Research suggests that there is a great need for additional support for 8^th Grade students before transitioning into 9^th grade. Middle schools can facilitate this support, but very often there is not enough time in the school day to allow for such activities.  With the High School Transition Program, the Bay Area After-School All-Stars provide these support services and activities to all participating 8^th graders in order to better prepare them for their high school experience.  The High School Transition Program is offered to all 8^th grade students at all of our middle school sites. 

     1.     Student Workshops: Starting in November of each school year, 8^th grade students begin attending workshops that prepare them for their transition to high school.  These workshops allow students to learn about the academic requirements, graduation requirements and college eligibility.  The curriculum also includes sections on life skills development and early career exploration, found in the 21^st Century Skills.

     2.     Parent Workshops: The parents of these eighth grade students also have the opportunity to attend workshops educating them on how to support their child and become better advocates for their education throughout their high school career.  Additional topics covered in the workshop series will include college readiness and early career planning.

     3.     Opportunities for Exploration:  Participants in the program will be given a variety of opportunities to explore extra-curricular activities in high school, as well as possible college majors and careers.  Leadership Coordinators collaborate with local high schools, allowing access for 8^th grade students to attend sporting events, club activities and performances.  Participants will also have the opportunity to visit their high school and receive information from teachers and counselors at that school. Additionally, professionals in a variety of fields serve as guest-speakers for the program.  These individuals teach 8^th grade students about what careers are possible and the steps needed to take in order to get a job in that specific field.

     4.     Evaluation:  Parents and participants continually have the opportunity to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the program.  Evaluations are distributed following at the beginning of the school year and at the completion of participants’ 8^th grade year.  Additionally, parents and students complete surveys at the end of every workshop.  We use this date to continually update and modify our program, to insure it is meeting the needs of our students and families.

Leadership Coordinators:  The High School Transition Program is managed by the Leadership Programs Manager and facilitated at each site by the Leadership Coordinator.  Coordinators attend trainings quarterly, where they review the curriculum and share ideas and feedback on lessons and other activities that have been done over the course of a couple months.  The Leadership Coordinator also works as a Youth Instructor at their program site and receives a stipend for their additional duties.

Please contact Kevin Reduta at kreduta@bayallstars.org with any questions.