Mission Statement
The Discovery Program is a model educational initiative, which boosts the aspirations and self-confidence of students through a multi-faceted, volunteer-led program. The program strives to:
1. Encourage children to see the importance of education.
2. Broaden their horizons.
3. Be a positive force in their lives. Program History
The Discovery Program was initiated in February 1990 through The Fulton County Partners in Education. Hands On Atlanta began the Discovery Program by adopting Quillian-East Point Elementary School, which was designated the county's lowest academically performing elementary school. An average of 60 children voluntarily attended these two-hour Saturday sessions, with 70% of the 300 students present at one or more Hands on Atlanta event in the 1990-1991 school year. Through the program volunteers helped students develop greater self-esteem and confidence by giving them individual attention and working with them to enhance their academic skills. Quillian-East Point merged with Parklane Elementary in the fall of 1991 and Hands On Atlanta moved with the school. Over the past eighteen years this Saturday morning tutorial program has become a model in volunteer educational initiatives. The Discovery Program was selected as the winner of the 1991 Group Volunteer Award at the Twelfth Annual J. C. Penny/United Way Golden Rule Awards, which recognizes individuals and groups who have contributed significantly to the community through volunteer service. In April 1992, Hands on Atlanta was chosen from among 4500 applicants nationwide to receive the President's Annual Points of Light Award Citation for its tutorial project at Quillian/Parklane.
Through February 2007, 882 community volunteers engaged in 501 students in the Discovery programs that included classroom assistance, field trips, and a variety of enriching and entertaining activities. These volunteers dedicated 4,715 hours at Discovery program sites over the course of 47 sessions.
In its eighteenth year, the Discovery Program is currently in five schools and is expanding to schools throughout the metro Atlanta area. Volunteers This Discovery Program could not exist without its volunteers. Volunteers may come for just one Saturday, or return bi-weekly to develop mentoring relationships with the students. There are also leadership opportunities for volunteers who are available consistently as Grade Captains. To start searching for a Discovery Program and sign up for a volunteer opportunity, please visit the Hands on Atlanta Citizen Magazine. To attend a Hands On Atlanta volunteer orienation, you many sign up online and click on the link for Orienation Courses. For more information, email discovery@handsonatlanta.org .
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Program Overview |
