The Open Doors Model

The Open Doors model operates in a manner that each youth has the potential to be successful, and it is our responsibility to help that child realize his or her potential.  Through our holistic programming model, which engages the students along with their parents, school, and community, students are exposed to 7 different pillars of programming described below over the period of a three-year curriculum. 

Science & Technology – We seek to utilize creative design to demonstrate how science, technology, and engineering concepts apply to daily life, as well as to demonstrate the importance of computer technology in our lives today.  Core projects include:  building and programming a robot, Kinect’s bridge design and creating animations.

 

Financial Literacy – We seek for our youth to demonstrate an increased aspiration and attitude toward their education and future, as well as an increased knowledge of the free enterprise system, money management, and investments.  Programming operates off of the curriculum, “Saving our Futures”, as well as, Junior Achievement’s “Economics for Success” and “It’s My Business”.  Core projects include: Investment Club, Life’s not a Board Game, and the Business Plan Competition.  

Community Building & Peer Leadership Development– Programming covers active listening skills, communication, conflict resolution, team building, responsibility, character judgment, student advisory leadership board.  Programming is specifically designed to establish, build, and strengthen a sense of community amongst the group.

Civic Engagement & Service Learning – Through community involvement, youth demonstrate an increased civic knowledge related to government and community, as well as demonstrate an increased value in both their school and community.  Programming addresses civic engagement, service learning, citizenship, and global awareness and education.

Comprehensive Health Education – Through programming we seek for youth to demonstrate an increased engagement in physical exercise, increased understanding of nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices, and an increased knowledge of the risks and consequences of early sexual activities. 

Academic Support – Students receive daily support in completing their homework assignments and strengthening their organizational skills.  In addition, for students who need additional academic support, one-on-one evening tutoring is provided twice a week, with a volunteer mentor. 

The Arts:  We seek to nurture, develop, and promote the artistic potential of our youth, as well as serve as a catalyst for art education through collaboration with various artists, educators, and community performers.  Core projects have included: 

  1. Drama and Theater (slam poetry, plays, improvisation, persuasive speeches, monologues, etc.)
  2. Dance (e.g., African, hip-hop, jazz, stomp, swing, etc.)
  3. Visual Arts (e.g., ceramics, painting, photography, short films, textile arts, etc.)
  4. Digital Arts (e.g., photo and film editing, music mixing, digital arts software, etc.)
  5. Voice and Music (e.g., drum circle, small choir, beat boxing, etc.)

Students participate in arts programming 1 day per week during the school year.  Arts instructors work with students for a number of sessions in order to build upon skills learned from week to week; ultimately producing a finished product (i.e., piece of artwork, play, dance, or song performance). 

The arts education program culminates in an Arts Showcase where youth demonstrate their artistic talents to the public.