What was the path you took to get where you are today?  Always following an inner voice/passion to find work that feels fulfilling and meaningful. Please share a success since leaving WHS. When I sit back and think of what I have done since leaving WHS, I can celebrate my own success, although it is hard to feel it on a day to day. I am very proud of the accomplishment of starting a business at 24 and the success I was able to achieve when believing in myself! More recently, when I found myself feeling a bit stagnant in my own growth professionally and personally I took a continuing education program and became a certified health coach. Having and raising two children also feels like a big success (and also a huge challenge)! Is there insight or advice you can share with current students? Listen to your inner voice, you know yourself better than anyone else can! If you are not on the Alumni Association network, join here: https://lnkd.in/ezPN2Uh

We are thrilled to share a glimpse of our journey in empowering Boston's middle school students through hands-on work experiences. Watch the latest Cummings Properties YouTube video to see how we're making a difference: Here's what Apprentice Learning is all about: 🔹 Empowering Youth: Our mission is to provide middle school students with real-world work experiences, helping them discover their strengths and passions. 🔹 Communal Wealth: We are grateful for the local businesses and professionals who offer their time and expertise, creating a supportive network for our students. 🔹 Hands-On Learning: Through diverse apprenticeships, students gain practical skills and insights into various career paths, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. 🔹 Building Confidence and Purpose: Exposure to different work environments and professional mentors helps our students build confidence, self-awareness, and a strong sense of purpose. 🔹 Long-Term Impact: Our program not only prepares students for future careers but also fosters a lifelong love for learning and personal growth. A big thank you to everyone who supports Apprentice Learning and contributes to igniting purpose in Boston's youth. #CummingsGrant #ApprenticeLearning #IgnitePurpose

This morning, I had the privilege of attending a Public School Forum of North Carolina work session at The William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation. I gained insights into the current trends in education across North Carolina. These trends are reflective of many other states in the US and have significant implications for nonprofits, philanthropic agencies, business partners, teachers, and policymakers. Here are some of the key takeaways: 1. Nonprofits and philanthropic agencies are seeking innovation in education but are also skeptical about it. The critical question is whether to fund incremental change or moonshots. 2. Business partners prioritize district partnerships that positively impact communities through internships, certifications, and other application-based approaches to learning. 3. Authentic leadership opportunities for teachers are essential for talent retention, and redefining traditional teacher roles is crucial to position talented people with students. 4. There may be a growing gap between communities in terms of literacy around the opportunities and risks of harnessing generative AI. Intentional stakeholder literacy and early-phase planning efforts can help modulate the tension between untested innovation and outlawing technology. 5. The need for bold, agile education policy seems perpendicular to the current legislative appetite. We must reinforce the expectation that elected officials 'meet in the middle' to lead much-needed change. These trends represent my synthesis of critical trends across North Carolina and the United States. I welcome you to share insights based on issues in your local community. Let's help one another uplift the adage that 'all politics are local' to address these global challenges. Advanced Learning Partnerships, Inc Mary Ann Wolf #EducationTrends #LocalPolitics #GlobalChallenges

We're excited to share a new blog post! Pierre-Michel FIDMA, a Patrick's Kids Foundation scholarship student, that has completed his first year at Université Publique du Sud aux Cayes and is grateful for the chance he's been given. Read more at https://lnkd.in/e_gBfYqC and learn how you can contribute at https://lnkd.in/emzap5z4. #education"

Inspired by Vikas Pota's vision to shift conversations towards the positive impact of education. 🌟 Let’s celebrate the incredible work of our teachers and schools, and spread these success stories far and wide. When education wins, we all win! 🏫🎉 #Education #PositiveNews #WorldsBestSchoolPrizes #StrongSchools #BestSchoolPrizes24

Building a brighter future with ‘Sea for Yourself’ ✨ This transformative programme isn’t just about reconnecting with the ocean - it’s about creating opportunities for graduates to stay, live, and work in Plymouth. Professor Paul Feildsend-Danks, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive at Arts University Plymouth, details how by fostering meaningful careers and driving new enterprise, ‘Sea for Yourself’ can deliver lasting economic benefits for the city and the region, building a vibrant, innovative community. Find out more at https://lnkd.in/ehMwGY8n #SeaForYourself #PlymouthCulture #PSNMP Sea for Yourself is led by Plymouth Culture in partnership with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, Plymouth City Council, and local cultural organisations including The Box, Plymouth, Real Ideas, Arts University Plymouth, University of Plymouth, and Theatre Royal Plymouth. Made possible with funding from Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.