Help at-risk teens earn a high school diploma
Encouragement is just as important as classroom instruction at LYDIA Urban Academy. Most of our students have experienced their share of setbacks, whether because of difficulties at home, chaos in the public school setting, or the influence of drugs, alcohol, and unhealthy peer pressure.
Helping these students focus on academics and reach for positive life goals requires an incredible amount of energy and determination on the part of our teachers. That was especially true for Edgar, a young man whose journey to graduation was rougher than most.
In 2007, Edgar's senior year at LUA, tragedy struck his family. Edgar's brother-in-law, who was like an older brother to him, was murdered. Edgar took it very hard and, in a subtle way, began to fade out of school. Eventually, with just one project to complete, he dropped out.
Teachers called and fellow students encouraged Edgar to come back. But when Edgar changed his phone number, we had no way to contact him. Finally, this spring, Edgar sent a Facebook "friend request" to an LUA teacher. Our teachers picked up where they left off: "It's not too late! Come back to finish!" Finally, Edgar did.
Over the course of about two weeks, Edgar worked on his project at school. "I need someone to basically hold my hand through this," he said. "I can't do it on my own." Sometimes he went to the school social worker's home to work. Sometimes he'd work in the principal's office, asking for help every now and again until the project was completed.
As the last paper came through the printer, the principal and social worker gave Edgar congratulatory hugs and his cap and gown. The next day, he joined the LUA Class of 2011 in graduation ceremonies. After an absence of four long years, Edgar was a proud high school graduate.
"I always had it in the back of my mind to finish high school, but I needed people to push me," says Edgar today. "When the LUA staff kept up with me, it meant a lot. No other school staff would ever do that. It showed me that they cared and it gave me hope. The staff is not just there to teach but to push you in any way possible so you complete all your goals.
"Without a place like LUA, Edgar probably never would have earned his high school diploma. But it isn't just our teachers and staff whose investment matters-yours does, too. You see, LUA students can afford to pay only a fraction of our tuition. We need to make up the difference - a significant amount of our budget - through donor support.
This fall, we're rolling out a new sponsorship program that allows donors to give financially and be part of the team that encourages students to keep working toward their goals. When you sign up at one of three sponsorship levels, we can send you a link to a student's "dream blog." You'll receive regular posts and updates about their lives, their studies, and dreams. You can follow their progress and even post your own words of encouragement.
The three sponsorship levels for this program are $600, $1,500, and $3,000, and your gift can be made all at once or in 10 monthly installments. It's a unique opportunity for you to be directly involved in our ministry here at LYDIA and make an impact in a high school student's life. Of course, we gratefully accept gifts of any amount, and will only link you to a student blog at your request.
Reading the blogs will certainly give you insight into the challenges our students face - and allow you to share in the excitement when they overcome. I know Edgar's progress really encourages us here at LYDIA. Soon after graduation, he passed his placement tests at Wright College with flying colors and he's now enrolled as a freshman. Edgar's goals include earning a degree in criminal justice, and he is determined to work in a career that will change people's lives.
"Graduating helped me so much," says Edgar. "I have a lot of confidence and feel like I can accomplish anything. I'm looking at the big picture and thinking about where I want to be in the future. I couldn't have done any of this without the help of the LUA staff. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
I hope you'll be part of what God's doing at LYDIA Urban Academy by participating in our sponsorship program or making a generous one-time gift (click here to donate now).
Together, we can help students like Edgar achieve their dreams and make a difference in the world. From a spiritual perspective, that's the best kind of investment you'll ever make.
Sincerely,
Dr. David Anderson
Executive Director
