Each of us is unique. We all have different interests, different hobbies, different character traits, and different abilities. Are you as glad about it as I am? Imagine how boring the world would be if we all were the same.
Since we are all unique individuals, shouldn’t our educational experiences be unique as well? Of course they should. The cookie cutter approach is exactly why our children are dropping out of school or graduating from high school unprepared for higher education and the workforce. The “old way” of teaching is exactly what is driving our national education reform efforts and home school communities.
At The Teen Toolbox, LLC, we believe in providing each teen with “an individual approach to high school and beyond.” Our programs empower teens to achieve academic, personal, and professional success on their own terms.
We offer enrichment programs and activities that allow teens to:
- Recognize their strengths, skills, and interests
- Embrace their individuality
- Explore different academic, career and business paths
- Make the most of their high school experience
- Build an individual portfolio
We support parents who:
- Are unable to locate the resources their child needs
- Want to feel more empowered to advocate for their child
- Want their child to take part in extra-curricular activities that build confidence and leadership
We support teens who:
- Feel school is boring, difficult or unpleasant
- Are unsure what they want to do when they finish high school
- Are wondering what career or business they might do well in
- Want to control their own destiny
I believe in the power of education! A college education may not be for everyone but graduation from high school is a MUST. Education is the key to our individual and collective futures. According to the Alliance for Excellent Education, high school drop outs from the class of 2006-2007 will cost the US more than $329 million in lost wages, taxes, and productivity over their lifetime because those who drop out are more likely to be incarcerated, rely on public programs and social services, and go without health insurance than those who graduate from high school. In addition, globalization is forcing our teens to compete for jobs not only against teens in their city and state but with teens on other continents. We have to do better. A quality education allows students to develop academically, socially, and professionally.
You already know that I have had amazing teachers for whom I am eternally grateful! What you may not know is that I have been working in school-based programs for over 10 years. I have acquired insider knowledge of school culture and education reform. I have been up close and personal with four local school systems (tell you more bout that later). I consider myself an “Inside-Outsider” who has seen the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly that our education system provides. Research, training, and first-hand experience is what allows me to provide innovative, youth-driven programming. As a result, our teens understand the global economy, develop career skills through extra curricular activities, and are able to use an independent service project to improve their community and create professional opportunities.