News Releases
Teen Program Restructures to Build Good Character
and Good Grades
Additional tutors needed
Arlington, VA (January 9, 2012) AHC Inc, a nonprofit affordable housing developer based in Arlington, VA, is restructuring its Teen Program to encourage youngsters to build good character as well as good grades. AHC’s program is an award-winning academic curriculum with a 100 percent high school graduation rate. The program includes weekly tutoring sessions, mentoring, college visits and skills workshops.
“Because our scholastic program is working so well, we are adding some non-academic components to help youngsters become more successful both as adults and as community members,” says Jennifer Endo, AHC’s Director of Resident Services. Some of the new initiatives include community service activities, character building assets to help youngsters make positive decisions, and problem-solving and concept-building study skills. "We are very excited about the changes, which will give students the tools to make good choices, become better citizens and, of course, do well in school."
AHC has found that volunteer tutors have a huge impact on students' success, and is now requiring youngsters to participate in tutoring twice a week. The consistency really pays off in terms of better grades and school performance. As a result, AHC needs additional volunteers this winter.
Tutors work one-on-one with teens at least one night a week for an hour to 90 minutes. Volunteers with specific skills, like math or science, are often in high demand and work with a variety of students.
Currently the program serves 75 youngsters at six community centers in Arlington. Two centers are Metro accessible.
Families participating in AHC’s program earn less than 60% of the Area Median Income and come from around the world. Nearly all of the children are eligible for free or reduced lunch, and four out of 10 youngsters live in single-parent households.
For more information on tutoring opportunities, visit www.ahcinc.org or contact Jennifer Cavaliere, 703-486-0626 x 154 or cavaliere@ahcinc.org
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AHC Inc. is a private, nonprofit developer of low- and moderate-income housing in the mid-Atlantic region. Founded in 1975 in Arlington, VA, AHC produces and preserves affordable rental housing, provides homeownership services, and offers onsite educational services to improve the quality of residents' lives. AHC's portfolio includes 36 properties providing quality affordable housing for more than 4,500 households.