We transform the lives and opportunities of first generation children and teens in Danbury who are growing up in families with few resources. Our students, most being the first in their family to graduate from high school and go on to college, experience a disciplined and nurturing environment of Supported Accountability, with a curriculum that focuses on mentoring, academic enrichment, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and building self-esteem. Our Grassroots Student Success Team brings academic and well-being support to children and youth daily, whether virtually, during COVID Times, or, in safe gathering times, at our 2,500 square foot Main Street education space in Danbury, Connecticut. Spring and summer tennis programming takes place at Danbury’s public tennis courts at Rogers Park. During the winter, our students participate in new outdoor hiking and fitness programs. Our highest achieving participants also qualify to play indoor tennis in the colder months. We have one full time employee, Lynn Radford (Director of Education) and three part-time employees, Joe Higgins (Student Learning Supervisor), and Pat Snow (College Counselor). We are lucky enough to also have interns from the Psychology Department at Western Connecticut State University each semester. More than forty volunteers support our students through our tutoring and enrichment programs. Our part-time summer tennis director, Devin Sullivan, manages a six week program with leadership support from our own community of students and graduates. In total, we have the support of more than forty active volunteers: Board Members, reading tutors and math mentors, college and career advisors, community service organizers and tennis instructors. We are proud to say that our Grassroots volunteer community is growing and is comprised of business leaders, educators, health professionals, college students, National Honor Society students from local high schools and compassionate individuals from Danbury and surrounding communities. Danbury Grassroots Academy has four primary goals:
- Focus on education and preparation for college and careers.
- Develop character, including social and emotional skills and a community service mindset.
- Teach the basics of tennis.
- Emphasize health and well-being, including mental health, nutrition and exercise. Specific and long term objectives are to improve report card grades, reading and math levels and high school graduation rates. All students receive long term coaching over many years toward preparation for their college education or chosen career path. A successful Grassroots student will evolve over time to develop skills that demonstrate a strong work ethic and resilient attitude. Students learn to become personally responsible in all areas of their lives, with a strong focus on their academics. Grassroots students value education, take pride in their academics and demonstrate persistence to achieve excellence. In addition, students develop healthy interpersonal relationships and self-awareness and demonstrate character traits such as integrity, respect, citizenship, leadership, teamwork, gratitude and caring for others. Grassroots students embed wellness into their lives and recognize that awareness about their mental health, good nutrition and exercise are part of the foundation of life-long health and happiness. For more information on ways to support our Grassroots mission, contact us at [email protected].
