Act On Poverty has partnered with the Parker Task Force to support students of Eagle Academy. In addition to Eagle Academy, the Parker Task Force supports High Schools in Parker and Elizabeth with scholarships. Click here for more information on the PTF website. The Friends of Eagle Academy Scholarship Funds was established in 2019 to financially support deserving graduates in their post-secondary education (trade schools as well as universities) who are below or near the poverty line. Ultimately, we hope to support them in establishing and flourishing in a career that will leave their poverty permanently behind.
Eagle Academy High School is a Douglas County alternative high school for students that have struggled in, or dropped out of, the traditional school system. Eagle Academy succeeds with the students that traditional schools fail. The intangible part of Eagle Academy that is impossible to quantify in writing is the top-notch staff at the school. Led by the principal, Jeff Broeker, the staff is a no-nonsense group of professionals who know their students extremely well and sincerely care about them, and know how to implement “hard love” when necessary. Attendance, academic performance, and behavior are strongly emphasized and enforced at the school. A point system is utilized based on these three criteria, and any student that does not achieve the required points in each class is placed on academic leave. Additionally, students are strongly encouraged to be employed, involved in a vocational training program or a volunteer activity for a minimum of six hours per week. Graduates of Eagle Academy earn a high school diploma just like all other students in Douglas County; Eagle is not a GED facility.
With encouragement and support from Eagle Academy (EA) staff, the students complete an application process that includes their written application, a copy of their high school transcript and a letter of recommendation from an EA staff member. This allows us to select the students with financial need who the staff believe will make the most of the opportunity to continue their education.
This year, we have expanded our program to include past Eagle Academy graduates as it sometimes takes a bit of time for these graduates to decide what they want to do. We want them to have the opportunity for financial help if they ultimately decide to pursue their education.
In addition to providing financial support, each student is assigned an “advisor” who acts as a mentor to the student. Whenever the opportunity arises (as it has in several cases lately), we offer guidance and advice on education and career opportunities and challenges. Sometimes this is as simple introducing the students to working professionals in their field of study, or encouraging tutoring for challenging classes. We feel that this is an important part of what we are doing as these students often have a very limited “support base” in their lives.
What have we accomplished?
Mentoring
Scholarships
Whenever a scholarship has been awarded, FEA provides a volunteer to mentor the student on their education goals and motivation. Mentors work with the kids even if they choose to pursue work instead of school, to stay in touch and support the student if they ultimately choose an educational route. Mentors stay in contact with the kids throughout their educational journey, helping them set their educational goals. Mentors sometimes even help tutor the kids or arranging tutors to get them through some of their tougher classes. See further information on the mentoring page.
To date since our inception, FEA has awarded scholarships to 19 recipients. Currently, 10 of these students are enrolled and actively pursuing their post-secondary education with 3 student scheduled to graduate on or before the spring semester, 2023. Six of the remaining students decided not to pursue post-secondary education (no funds were expended on their behalf) and three attempted college and dropped out. We believe it is important to stay in contact with all the students hoping to help them make good decisions on employment and educational options.