Achievers for Life (AFL) is a dropout prevention initiative developed and funded by the United Way of Northeast Florida, in partnership with Communities In Schools of Jacksonville along with Jewish Family and Community Services. to carry out the Achievers For Life strategy in Duval County.
Achievers for Life targets sixth grade students exhibiting risk factors of school disengagement including low GPAs, low FCAT scores and excessive absences. Achievers For Life provides interated, safety net services to students and families at six middle schools in Duval county.
One of the most difficult transitions in school occurs between elementary and middle school. Research has shown that a student who fails to promote on-time to 7th grade has an 85% chance of dropping out of high school. Achievers For Life is designed to develop the necessary skills and behaviors among targeted students so they will be promoted on-time and be successful in school and beyond.
Once students are selected for Achievers For Life, their families agree to receive assistance and guidance from a family advocate provided by Jewish Family and Community Services. Family Advocates meet regularly with families, helping them progress toward social goals and connecting them with social services as needed.
Students are also assigned an Achievement Advocate through Communities In Schools. Achievement Advocates meet regularly with their students and encourage them to reach mutually established goals, while closely monitoring students’ attendance, classroom behavior and academic progress.
In addition, students are matched with pre-screened Achievement Mentors. These mentors are caring adult volunteers from the community who meet with their students on campus, one hour per week during the school year.
Quick Facts
Achievers for Life is a United Way of Northeast Florida developed and funded initiative. United Way partners with Communities In Schools and Jewish Family and Community Services to carry out the program objectives.
Achievers for Life operates in six Duval County middle schools – Arlington, Fort Caroline, Northwestern, Matthew Gilbert, Jefferson Davis and J.E.B. Stuart.
Achievers For Life began in 2007 and is currently serving over 750 students and their families.
In the past two years, 95 % of students participating in the Achievers for Life program were promoted to the seventh grade on time.
FAQ’s
Q: How are students selected to participate in Achievers for Life?
A: A student can be selected to participate in Achievers For Life, if they are a rising 5th grader and/or current 6th grader exhibiting risk factors of school disengagement (low GPA/ FCAT scores, excessive absences), or they can be referred by the schools principal.
Q: My child would benefit from Achievers For Life. How can I get help?
A: Parents or guardians can contact Communities In Schools at (904) 354-5918 to receive further information about the program and the enrollment process.
Q: How can I become an Achievement Mentor?
A: If you are interested in becoming an Achievement Mentor, you can download a mentor application from the Volunteer or Mentor page. Once completed, email the application to Achievers For Life, mconger@cisjax.org fax it to 904-355-9009 or mail it to the Communities In Schools office. Once received, a mentor recruiter will contact you to schedule training and background screening. Once cleared, the Achievement Mentor will be matched with an Achievers For Life student.
