STRIVE Mission:
To Challenge, motivate and reward East Jordan Middle/High School students who
have the greatest opportunity for academic improvement!

Program Overview:
Students who participate in the STRIVE Program are selected by the school and
are matched with an adult mentor. Mentors can be either Rotarian or non-
Rotarians from the community. Mentors are not tutors, but are there to offer
support, encouragement and assistance. Students and mentors meet in a group
setting once a week during school hours. A STRIVE program coordinator is
available for guidance during each mentoring session.

The STRIVE Program consists of two tiers:
Tier 1: The Middle School STRIVE mentors primarily support 7th and 8th grade
students. These students are rewarded each marking period for working hard to
meet math, English and attendance goals.
Tier 2: The High School STRIVE mentors meet with mostly Seniors who would
benefit from guidance to reach the goal of graduation. High School students are
rewarded each marking period for meeting grade point and attendance goals.
Opportunities:

STRIVE is an opportunity for Rotarians and community members to make a
positive impact on our community. STRIVE is an opportunity for students to learn
how to set goals. The program rewards participants’ hard work and success in
attaining these goals. STRIVE also provides the opportunity to improve academic
and life skills, that includes but is not limited to such skills as: time management,
study skills, use of a planner, sleep hygiene, the importance of a diploma,
communication skills, being persistent, test taking skills, first impressions, how
to shake hands. STRIVE also provides students with the opportunity to connect
and bond with many adults in their community…letting them know their
community cares about their success.

STRIVE Background:
STRIVE has been a collaboration between East Jordan Rotary Club and East
Jordan Schools since 1998. STRIVE stands for Students taking a Renewed
Interest in the Value of Education. Students in the lower one-third of the class
often have the same natural abilities and gifts as those in the upper two-thirds of
the class. The difference is often a support system for motivation, attendance,
work habits, self-esteem and success in the classroom. STRIVE is one way to
address all of these factors.
Statistically, 75-80% of those who made the commitment to STRIVE criteria
improved their GPA. These students had a 91% attendance average. They knew
that the school and the community were pulling with them and for them!
STRIVE is a proven way to make a difference in the performance of students.
School leaders and teachers pointed to a notable improvement in increased self esteem,
confidence, and motivation. Many students discovered that when they
improved their skills, attended class and worked a little harder they found
success. This increased their work place success and some students even make
the decision to go on to college.