The Dekko Foundation recently awarded a $22,600 grant to Kosciusko County Educational Development to underwrite Success Coaches in middle schools serving Tippecanoe Valley, Warsaw and Wawasee school corporations. KC-Ed added the middle school component to its dropout prevention efforts after recognizing the success of high school graduation coaches and the need for early intervention for kids at risk of dropping out of high school. KC-Ed also supports elementary school mentoring programs to children identified as in need of a caring mentor in their lives. The middle school Success Coach program was implemented at the beginning of this school year and is already making a difference. Thomas (not his real name) was identified as “at risk” based on poor academic performance from the prior year and some behavioral issues. Thomas enrolled in the Success program and began receiving after-school help with homework, study skills and social skills. Thomas is now passing all his classes and his Success coach reports significant improvement in Thomas’ attitude and behavior. “We are so grateful for the support of the Dekko Foundation in reaching kids like Thomas,” said KC-Ed Board President Ot Shroeder. “The young people being impacted are more likely to graduate from high school, be gainfully employed and contribute to their families and community.” Kosciusko County Educational Development is a public charity with a mission to promote high school graduation, one relationship at a time. Gifts to KC-Ed are fully tax-deductible and can be made payable to KC-Ed, P.O. Box 174 or through the website www.thekced.com For more information, call 574-549-8000.
