Unique Program Lets Students Teach

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 1, 2007 (KGO) (KGO) -- A graduation ceremony is being held for students who are completing a unique program designed to put them on the path to academic excellence. The program began in San Francisco 30 years ago, but is now in place nationwide.

This may seem like a typical chemistry class with 8th graders wearing safety goggles, conducting an experiment. But look at the teacher, he's just a kid too. Eighteen-year-old Ben Lowell represents the beauty of this summer school program.

Brianna San Diego, Student: "That's kind of fun because then they can relate to you more because they're more closer to your age instead of having people who are like 30 and 28."

It started by accident years ago when a teacher became sick and a student took over the class. Now, students teaching students is the backbone of what's called Summer Bridge or the Breakthrough Collaborative.

Seventeen-year-old Justin Baker-Rhett heads up a history class.

Justin Baker-Rhett, Teacher: "We're all on the same level. There's no real person that's standing above you, sitting on a mantle talking down to you, telling you information. We're all at the same level and we're all learning together at the same time."

The program targets middle schoolers.

Meredith Laban, Director: "Mainly because for so many students that's a time when their self-esteem falls, when they can get off track educationally."

Summer Bridge is a non-profit organization created in 1978 by educators at University High, a private school in San Francisco. The founder says the mission was to build a bridge between private and public, privilege and poverty. More than 100 kids apply each year for 36 spots. Those selected generally have high potential and low incomes.

Tai Taliao, Student: "After my first year I became a bit a lot more interactive into my classes, a lot more focused. Now I'm getting straight A's in my classes. Went from C's to A's."

The curriculum is rigorous but fun.

Jared Salin will be a sophomore at USC this fall. Like many of the teachers here, he was once a student in the program. Now he's a role model and example of what can be done. That's another key component of the Summer Bridge/Breakthrough Collaborative.

Jared Salin, Teacher: "I don't think I can ever give back as much as I've gotten out of the program."

It's not just a summer program. The students are monitored and mentored throughout the school year.

Meredith Laban: "We want to make sure that our students are really ready to be on that college track."

She says 75-percent of the students succeed in becoming the first in their families to go on to college, including Yale, Harvard, Stanford and Cal. The majority of the graduates pursue careers in education. Nationwide the program serves more than 2,000 students a year at more than two dozen sites.

Those we talked to say being part of this has changed their lives.

>> LINK: www.breakthroughcollaborative.org

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