Thanks to Kershaw's Challenge our Youth Development Academy Expands to Patton High School

 

Through the generous support from Kershaw's Challenge, led by Clayton and Ellen Kershaw, Sharefest recently extended its Youth Development Academy after-school programming at Patton High School in Harbor City. The program launched February 13 and will provide after-school classes for numerous deserving students this year in the areas of Leadership Development, Art Education, Service Learning, Physical Education and CAHSEE Prep Math and English.

According to Bill Steuwer, a social studies teacher at Patton High School, continuation schools are highly effective in fostering a small-school learning environment for students who have fallen behind academically or don't fit into a traditional learning environment. However, a significant challenge remains. It is difficult to offer and administrate the classes needed to meet the 230 credits required to graduate. That's where Sharefest's YDA program comes in.

"We are extremely grateful to have Sharefest offer programs to our school," said Steuwer. "This year, along with many wonderful classes, Sharefest is helping to address a big need in preparing students for graduation."

"Thanks to the support from Kershaw's Challenge, we can now provide much needed programming for the students at Patton High School," said Chad Mayer, Sharefest executive director. "We can't wait to see how these classes help prepare them to be successful not only in school, but as future leaders in our communities."