The Paul Schreurs Memorial Program is needs-based and individualized for each student participant. The services we provide to each student are different and can be found in the list below. Please note that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, not all components of PSMP are fully functioning at this time. We are operating at a limited capacity following local and state safety guidelines.
Academic Assistance
After School Program - Students work with volunteers to understand concepts and develop skills to become lifelong independent learners. The after school program takes place weekly, immediately after school, and includes individual tutoring and homework support.
School Outreach - Each week, PSMP staff members visit the middle and high schools to check in with students and their teachers to ensure their educational needs are being met. Staff members attend parent-teacher meetings, either with the parents or as a proxy for the parents who are unable to attend for various reasons. Teachers and school administrators know PSMP staff members are available during the day to help school staff with crisis situations.
Assistance Seeking Financial Aid - Students’ families lack the financial resources to pay for additional schooling or trade schools. Lack of funds is the first reason students from disadvantaged backgrounds do not pursue education beyond high school. PSMP helps students find financial aid and support to pay for their continuing education.
Assistance with College Application Process - The college application process can be a daunting process. Some of our students are first-generation college students and do not have family members with past experience going through the process. We help students navigate through the application process to ensure they are able to be accepted into college or trade school and be successful in their future endeavors.
School Outreach - Each week, PSMP staff members visit the middle and high schools to check in with students and their teachers to ensure their educational needs are being met. Staff members attend parent-teacher meetings, either with the parents or as a proxy for the parents who are unable to attend for various reasons. Teachers and school administrators know PSMP staff members are available during the day to help school staff with crisis situations.
Assistance Seeking Financial Aid - Students’ families lack the financial resources to pay for additional schooling or trade schools. Lack of funds is the first reason students from disadvantaged backgrounds do not pursue education beyond high school. PSMP helps students find financial aid and support to pay for their continuing education.
Assistance with College Application Process - The college application process can be a daunting process. Some of our students are first-generation college students and do not have family members with past experience going through the process. We help students navigate through the application process to ensure they are able to be accepted into college or trade school and be successful in their future endeavors.
Enrichment Opportunities
Skill Building and Enrichment - We know that teamwork, communication, and a positive attitude are essential building blocks for success, so we facilitate activities for skill-building and enrichment. For instance, students have spend time on a challenge course to overcome fears, and discover new strengths and abilities.
Monthly Saturday Program - Each month, students get together for community service (such as volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity build or cleaning up a park), fun exploration, team building, to strengthen their connection to their community.
College Tours - We encourage students to dream big academically. Each summer we visit one or two colleges, choosing from historically black colleges, SUNYs, Ivy League universities, and private colleges to help them imagine and plan for their future. Being on campuses allows them to see themselves there one day if that’s the direction they choose.
Quarterly Family Dinners - Three to four times a year, students and their families get together over a family-style meal to recognize the students’ successes, create a space for families to meet and support one another, and provide helpful information about education, careers, and opportunities available to students.
Summer Program and Trip - The summer program is a fun-filled three-week opportunity for the students to learn new things and travel to new places together. We focus on college and career activities in both the Ithaca community and nearby counties. The program focuses on career and college exploration, skill-building, and community service. Of course, we do fun summertime activities, too, like swimming and visiting state parks, horseback riding, and spending time with friends. The last week is a three-night, four-day trip to various cities throughout the East Coast. Enrichment activities, experiential learning, and exploration combine to create a memorable summer.
Advocacy & Supportive Services
All of the support and services provided are tailored to individual needs. For many students, changes in their situation at home can cause a ripple effect on the other aspects of their lives. Frequent communication allows us to be able to assess each student and connect them with the tools and resources they need to continue to be successful.
Transportation Assistance - Staff members often provide transportation for students and families to, community events, school meetings, teacher conferences, extracurricular activities, and open houses.
Connection to Community Services - We help connect students and families to services in the community, like helping families dealing with food insecurity find access to healthy food options.
Informal Counseling - Sometimes students need someone to listen to them in a safe space, without being judgmental. PSMP staff members have established a rapport and trust with students that encourages them to seek staff members out to talk about whatever is on their minds.
Advocacy and Support in Crisis - Loss of childcare, a broken vehicle, and similar challenging setbacks can affect an entire family. For many of the students in our program, setbacks at the parent level can affect the entire family’s dynamic and cause added stress to the children. PSMP staff members understand this and are always available to provide advocacy and support in times of stress and crisis. We believe it is important to meet participants and their families where they are.
Mentoring - Students are paired with a mentor from a local college. During this one-on-one time, mentors work with students to listen, learn, and provide encouragement as they set goals and plan for success.
Transportation Assistance - Staff members often provide transportation for students and families to, community events, school meetings, teacher conferences, extracurricular activities, and open houses.
Connection to Community Services - We help connect students and families to services in the community, like helping families dealing with food insecurity find access to healthy food options.
Informal Counseling - Sometimes students need someone to listen to them in a safe space, without being judgmental. PSMP staff members have established a rapport and trust with students that encourages them to seek staff members out to talk about whatever is on their minds.
Advocacy and Support in Crisis - Loss of childcare, a broken vehicle, and similar challenging setbacks can affect an entire family. For many of the students in our program, setbacks at the parent level can affect the entire family’s dynamic and cause added stress to the children. PSMP staff members understand this and are always available to provide advocacy and support in times of stress and crisis. We believe it is important to meet participants and their families where they are.
Mentoring - Students are paired with a mentor from a local college. During this one-on-one time, mentors work with students to listen, learn, and provide encouragement as they set goals and plan for success.