BLUEnited: Student Success Programs

Research and evaluation studies confirm that children and youth who participate in before and afterschool programs can reap a host of benefits in interrelated areas—academic, social/emotional, prevention, and health and wellness. All Star Kids provides families with quality, reliable child care with the convenience of an in-school location at a competitive child care price during regular school days, non-school days and summer break. Approximately 420 students are currently served in the school year program and 220 students in the summer program.

Each fall and spring, teachers and staff may apply for grants for innovative tools and experiences to incorporate into the classrooms that go beyond the District’s limited budget. By putting resources directly into the hands of our educators, they are able to go above and beyond their standard classroom curriculum. They can range from $500 to $3,000, with approximately $25,000 awarded each year.

Annual senior exit survey assesses college preparedness and school climate, informing District of what they're doing well in and how it can improve to better prepare students for their futures. Foundation contributes to survey costs to benefit future student success.

An extension of our Student Needs Fund, the lunch balance payoff account enables donors to cover school meals for students in need. Nutrition is crucial for proper development, growth, and learning. To bridge the gap of hunger for students facing meal affordability challenges, the BPSF clears lunch balances for those who have fallen behind.

Assists students in meeting immediate and basic needs, to ensure that their physical, social and emotional needs do not stand in the way of their success in school. This program helps fill these needs when unmet by any other source. Since the program's inception in 2014, the Foundation has made a $40,000 impact on a number of students in Bennington.

Four days a week, the Foundation pays teachers to assist students before and after school with academics. Students can be assigned to it or drop in if they need extra help. Student academic achievement is impacted by over 700 hours each year at the middle and high school level.

Students who attend elementary summer school are awarded books for their attendance. The Foundation covers 50% of the book costs – approximately $8,000 of assistance annually.

Designed to be student-led, TeamMates provides students with the support and encouragement needed to graduate and to pursue post-secondary education or career opportunities. It focuses on the strengths of our Mentees, encouraging them to become the best version of themselves. This program provides safe, school-based mentoring for any student grades 3-12 and currently serves over 80 students in Bennington.

Annual partnership with Bennington Lions Club provides dictionaries and vocabulary tools to every third grader in the District, promoting writing skills and fostering active reading and creative thinking.