BHGH Accelerating Impact Teams
7th grade scholars created their team’s name and crest!
Lady Glitter Sparkle and Lighting McQueen
After two years of planning and initial testing, our “Accelerating Impact” program is kicking into high gear for the third and final year of the pilot! Supported by the John Templeton Foundation, the pilot explores an age-based, student-led cohort model for helping young people tap into curiosity, perseverance, and sense of purpose to fuel their short and mid-range goals and interact in tight-knit small groups of peers in a way that represents and fosters their authentic interests, fears, dreams, and opportunities for learning and growing.
These groups, organized based on age, convene monthly for scholars to collaboratively plan and lead activities that reflect their genuine interests, aspirations, and challenges, fostering a culture of learning and growth. Supported by an adult coach, scholars both encourage and hold each other accountable for their goals, reflecting on progress and setbacks.
Over the next year, Arizona will be implementing the program at all grade levels and participating in the evaluation process. The goal of Accelerating Impact is to leverage the power of close peer relationships to enhance positive youth development outcomes. The initiative aims not only to benefit Boys Hope Girls Hope but also to contribute insights to enhance the broader understanding of effective strategies for young individuals.
We’re grateful for the John Templeton Foundation’s belief in our approach and the tremendous potential for “Accelerating Impact” groups to ignite hope in many more young lives!