CSD Launches Empowerment Program in Cheltenham

The Cheltenham School District is launching the Empowerment Program in Cheltenham (EPIC) to provide comprehensive support and opportunities for identified students who are facing challenges in the traditional school setting. EPIC’s mission is to empower the students to reach their full potential by offering personalized assistance, credit recovery opportunities, holistic services, and additional pathways to success. Dr. Christine Zubairu will serve as EPIC’s inaugural administrator. Slide deck>

“We are committed to creating a flexible and personalized educational experience for our students in a caring and equitable environment,” said interim assistant superintendent Dr. Marykay Feeley. “Each of our students comes into the program with specific academic and social/emotional goals. With the help of teachers and counselors, students are able to engage in the program to ensure that they reach these goals.”

EPIC is designed to serve students who are experiencing school attendance and engagement challenges in school due to various issues and needs. The program will be supportive in nature, with small group meetings available three to five times throughout the week. The group setting allows for the group therapeutic dynamic and addresses more holistic issues. The academic program is aligned to the CHS curriculum, and the EPIC teachers will utilize a combination of online and traditional instruction to meet student needs. 

Hallmarks of the program include individualized support wherein each student will be paired with a dedicated mentor who will provide personalized guidance and support, and staff will work closely with students to create individualized success plans, setting achievable goals and milestones; credit recovery opportunities with flexible scheduling options for students to catch up on missed coursework and earn credit, and credit recovery classes, online modules, and one-on-one tutoring sessions will be offered to support academic progress; and holistic services to  address the social, emotional, and physical needs of students, and counseling, mental health support, access to basic necessities, and family engagement programs will be provided to ensure holistic support.

Recognizing that the traditional college trajectory may not be suitable for all students, additional pathways to success will be explored, and opportunities for vocational training, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and entrepreneurship programs will be offered to students interested in pursuing non-traditional career paths.

EPIC opens August 26, 2024.