November 4, 2005

The Austin School District, Austin Partners in Education (APIE), and IBM have joined forces to create and operate after-school study groups for students at Reagan High School. The program, Homework Haven Study Groups, matches volunteer tutor/mentors with small groups of students to tackle their academic challenges. Groups meet on Mondays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. The program is run by the District's 21st Century and GEAR UP programs.

While Homework Haven, an open-enrollment, drop-in program where students receive individual help with homework, is in its second year at Reagan, the study groups are new to the school. Since its start on October 24, the program has served 28 students. In addition, 15 volunteers have committed to lead the groups; 13 of those are from IBM.

Austin School Superintendent Pat Forgione calls the program a model for school, community and business partnerships. "Taking a role, meeting with students, and building toward a common goal is an outstanding way for our business partners to help lead our children to success. Kudos to IBM and our Reagan students!" Dr. Forgione said.

A major component of the study groups is the relationship between the students and the volunteer mentors. Having a significant connection with an adult towards a common goal can lead students to master any manner of subject areas.

The Homework Haven Study Groups are organized by subject-area such as Algebra I, Geometry and Science. Each group is led by a volunteer tutor/mentor and is overseen by a teacher. Students are referred to the program by teachers or just drop in. The program is open to all Reagan students.

In its first weeks, the program will be held on Mondays to serve a large number of students attending Homework Haven. Plans call for expansion to Wednesdays to meet the needs of a large number of athletes who attend the homework center then.

The Homework Haven Study Groups idea was a collaborative effort. APIE suggested the groups to better affect the success of students in Homework Haven. IBM then committed to recruit and provide volunteer tutor/mentors. In addition to volunteering at Reagan, IBM employees mentor in various programs at Barrington and Ridgetop elementary schools, and Kealing Middle School.

The District's 21st Century Program provides after-school support and enrichment programs at 20 Austin schools.

More information about school and business partnerships is available on the Austin Partners in Education web site at www.austinpartners.org.