Empowering Gifted Minds Through Enrichment Programs and Ensuring Program Sustainability
Loading...
Date
2024-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This two-pronged study aims to explore the potential growth of the Garwin Family Foundation (GFF) Student Sponsorship Program (SSP) for Talented Students in Arts, Sciences, and Math by assessing its impact on leadership, academic performance, and professional success. The program, managed by a small team, is crucial to Southern Illinois youth, a region facing economic challenges. The GFF has two interconnected problems that impact its longevity and trajectory: How does the SSP increase participant student success, and conversely, how will it transition from its family-run structure to a traditional nonprofit? Talented child education is central to the SSP and the board’s mission. Student learning comes from interacting with their environment, equipping gifted students with essential academic and socio-emotional skills. Conceptually, boards learn similarly. The team used a mixed-methods approach, collecting data from current and former scholarship recipients and board members through pre- and post-digital surveys and interviews. Key findings among SSP recipients included increased academic and social skills/self-efficacy. The GFF leadership recognized the need to expand its governance and leadership, secure additional resource development, optimize finances, and, most importantly, maintain a warm and inclusive family culture. Our recommendations include investing in alumni engagement, formalizing succession planning, and enhancing resource development.
Description
Leadership and Learning in Organizations capstone project
Keywords
gifted student, knowledge transfer, rural, scholarship, family foundation