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Before we set out to build a program, College Bound stakeholders came together to identify our beliefs. A primary objective was to be passionate stewards of our mission, our students, our schools and our donors. Out of many discussions we arrived at The Six Essential Core Values. These values guide our behavior and capture the spirit of College Bound.
College Bound’s 360-degree approach to learning and preparation is guided by our passion and commitment to The Six Essentials . From potential to realization, we use these essentials to positively impact the lives of our students and to inspire them to become leaders who add vibrancy to our community and exhibit pride to our workforce.
The Six Essentials are:
- Put it all on the line
- Believe in our power to create change
- Fail Fast, Learn Fast, Collaborate
- Find the joy, dwell in the gratitude
- Get out! Explore!
- Serve and Engage
Put it all on the line.
Record-breaking outcomes are the result of intense and constant striving, continuous measurement and positive energy. In the words of author, Arnold Glasow, “Success is never the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.”
Believe in the power to create change
All young people have it in them to achieve. Our job is to do whatever it takes to inspire achievement and provide the resources, role models and opportunities to translate that achievement to success. Change may not be easy but it is always in our hands.
Fail Fast, Learn Fast, Collaborate
Make mistakes; make them often; never repeat them. Learn from the leaders who came before us and recognize that we are always standing on their shoulders. Seek to partner with others who share our passion for education. Think of every challenge as an opportunity to defeat cynicism, build consensus, and rise to excellence.
Find the joy, dwell in the gratitude
No matter the difficulty, find the joy and embrace the laughter. Bring energy, light-heartedness and an even-temper to the process of creating change. Be grateful for the chance to affect lives and to have the trust and confidence of others. Say thank you every day to the teachers, administrators, donors, students and families we serve. Choose to be a positive force.
Get out! Explore!
Ben Franklin said, “Greatness is all around you. Step into the world and you will find it!” Academic enrichment and test preparation are the centerpieces of College Bound, but it is our innovative, “get-out-in-the-world” approach that defines our program and motivates our students to imagine themselves in every possible job, venue and social construct and then to pursue their place within those spheres.
Serve and Engage
There are two questions we always ask: “What are you doing for others?” and “How do we give back?” College Bound students know that the academic enrichment, field trips, meals and transportation they enjoy are the result of hundreds of angels giving of themselves and their resources. Through letters to donors, service learning with Habitat for Humanity, engaged citizenry and peer-to-peer mentoring, College Bound students become powerful and generous agents for giving back in their community. |
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