The Northwest Suburban Integration School District Step-Up Boys Mentorship Program - Summer Summit for eighth-grade boys is held each June. This year we will again hold the Summit at the University of St. Thomas
downtown Minneapolis campus. The intensive educational experience of the Summit
helps prepare participants for high school by focusing on four key
educational concepts: Aspirations, Expectations, Opportunities and
Achievement.
Each day begins with a keynote speaker that stresses the
importance of education as a way of maintaining control over one’s
future. Participants then spend the morning participating in classroom
activities focused on introspection, learning how culture shapes
expectations, setting goals for their high school careers and creating
plans that will assist them in accomplishing those goals.
Afternoons are spent engaging in physical activities that stress
the value of teamwork. At past Summer Summits participants have played
basketball, soccer, and other recreational activities and have taken part in scavenger hunts through downtown Minneapolis. Attendees of the Summit also spend a full day at outdoor camp where they take part in team building exercises and other challenging endeavors.
The Summer Summit is intended to prepare eighth-grade boys for
the increased rigor they will encounter in ninth grade.
Participants are identified by their school district as potentially
benefiting from additional academic and social support and guidance.
80% of surveyed students that participated in the 2011 Summer Summit
reported that their grades were better during the 2011-12 school year,
while 90% of respondents believed that they are better students for
having participated in the 2011 Summer Summit. Participants at the
2012 Summer Summit seemed equally enthusiastic. “I can tell you
honestly that this is one of my best life experiences,” said one 2012
participant.
Participating students receive additional guidance throughout
their high school careers. The Summer Summit was developed through partnerships between Northwest
Suburban Integration School District, its eight member districts, and University of St. Thomas College of Education, Leadership and Counseling.
