Student Stories

Carlos

Carlos enrolled in UrbanFUTURE programming in 2002. During the fall of his 6th grade year, he read at a 2nd grade level. After three years of working with his mentor, Carlos graduated from 8th grade, reading at an 11th grade level. With the assistance of a UF tutor Carlos designed and built a working hovercraft. Carlos is still with UrbanFUTURE today working as an office and program assistant. He aspires to someday be a hospital president.

Jasmin

Jasmin recently brought home an excellent report card and Valencia is "flabbergasted" at her remarkable progress. Valencia says she is so pleased with "how well Jasmin has adapted to her mentor Megan and how much she has helped her." Valencia credits INSPIRE and Megan with Jasmin's academic progress as well as her improved self-esteem. "Jasmin is happier now, she enjoys her work more and she is not afraid of a challenge anymore." Megan works within the program structure to help Jasmin set and accomplish her goals. Using the All-Star Goal Sheet, she is able to tie-in her life experiences into the weekly Character Topics and help Jasmin make them relate to her own life.  Megan appreciates Valecia's openness, giving her great input into how best to spend her mentoring time with Jasmin. Jasmin looks forward to meeting with Megan each week. "Megan has helped me accomplish a lot of things and to work harder. My best accomplishment is that I read everyday now" says Jasmin "and Mom is happy."