BMO Harris Bank invests in at-risk youth program: donation made to LYDIA Urban Academy-Rockford

Rockford, IL (December 11, 2012) – BMO Harris Bank makes a contribution to LYDIA Urban Academy, a drop-out prevention and recovery program, where students have a second chance to earn their high school diploma.

Andrea Ward, Rockford Market President of BMO Harris Bank congratulates the academy on such a unique program. “Education is very important to the success of our community,” says Ward. “BMO Harris Bank commends the work that Lydia does to help at-risk students learn in an individualized learning environment and prepare for life beyond school.”

LYDIA is Rockford’s only non-traditional, Christian school, serving at-risk youth, through a unique approach to education. Their philosophy of a small school environment, individualized attention, and healthy relationships with teachers and staff has proven to be successful. In the past 6 years alone, the academy has recovered 84% of its students from drop-out status and has saved the community close to seven million dollars so far.

LYDIA Urban Academy is an NCA accredited, non-traditional, Christian high school whose purpose is to serve students who are not succeeding in a traditional school system. LYDIA is a high school diploma program with a unique focus on character education, work readiness, life skills training, and mentoring.

To learn more about Lydia Urban Academy-Rockford visit www.lydiarockford.org or call 815-966-0039. You can also find them on Facebook.