BSF Supported Programs 2010-2011

AVID - Advancement Via Individual Determination       

Struggling middle and high school students can reach for their academic potential by strengthening their organizational and study skills. AVID students receive a full year of college-preparatory study skill instruction and coaching. Note taking, exam study, and organization skills are incorporated into regular classroom instruction in Bellevue's middle and high schools to help every student.

Solomon, an orphan from war-torn Sierra Leone who immigrated to Bellevue at the age of 15, found academic success at Sammamish High School through the AVID program.  Click here for his story.

• Click here to view the Seattle Times video on AVID at Sammamish High School.
• Click here to read the 05/14/2010 Seattle Times editorial.

VIBES - Volunteers in Bellevue’s Educational System    

VIBES is a highly successful volunteer program that has been operating in all Bellevue schools for 18 years.  VIBES has provided a safety net for thousands of Bellevue students (K-12) that are at risk for academic failure or dropping out. VIBES helps students succeed in school by fostering their personal growth and improving their academic skills and work habits. This success is made possible by matching students with trained, caring, and dependable adult mentors who meet with them weekly during the school day in the classroom or designated area at the school.  VIBES volunteers support struggling students in school in various ways, including:

Microsoft employee Isaias Formacio-Serna mentors a 5th grade student at Ardmore Elementary School. Isaias helps him with math and science, but his impact goes beyond that: he fosters a positive attitude toward learning and toward life. Isaias noticed his student became a lot more dedicated to school and much more focused on his learning.

“My favorite part of volunteering is seeing how the kids get excited when you get there and always ask you to stay during recess and play.”

• ONE-ON-ONE mentors are matched to students that need help and guidance from a responsible adult mentor. VIBES mentors meet weekly with individual students to help them with their school work (academic tutoring) or help them deal with difficult issues. Typically mentors do a little of both.

• CLASSROOM mentors support individual students or small groups of students. Their role in the classroom depends on the teacher.
• AVID mentors provide study skills coaching and facilitate small group discussions for students enrolled in AVID (see above).
• Legacy Leadership Initiative targets support for youth of color in Bellevue’s middle schools.  Mentors of color lead groups or work one-on-one with African American boys (Groundbreakers), African American Girls, Latina Girls, and Latino Boys.

• COLLEGE CORPS helps high school seniors with college applications at Sammamish and Interlake High Schools.  Many of these students are the first in their families to be on track to graduate from high school and attend college.

In 2009/10, VIBES served approximately 4,500 students through one-on-one mentors, classroom, and group mentors. More than 40% of VIBES students were from low-income households, 30% were learning English (ESL), and 20% had disabilities.