Every child deserves a responsible mentor and tutor!

University Partnerships

💚 Working together to strengthen classrooms, empower youth, and grow future leaders

Invest in Education and Jobs

What We Provide To Dayton Public Schools

Our University Partnership Support Program Includes:

1. On‑Site College Student Mentors & Classroom Support

Trained university students placed in classrooms
Support with small‑group instruction, SEL activities, and academic interventions
Consistent, caring adults who build relationships with students

2. Teacher Relief & Capacity Building

Extra hands during high‑stress periods
Support with classroom routines, transitions, and engagement
Reduced burnout and improved teacher retention

3. A Pipeline of Future Educators

University students gain real experience inside Dayton schools
Schools gain a pool of future teachers who already know the district
Helps stabilize staffing in historically hard‑to‑fill buildings

4. Trauma‑Informed, Healing‑Centered Support

Mentors trained in emotional regulation, de‑escalation, and youth development
Activities aligned with the Kids Mental Health Foundation frameworks
A stigma‑free, relationship‑based approach

5. Community‑Engaged Research & Innovation

Universities bring evidence‑based strategies
Schools bring real‑world context
Together, they co‑design solutions that fit Dayton’s students and families

How College Students Support Classrooms

Every student mentor receives training and ongoing support from GrandParents Hands and Children Charities. Once placed in a classroom, they take on meaningful responsibilities such as:

Social–Emotional Support

Encouraging positive peer interactions
Modeling healthy communication
Helping students build confidence and self‑regulation

Academic Support

Helping students stay on task
Assisting with reading, writing, and math activities
Supporting small‑group learning

Classroom Engagement

Assisting teachers with activities and transitions
Creating a welcoming, calm presence in the room
Helping students feel seen, supported, and valued

Community Connection

Bringing new perspectives and lived experiences
Building relationships with students who need extra encouragement
Strengthening the bridge between schools and the wider community

💚 Let’s Build a Partnership That Changes Lives

GrandParents’ Hands Children Charity is ready to help Dayton Public Schools launch a university partnership that strengthens classrooms, supports teachers, and creates new pathways for college students.

Together, we can build a healing‑centered, community‑powered support system for Dayton’s youth.

This model creates a powerful ripple effect:

Teachers receive extra hands and hearts in the classroom
Students gain mentors who listen, encourage, and guide
College students develop real‑world skills and purpose
Families feel supported by a caring community
Schools gain a sustainable, healing‑centered support system

Together, we are building stronger classrooms, stronger communities, and stronger futures.

Evidence: How This Model Has Helped Other School Districts

University–district partnerships have a long track record of improving outcomes in schools facing academic decline, teacher shortages, and high levels of student need.

National Louis University (Chicago)

Placed teacher residents and graduate students in high‑needs schools
Improved literacy outcomes and classroom engagement
Reduced teacher turnover by building a pipeline of prepared educators

2. University of Washington – Seattle Public Schools

Embedded mentors and student teachers in struggling schools
Increased small‑group instruction time
Improved student attendance and academic confidence

3. University of South Carolina – Midlands Schools

University students provided tutoring and SEL support
Schools saw gains in reading scores and reductions in behavioral referrals

4. CUNY (New York City) – Community Schools Initiative

College students served as mentors, tutors, and family liaisons
Schools reported improved climate, stronger family engagement, and higher graduation rates

Why This Matters for Dayton Public Schools

Dayton schools face real challenges: staffing shortages, high student needs, and limited resources.

Our program helps schools:

Expand adult capacity without increasing district payroll
Bring trauma‑informed support into classrooms
Strengthen relationships and belonging
Build a long‑term educator pipeline
Improve outcomes for students who need the most support

This is not a volunteer program.

It is a strategic, research‑backed partnership model that lifts students, teachers, and future educators at the same time.

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