Love & Learning in a Title 1 School
Wraparound Programming to Support a School’s Most Vulnerable Population
2012-2015
Program Coordinator
In partnership with more than a dozen community-based organizations, each year SUCCESS in the Middle provided access for Title 1 students to a wide variety of lunch time and after-school clubs, activities, and mentorships aimed at closing the achievement gap.
SUCCESS in the Middle used data-driven matching to pair Title 1 middle school students with opportunities, and create impacting relationships.
Each year, data lay the foundation for long-lasting, meaningful relationships between hundreds of under-resourced students and almost 100 volunteers that came from the community, and from more than a dozen Community Based Organizations. A whole picture of students’ needs was gleaned from parent forms, student grades, and teacher recommendations. On the other side of the equation, volunteers spoke openly about what brought them joy. The result were matches made in heaven, 3 years in a row.
The Programs:
Academic & Material Support
Personalized tutoring
Subject-specific tutoring
Group tutoring
Reading Club
AVID
Cougar Challenge Club
Catholic Charities
Backpacks-4-Kids Weekend Food Relief
Operation School Bell
Emotional Support
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
NetApp Mentors
Grandma Marlene’s Tough Love Club
Boys-2-Men
Girls on the Run
LGBTQAI Club
Boys Lunch Club
Girls Empowerment
Social Thinking Group
Choose Respect
Enrichment
National Society for Black Engineers STEM Club
Chess Club
Sewing Club
Yoga
Dance Club
Basketball Club
Lego Club
Trash Can Band & Music Club
Arts and Crafts Club
Parkour Club
In 2015, SUCCESS in the Middle curated a
“Wellness Week” for the whole school.
During Wellness Week, students learned about mental health, emotional health, and physical health with a tailored curriculum during their elective courses.
On Wednesday of Wellness Week, students went to 6 previously selected, special classes facilitated by expert community members. Among the 20 courses they chose from were Latin Dance, Bubble Soccer, Taste-and-See Organic Food Lab, #dontfeedthetrolls (connectivity in the digital age), preventative care in sports, violence and the media, leadership, and mindfulness.
On Friday of Wellness Week, the kids cheered on their home team as they went head-to-head with Wichita’s professional Football Team.
The kids had a blast learning, playing, and trying out new things.
What people are saying about Hannah
Hannah is committed to establishing equity for all regardless of gender, economics, ethnicity or race. During her time in the Wichita Public Schools, she worked tirelessly with students who struggled with academic and social skills. Hannah's positive relationship with students and her dedicated support were instrumental in closing the achievement gap for many students, thus opening doors for college and career success. She offered students possibilities and hope for a brighter future.
—Stacie, Program Specialist, Professional Learning and Leadership: AVID
I have worked with Ms. Hannah Erickson from Aug'13 - Aug'15 as a volunteer for 'Success in the Middle' initiative for which she was the coordinator.
Even though I found her well organized, easy to work with, responsible, and responsive, her compassion for helping the kids stood out to me as the most invaluable quality. The kids trusted her as someone who will listen to them intently and solve any issues in her domain to the best of her abilities.
I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for someone trustworthy, hardworking and caring.
—Fayaaz, Volunteer, NetApp
Hannah is a rock. She provided reliable, stable and calm guidance to both the youth and mentors. I personally faced a circumstance with a student that required special guidance and care. She led me through it connecting me to the right people to advise and intervene on behalf of the child. She did so with grace, kindness and attention, paying keen notice of the sensitivities of all involved.
Children and adult mentors both loved and respected her for her kindness and capable leadership.
She stands out as an exemplary human. It was a joy to work with her. I would not hesitate to recommend her to lead and direct your next project.
--Kari, Volunteer, Girls on the Run
Hannah is extremely organized and detailed. She is structured, and her structure led to a very successful program. Hannah developed relationships with students and staff, inside and outside of her programs. She thought outside of the box, and became the "go-to" person when help was needed for any student. Without hesitation, Hannah dived into any assignment given to her, and she was successful at any task given to her. Hannah was a solid role model for the adults and the students. She is very genuine and believes in helping people reach their goals or find their way towards their dreams. Hannah has a passion for people and making a better way of life for mankind.
—Carey, Vice Principal
I first became acquainted with Hannah when she was working with and coaching kids at Coleman Middle School in Wichita, KS and I was a volunteer mentor. Her passion for the kids was apparent and their response to her indicated a deep affection. It was clear that they looked to her as someone they could trust and they strived to perform at a higher level, as a result. I had not stayed in touch with her until recently but was not surprised to see the admirable things she is doing to help other people take the initiative to improve their lives.
—Craig, Volunteer, Big Brothers, Big Sisters
During my time volunteering with Hannah I saw firsthand how she was able to build trust among challenged youth. Overtime they grew to trust her and confide in her. Hannah’s ability to manage several youth with mild to severe challenges was impressive. Her extraordinary organizational, leadership and communication skills helped her program not only succeed but provided a better path for the youth she believed in.
—Christian, Volunteer, Big Brothers, Big Sisters
