1. The Leslie Aspire Scholarship Program Created by the Leslie Middle School staff

2. Leslie Middle School believes in meeting students’ needs PersonalSocialEmotionalAcademic

3. Purpose: Keep students in school and develop leadership skills. Assist students to secure financial aid for college.

4. Why do we need the Aspire Program? 60% of students who eventually dropped out of high school failed at least 25% of their ninth grade credits, while only 8% of grads had that problem.

5. At the 2010 Governor’s Conference “America’s prosperity has always rested on how well we educate our children – but never more so than today,” said President Barack Obama. “This is true for our workers, when a college graduate earns over 60 percent more in a lifetime than a high school graduate. This is true for our businesses, when, according to one study; six in ten say they simply can’t find qualified people to fill open positions.” “America’s prosperity has always rested on how well we educate our children – but never more so than today,” said President Barack Obama. “This is true for our workers, when a college graduate earns over 60 percent more in a lifetime than a high school graduate. This is true for our businesses, when, according to one study; six in ten say they simply can’t find qualified people to fill open positions.”

6. President Obama has announced new efforts to promote college- and career-ready standards in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Our program will seek to instill in these Scholars the academic skills needed to transition into college and careers.

7. Benefits of the Leslie Aspire Scholarship Program to Leslie Students Increased confidence Improved leadership skills Better grades Higher achievement Improved relationships with others

8. Structure of the Aspire Scholarship Program Mentoring Leadership training College preparation Financial education Team building

9. Ideas for mentoring: Play board games Teach a skill Work on a craft project Read a book together Each mentor meets with his or her Scholar once a week at the middle school.

10. This year, students have had opportunities: Leadership Academy at LCC Bookstore tour Bowling Craft project to give mentors Help with Family Fun Night Make dinner for their families

11. Other benefits to Scholars Backpacks filled with school supplies Gift certificates for a book Back to school haircuts

12. Partnerships Leslie Area Educational Foundation Big Brothers Big Sisters Lansing Community College Homestead Bank of Leslie Independent Bank of Leslie

13. Community Assistance Local businesses have donated to the Aspire Program Felpausch Independent Bank Homestead Bank Uniquely U Hair Salon Bestsellers Bookstore Meijer Leslie Lanes

14. Recognitions for Leslie Aspire America’s Promise Place MASA Winner’s Circle Honorable Mention

15. Up next: The Heart of a Spartan 5K: A fundraiser staff members are participating in for the Aspire Program. We’ll run or walk the race, then finish coming through the Spartan tunnel onto the 50 yard line. Our hope is to have the Scholars there, running or cheering us on!