Be GREAT: Graduate includes Summer Program
Be GREAT: Graduate (BGG) is a program for teenage students to receive extra support as they navigate all that high school has in store for them. They learn to keep track of deadlines and have a safe space to work on homework. Students also gain an understanding of how to advocate for themselves in a positive manner while growing as young adults in our community.
BGG offers homework assistance, a quiet place to take tests (upon teacher request), and snacks to refuel during the day. Students have time to explore colleges as well as get the opportunity to set goals for their school year. This program also provides our students with a personal cheerleader as they walk across the stage during graduation along with other great supports and opportunities.
Did you know that the program does not stop after the school year is over? Students are welcome to continue their skill-building during the summer with the program’s graduation specialist. What do the summers look like for those students in the program? Summer can offer opportunities for students to improve their life skills. A lot of teenagers are looking for their first jobs during this time. Many students benefit from guidance during the application process. The graduation specialist is able to help with questions like how to fill out an application, whom to ask for references, and what to wear when going on an interview.
Students can also establish leadership skills by volunteering with the program throughout the summer. Those hours not only help with building social, leadership, and problem-solving skills; the hours students put in from freshman year to senior year can be applied to earning a .5 elective credit along with wearing a cord at graduation. BGG also helps students work on budgeting money as they love to pick out their own snacks for the classroom.
Summer does not have to be all hard work. The BGG program also offers many fun field trip opportunities during the summer months to keep students engaged and safe. For example, students who participated in the program this summer explored the Milwaukee domes, visited Kohler State Park for the first time, walked the Horicon Marsh, painted pottery at the Fire Escape, watched the Green Bay Packers practice at Family Night, and said “hi” to the animals at the Madison Zoo, along with many other enrichment activities.
Visit our Facebook page to view a full photo album of BGG summer adventures! For more information regarding Be GREAT: Graduate, please contact graduation specialist Ashly Steger via email at graduation@bgcfdl.org or Fond du Lac High School at 920-929-2740.