OUR GOAL

The goal of the Solidarity Scholars Program is to improve the upward mobility of low-income students by using an innovative, group-based approach to provide social support and academic funding to families who demonstrate a commitment and desire to use education as a means of improving the socio-economic status of their children.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Studies have shown that the bonds of social networks have powerful effects on happiness, educational success and most importantly, child welfare. Solidarity Scholars seeks to establish educational social networks and provide funds for lower income high school students and their families to help them overcome personal and family related problems that have been shown to negatively impact the future achievement of these students.

 

OUR METHODOLOGY

Applying proven group dynamics used in micro-finance initiatives in developing countries, the Solidarity Scholars Program creates self-sufficient groups (“solidarity groups") of five to eight families/students with demonstrated financial need. Unlike other academic assistance programs, each group determines how funds are disbursed to its members, and through collective responsibility and accountability, ensures that each student achieves their academic goals.

PROGRAM DETAILS

The Solidarity Scholars Program operates through a solidarity group framework of 5-8 families of committed parents and students that meet monthly to encourage, motivate and distribute academic assistance funds within the group. Groups are launched during the second half of their 8th grade year and the program makes a 4-year funding commitment to each group prior to launch.

The Solidarity Scholars Program provides “mentors" to assist in group formation and ensure member participation is emphasized. Each newly formed group must attend a 1-day course to learn the solidarity group concept, reinforce group accountability and ensure commitment to the principles of achievement for each group.

Median annual funding is $1,250 per student.

Requirements

  • demonstrated family financial need
  • attend or plan to attend a CMS Title 1 high school
  • academic performance at or above grade level based on most recent grade-level tests
  • demonstrated family commitment to education
  • parent/child attendance at a one-day Principles of Solidarity Achievement seminar