BOAST Academy

The BOAST Academy is an after-school program based at Kenwood Elementary School. The mission of the Bouchet Outreach and Achievement in Science and Technology (BOAST) Academy is to provide educational enrichment and support to at-risk children in grades K-5 to help them reach their highest academic potential and develop valuable citizenship skills. This highly successful academic remedial and enrichment program provides the academic support that enables at-risk children to acquire the skills they need to be successful in school. Equipped with the necessary academic skills, these children are more likely to remain in school through high school and post-secondary programs. In addition, quality programs like the BOAST Academy provide at-risk children with experiences that help them become more knowledgeable about the world around them. In the words of former Kenwood principal, Les Huddle, "BOAST offers students an opportunity for quality after-school assistance with homework. It also offers them exposure to different educational experiences than the school can provide."

University students play a crucial role at BOAST. They are employed as student tutors, working at least twice a week in the after-

school program, plus helping plan daily enrichment and weekly hands-on science lessons, and helping chaperone monthly educational field trips. They also help with BOAST presentations for community and workshop audiences. Volunteers help with the same duties.

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University of Illinois

Chicago Campus - Springfield Campus - Urbana-Champaign Campus