How We Do It!
If the staff of FrontRange Earth Force worked directly with local students, we might be able to reach 300 or maybe even 400 students each year. We are a very hard-working staff, but have limited time and resources to apply to the intensive CAPS process. And while brining our program directly to youth would transform them as individuals, what about the educational system of which they are all a part?
"GIVE A MAN A FISH, AND YOU HAVE FED HIM FOR THE DAY. TEACH HIM HOW TO FISH, AND YOU HAVE FED HIM FOR A LIFETIME."
Instead of working with students, we work through and with their teachers - an approach that enables us to reach nearly 2,000 students each year in 35 local schools. Not only do the individual students have a transformative learning experience, but the educators who facilitate the process do, as well.
We provide high-quality professional development to committed educators who wish to use the CAPS process in the classroom. But CAPS training is only the beginning. We provide on-going and intensive support right up to the students' completion of a successful service project - and beyond.
We know that is its critical for the students to complete a successful and fulfilling service-project as the capstone to their CAPS experience, and will offer whatever support is needed to get them there. Just as importantly, we want our edcucators to know that they are not "in it alone." When a school or teacher signs on with FR Earth Force, they get all the support they need to be successful:
CO-TEACHING AND ASSISTANCE FACILITATING THE CAPS PROCESS!
This includes a great Earth Force kick-off as a class starts its journey through the Six Steps, and any help (in class and out) an educator or advisor might need as challenges arise in the process.
ASSISTANCE MEETING CONTENT STANDARDS THROUGH EARTH FORCE PROJECTS!
Our staff plans with the teahcer to ensure that the hands-on learning that students will undertake meets applicable content standards. We help to make the process academically rigorous and well-integrated with prescribed curricula if needed.
MINI-GRANTS FOR STUDENTS!
Earth Force classes and groups can write grants to FR Earth Force to help them carry our their service projects. We can give classes up to $150 for materials and supplies to make their projects a success.
EARTH FORCE MATERIALS!
We provide to each educator a Teacher Manual, Student Manuals, Student Tip-Cards, classroom posters and other visuals, and more.
AN INVITATION TO THE AWESOME ANNUAL YOUTH SUMMIT!
Every Earth Force class, Youth Council and after-school group is invited to join us at the Denver Zoo for our huge Annual Youth Summit. Hundreds of students host presentations about their service projects, enjoy the Zoo exhibits and participate in the Speak Out Competition! The only prize of admission is this: all groups must create an interactive display of information about their project or the issue it addressed.
HELP MAKING FIELD TRIPS HAPPEN!
We can assist with transportation and other details to ensure that Earth Force students get full access to great hands-on learning opportunities throughout the city - regardless of income. We have numerous community partners who are happy to host a tour of their facilty or business, to enrich students' learning experience.
EXPERT SPEAKERS AND CLASSROOM GUESTS!
Our extensive network of community partnerships also allows us to offer educators excellent community resources to bring into their classrooms. Once a class has selected an issue, the students can invite guest speakers and experts from among our partner organizations and agencies to learn more about that issue from all angles.
