Success Story: Building Strong, Smart, and Bold Girls Like Alyssa

There is an African proverb that says, "It takes a village to raise a child." At the United Way of Central Florida, we have seen the truth of that in the results we have achieved. Children who are exposed to the educational opportunities available at our partner programs show significant improvement in standardized test scores, and other measurements, than children who do not. Alyssa is a prime example of that success.

Alyssa is a smiling, happy child who lives with her parents and sister in Northwest Lakeland. In the summer of 2011, her grandparents introduced her to our partner program at Girls Inc. of Lakeland. All girls who enroll at Girls Inc. must submit a copy of their last report card with their admission application. Alyssa’s 2nd grade report card revealed that she was not doing well in any of her major subjects. Upon further testing, it was determined that she was performing at a level 1 in both math and reading. With Alyssa entering 3rd grade in the Fall, there was real concern about how she would perform on the FCAT.

The tutoring staff immediately developed an academic plan for Alyssa, including tutoring four days per week in math and reading. She came to tutoring every day with a smile and, because she was determined to succeed, she worked hard on her academic plan.

When the FCAT day finally arrived, Alyssa was nervous and not sure she would pass, but the tutors all encouraged her to do her best. When the scores were released, Alyssa had passed the FCAT and would be promoted to the 4th grade.

"If it had not been for Girls Inc., I don’t believe my granddaughter would have passed the FCAT," said Pastor Billy Shaw, Alyssa's grandfather. "The help the ladies gave to Alyssa in reading and math prepared her for success."

Alyssa completed 4th grade and continues to do well in school, with the help of further tutoring. She is just one example of the many children who have achieved lasting, measurable changes in their educational success through United Way of Central Florida initiatives. By focusing on required indicators like improved test scores, grades, and attendance records, we know that we are building better lives for students like Alyssa.