Program Overview

The GO Project serves more than 300 students from over 30 public elementary schools in Lower Manhattan. Most of our students are first or second generation American, low-income children and all are facing serious learning challenges at schools.

At the GO Project, we address the needs of the whole child through integrated, year-round academic programs and family support services. Young children, especially those facing life and learning challenges, need more than just an excellent education. They need support that begins at home, where their parents may work multiple jobs, speak little English and have few resources. They need tangible academic and life skills that build knowledge and self-confidence. And, they need to experience academic success- the fruits of their own hard work.

By providing year round education and family services to academically challenged Kindergarten through 5th graders, GO educators, social workers and volunteers equip students with the confidence and skills they need to realize their potential and succeed at school, at home and in life.

The GO Project address the needs of our students through three holistic, mutually reinforcing strands of service- GO School, GO Summer and GO Families.

 

GO Summer


Students begin the program with GO Summer, a five-week summer learning adventure rooted in academic fundamentals and enhanced by enrichment modules children love. Classes are kept to no more than 14 students to ensure that each child receives in depth, personalized attention from teachers, assistants and volunteers.

From 9 am to 5 pm, five days a week, children study core subjects with teachers, specialists and aides. After lunch, students delve into art, music, computer, physical education and other workshops that nurture the creativity and interests of each child. As children gain skills and confidence, their performance improves and learning becomes a way of life. Our numbers speak for themselves: While most low income minority students fall behind during the summer months, all GO Project students stay academically engaged throughout the summer, gaining new skills and combating this "summer loss."


GO School


On Saturday mornings from October to April, GO brings the love of learning to life at two partner schools in Lower Manhattan, Grace Church School and Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School. As more than 300 children greet each other and take their seats, some of the best teachers and volunteer tutors in the city welcome them and begin two and half hours of intensive lessons designed to empower each student as they build essential skills in reading, writing and math.

Our model is unique, GO's professional teachers initiate lessons with students that are continued in small groups lead by trained volunteers. Through this process, our students form meaningful relationships with our volunteers that prevent GO School from being just a sixth day of classes for our students.


GO Families


Critical to the success of our academic programs is the quality of support our students receive at home. While addressing the complex challenges GO parents face - from juggling multiple jobs to struggling with language issues to coping with a child's learning difficulties - GO complements and extend our Saturday and summer programs by working closely with parents to provide much needed information, resources and emotional support.

As a first step, GO social workers and educators stay in close touch with each child's family throughout the year. School visits and parent meetings provide an opportunity to share information and discuss challenges related to each student's progress. Workshops, individual counseling sessions and referrals to outside agencies give parents the knowledge and tools they need to understand and then address their child's academic, social and emotional development.


The GO Project, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All charitable gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
© Copyright 2009 The GO Project. All Rights Reserved.
86 Fourth Avenue New York, NY 10003