It's for the kids

Have you ever wanted to talk to someone older about something they experienced? Have you ever had a question that your parents couldn't help you with? Or maybe your parents want what's best for you, but they don't know how to help.

Edify101 aims to provide answers regarding high school classes, SAT/ACT prep, colleges, and what the future holds to eighth-grade and high school students in low-income neighborhoods of the Bay Area. These are high-potential, high-achieving students who are on the path to success--but they still need help getting there. Obstacles include money, peers who aren't as focused as they are, parents who don't speak English...you can guess the rest.

All we ask...all that these kids ask...is a chance. Someone who cares. Someone who understands how to get to college, how to navigate high school academics and the college application process. All these parents ask is someone that believes in their child.

If you had met some of the ones Lizzie met through the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, you would understand. You would understand how despite peers who did not focus during class, despite peer pressure, some students still raised their hands to answer questions. They still asked questions. They still wanted to learn, and they were ahead of the class--Lizzie gave them more advanced problems. One of the more driven students told her, when she asked him why he let others copy his answers for a problem set,

"I always share my answers. How else will they understand? You get used to it."

Give students a chance. Answer questions, inspire, motivate, guide. Be there when they need you--but nothing more. So little time commitment, and yet so much impact. With Edify101, the mentees will reach out to you first, if your background or interests resonate with them. If you get a parent's email, check in with them maybe monthly. Success in school starts at home.

Sample Email to Student

For more sample emails or questions, contact Lizzie .