Imagine a community where business professionals interact with 6th, 7th and 8th graders to evoke energy and passion in a student’s educational life. As human, health and social needs are escalating in today’s changing society, we are challenged to contribute and collaborate in our own communities.

Today, Citizen Schools operates in middle schools in seven states, serving approximately 3,800 kids and engaging 3,200 volunteers — everyday citizens who share their career lives and passions with students. A banker can teach students about financial literacy or healthy living, a lawyer can teach students to speak in public or Flamenco Dance.

After a one-on-one training with Citizen Schools staff, volunteers participate in an on-site apprenticeship fair, where they “pitch” their apprenticeship subjects to prospective middle school students.

Based on their interests, students participate in two 10-week afterschool apprenticeships each week. Apprenticeships typically take place in a public school classroom and are supplemented with other Citizen Schools-led activities, including community explorations, team-building activities, and homework and school skills. 

One student dreamt of being a doctor. She was encouraged to follow her dreams, but it took an apprenticeship with a professional doctor to be asked the logistical question – “What type of grades do you make?” Students learn why investing in their education makes a difference.

“The partnerships we have developed through our volunteers have grown into extraordinary successes. Employees from Google became involved and the organic growth we have seen has been exciting to watch,” said Stacey Gilbert, Director of Media Relations at Citizen Schools.

At the end of the apprenticeships, students produce a WOW!, the coined term for a project, performance, or presentation that students give back to the community. Examples have included a gourmet meal served at a neighborhood fair, a puppet show performed at a children's hospital or a new website designed for their own school. “Students experience the sense of pride that comes from a job well-done and volunteers see the impact that their donation of time and talent makes,” said Stacey.

Results have shown improved performance in core academic courses and high-stakes tests. In fact, students who participate in Citizen Schools regularly for one year outperform a comparison group on 6 out of 7 academic metrics, including school attendance, English and math grades.

Recently, Stacey taught a creative writing apprenticeship. “It was challenging, and a lot of fun. Students are open-minded and willing, and in 10 weeks, I formed sincere relationships with students, whose future successes I can’t wait to learn about.”

For more information contact:

Stacey Gilbert
Director of Media Relations
Citizen Schools

P: 617-695-2300 ext. 172
staceygilbert@citizenschools.org

308 Congress Street, 5th Floor
Boston, MA  02210

Leader to Leader Journal Excerpt
An Interview with Anita Roddick, Leader as Social Advocate: Building Business by Building Community
No.17, Fall 2002

One of the clearest voices in corporate leadership is Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop International. Recognized for its independently audited social and environmental practices, the company sources many of its ingredients directly from producers in developing countries, creating sustainable local economies.

Leader to Leader: You lead both within the organization and in community. Is there a difference? How do you bridge the two?

Anita Roddick: In the organization, it doesn't have to be any more complicated than motivation. And to do that, you have to live and breathe with the troops, not just the top guys. My greatest hope in the organization is to reach a level where I can absolutely inspire young people, mostly female, to have a voice. Their voice is trained to be timid. From day one, young girls in our society are never told they're remarkable. The minute they can open their eyes they've got ads telling them to get a facelift or diet. My role is helping them to reclaim their freedom to say no, to be heard, to make sure that in anything they do -- whether it's in their relationships, in love, in work and the community -- they have the right to be heard. They give away their power so often. I try to make the connection between the work of the organization and the larger community.

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