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I'm sorry if you've already read this. I posted it under "General Discussion" then realized this may be a more appropriate forum for this question. Thank you!

I am hoping to get some input on an idea I am trying to implement. I live in the Phoenix area and would like to get funding for after-school programming for gifted children in impoverished areas of Phoenix. I'm not sure if I will start a 501c3 or will look into fiscal sponsorship with a current non-profit, but I would love to get some ideas on effective programs I can start-up to serve this section of the population.

The poorest school districts of course love the idea and I've gotten a little feedback from them. Some ideas I've had is getting some kids on scholarship for EPGY or Johns Hopkins on-line program, scholarships to camps for high ability students at Arizona State University, have "Mad Science" regularly come after school (at a local community center)for hands-on exploration in science, tutors and possibly storytellers for the youngest groups. Mind you, English is a second language for most of these kids.

I would LOVE more ideas, and to know if anyone knows of a non-profit in another state doing something similar whom I could contact? I am planning on targeting elementary school students to begin with.

I really appreciate the feedback. Thank you!

Sheri

Sheri, this isn't exactly the same, but have you ever heard of the Breakthrough Collaborative?

http://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/

It is a nationwide program that runs weekend & summer academic programs for under-resources kids with college potential. My D20 taught at one for the last 2 summers (and plans to do so again this summer). Many English language learner kids are enrolled. The kids are picked based on test scores, teacher recommendations, need for support (single parent home? either parent every go to college? family income?) and essays. The program typically start in middle school. In the program D teaches in it goes through high school. I believe it is a 501c3 organization, funded primarily by donations from large companies in our area (they do get free lunches from the state, I think).

This program is a fabulous boost to low income, talented kids in substandard schools, I think. They don't specifically cater to gifted kids, but I have observed some classes, and clearly quite a lot of the kids are gifted, they just haven't had the resources and opportunities that most of our kids have. I just looked and Phoenix doesn't have one (yet!).