Project Success Programs

Many activities and programs worked together to make Project Success unique. Our programs were the following:  Increase Parent Involvement, Increase Student Achievement, and Increase Attendance & Decrease Truancy.

STICK With Your Kids!

STICK With Your Kids! is a Project Success initiative developed in the fall of 2000 to promote increased parent involvement – a key indicator of how well a child succeeds in school. This includes a September Back-To-School parade, and community wide Civic Center showcase and service fair.  Schools, businesses and local agencies participate to show parents and families the many ways they can “stick” with their kids to support school success. Read more about STICK With Your Kids!

Free School Supplies Program

Each year as school begins in August,  Project Success coordinates distribution of basic school supplies for needy children in cooperation with area churches, businesses, and service providers. Each bag of supplies helps prepare these children to start the school year ready to learn on that important first day of school.  Students receive crayons, pencils, rulers, folders, paper, pencil boxes, glue, erasers and – as available – much needed back packs. Read more about the Free School Supplies Program.

After School Tutoring

Project Success offers after school tutoring to all Decatur public elementary schools. Certified teachers and teaching assistants provide tutoring in core subject areas from October to May. Students must be referred for specific academic assistance at tutoring sessions by their classroom teachers. This service is free to all students! Read more about After School Tutoring.

Right Track Truancy Reduction Program

Right Track is a collaborative program developed since 2001 by Project Success in cooperation with local schools, law enforcement, service providers, judges, and the IL Attorney General’s office. This comprehensive program is coordinated by Project Success in cooperation with the Macon-Piatt Regional Office of Education and Decatur Public Schools. Read more about the Right Track Truancy Reduction Program.

Seniors For Success

Seniors for Success is an intergenerational program sponsored by Project Success.  Volunteers work as little as one hour per week to help children by listening to them read, working with math flashcards, practicing spelling words, etc.  Each volunteer is assigned to work with a teacher and a particular classroom.  Some volunteers also help with classroom projects, share past experiences and hobbies, and generally give support to show the children that someone wants to help them succeed. Read more about Seniors for Success.

Homeless Children and Youth Program

Project Success works in collaboration with local schools, educators and agencies under a grant from the IL State Board of Education to make sure area homeless children in grades K-12 are enrolled in school and have access to all services for which they are eligible.  Our Homeless Liaisons receive each initial referral from the schools, and work to provide immediate follow up to link students to needed services. These services include transportation, free or reduced lunch, and access to before and after school programs. Read more about the Homeless Children & Youth Program.

Family Liaisons

The position of Family Liaison was created by Project Success when it began as a grant funded initiative in two schools in 1992.  Its purpose was — and still is – to have a person at the school who can help to nurture a strong connection between the school, the home, and the community.  Liaisons work to do whatever it takes to address ‘basic needs’ so that children are able to succeed in school. Read more about Family Liaisons.

Service Fairs

Project Success coordinates Service Fairs in conjunction with scheduled school family activities.  Service Fairs feature area social service agencies and programs to showcase the many opportunities available to help families in Decatur. Read more about Service Fairs.