The Foundation is working to end educational disparities in Cleveland's Central Neighborhood, focusing on middle grade students in sixth through eighth grade.

Research shows that quality after-school and other exposure programs are linked to positive outcomes for preteens learning to navigate their world and move on successfully to high school.

"Well-designed expanded learning programs can have a positive impact on student achievement, attendance and graduation rates," according to a policy paper from Learning Point Associates on after school programs.  Read the full report, "Integrating Expanded Learning and School Reform Initiatives."

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland  has awarded nearly three-quarters-of-a-million dollars on "exposure" programs to promote and improve school success for Central students since it became a focus area in 2008.

The foundation is also working with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to help their  reformation plans of their low performance schools, including implementing the district's "transformation" plan.    

Increasing the accessibility and availability of out-of-school enrichment programs is very important and something the Foundation is working on. The Foundation's work is part of a national movement.

Organizations such as the Afterschool Alliance, the National Afterschool Association and the National Institute on Out-of-School Time.  These organizations, as well as The Collaborative for Building After-School Systems are working together and independently to expand after school opportunities for children as well as showing the success quality after school programs have in the social, developmental and academic achievement of children who have the opportunity to participate.

The Foundation is collaborating with The Cleveland Foundation and has helped established MyCom - My Commitment My Community program to the Central Neighborhood. 

 

 

 

 

 

MyCom is a network of people who believe youth development is a direct path to healthy, safe communities for everyone. MyCom builds strengths in young people and their neighborhoods by connecting existing programs and resources, and funding opportunities for positive growth. They also encourage all sectors of society to take responsibility for children’s development and transition into productive adulthood.  Funding provided by Sisters of Charity Foundation enabled Central to become one of eight MyCom neighborhoods in 2008. For more information on MyCom download a brochure or visit the MyCom website.

 

Other grantees include the Boy Scouts of America, including the troop (see picture above) at Carl & Louis Stokes Central Academy. We also support the Greater Cleveland Council, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland, Golden Ciphers, Progressive Arts Alliance Inc., and the Marion-Sterling School Community Partnership.
 


The Marion Sterling School Community Partnership was  formed in 2005 to coordinate and expand the volunteer efforts of a number of community organizations all working to create and support programs and activities for the student body. St. Vincent Charity Medical Center is one of more than 10 Central neighborhood based organizations that make up the partnership.