Semester Wrap-Up

Today was the last day Chicago Public School ran until the New Year. Just as the schools are wrapping up for the Christmas holiday so, also, are our youth programs.

Last week, our technology program for high school students in small computer networking ended. This apprenticeship program is sponsored by After School Matters. Over 20 students graduated from this semester's apprenticeship. They finished up strong, celebrating their efforts with a final party and small award ceremony! Even as I write, students are knocking on our door, eager to pick-up their payment checks.

Staff and tutors of our Club 2-5-2 after-school tutoring program created an incentive system at the beginning of the year. The incentive program rewarded student's good behavior and improved academic performance while also teaching them the basics of money management. The Sunshine Community Bank was established :smile: to hold the student's Sunshine Bucks. Each child had to read the Bank's service brochure to learn about the bank's provisions. (Fake) checks were issued for students to use in their depositing and withdrawal of monies.

Toys and clothes that remained from our community-wide Christmas Store were used to establish Club 2-5-2's Store where students could spend their Sunshine Bucks to "purchase" Christmas gifts for themselves and for their family. The Store was used to teach students about money saving and spending. We trust from the smiles on their faces that they also had fun.

Lastly, as in past years, Sunshine youth were treated to the excitements of Chicago's Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest. This was another reward for faithful attendance and for commitment to learning.