WHAT WE DO

Most statistics say these kids aren't going to make it. But we don't see statistics. We see strong students, artists, athletes and citizens. Our innovative programs are designed to stick with each kid and get them learning life's long-range lessons. We want to show them options and offer the guidance to analyze those options and choose the ones that will make them stronger.

THE SUCCESS OF SEI IS BASED ON:

Intensity
Opportunity never punched a timeclock, so neither do we. SEI’s coordinators work in the schools where core children attend. We work after school to assist with homework and provide tutoring, elective classes, and peer groups for life and leadership skills. We work on weekends to offer positive recreation options. We even work during the summer with our six-week, full-day summer program.

Continuity
For many children, SEI is the most consistent thing in their lives. Children enter SEI in second grade and can stay in the program until they are 25—year in and year out. This unprecedented long-term involvement helps get kids on the right academic path and sees them through to the world beyond the schoolyard. Many of SEI’s kids are the first child in their family to go to college—a victory for us, for the family, and certainly for a kid once thought to be “at-risk”.

The Relationship Model
SEI Coordinators serve the roles of an additional teacher, parent, and mentor in forming strong personal relationships with each child. They not only help young people formulate and follow through on positive academic and personal goals, they are present for the important events of students' lives, be they basketball games, concerts, family funerals, parent teacher conferences, or any other. Coordinators also focus on building positve relationships with everyone influential in SEI students' lives: parents, teachers, siblings, friends- so that everyone is working together to support students and resolve problems.

Variety
At SEI, we strongly believe that every child will be successful if they receive exposure to many opportunities. One child may be a natural at baseball, while another finds her outlet in dance. By offering every kid options in academics, arts, athletics, and community service, we allow them to find their talent and build a passion for it. With passion comes self-esteem. With self-esteem comes drive. With drive comes success in school, relationships and life in the community.

The SEI Standards
All students and staff are expected to learn and live by these standards of integrity and respect, creating an atmosphere of positive individual actions and interactions with others. To read the SEI Standards, click here.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE DESK

At SEI we believe that every child will be successful. Every adult and child has high expectations put upon them. An Individual Success Plan is built for every student to set academic, personal and relationship goals. SEI Coordinators sit down with each child and write detailed strategies to attain those goals.

We’ve created an Incentive Program to honor achievement. It’s a point system that rewards good grades, goal attainment, and participation. Students go on fun field trips, receive small cash awards, and are recognized at SEI Rallies for their accomplishments. There’s a great deal of pride that comes from showing your coordinator that your grades are even better than you planned. For more information about the thinking behind the use of tangible rewards, click here.

For descriptions of youth services programs, click here.

For descriptions of family services programs, click here.