Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools' Tailored Initiative Achieves 78% Increase in Student Pathways and Agency, Paving the Way for Enhanced Real-World Preparedness.

"Dream Chaser Kids is committed to empowering youth to become better citizens of society. This learning experience truly delivers what it promises and provides students with the tools necessary to become entrepreneurs."
Stefanie McNair
Dean of Students at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools

The Background

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, one of the largest public school districts in the region, is dedicated to providing all students with the best possible education. Two of its campuses, Northridge Middle (with a 38% grade proficiency) and Reedy Creek Elementary (with a 54.7% grade proficiency) recognized the need for supplementary programs to enhance the learning experience and cater to the diverse needs of their students.

Enter Dream Chaser Kids, with its mission to transition students from passive learners to proactive creators armed with real-world skills.

The Challenge

With proficiency levels below the district’s average, both Northridge Middle and Reedy Creek Elementary faced the challenge of ensuring their students were equipped with academic knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the real world. There was a need for a program that could boost students’ confidence, agency, and pathways thinking.

The Strategy

Dream Chaser Kids, known for its holistic approach to education, partnered with the two campuses to provide a tailored program for grades 5-8 students.

Implementation:

  1. Tailored Approach: Understanding the unique challenges and demographics of the two schools, Dream Chaser Kids customized its modules to resonate with the students.
  2. Focused Group: The program was introduced to a select group of 35 students, ensuring personalized attention and maximizing impact.
  3. Evaluation Mechanism: Pre and post-evaluations were conducted using the Children’s Hope Scale, a recognized tool to measure pathways (goal-directed thinking) and agency (goal-directed energy).

The Results

  • Significant Improvement: Post-program assessments showed a remarkable 78% increase in pathways and agency, indicating the program’s success in instilling confidence and forward-thinking in students.
  • Real-world Preparedness: While academic proficiency remained a challenge, students who underwent the Dream Chaser Kids program displayed enhanced skills in problem-solving, financial planning, and entrepreneurship.