Harrison and Van Buren
Chosen for Kids on Course
Students and staff celebrate being chosen for the Zach Johnson "Kids on Course" Program.
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Harrison and Van Buren elementary schools will pilot the new Zach Johnson Foundation "Kids on Course" program beginning with the 2011-12 school year. PGA Tour pro Zach Johnson held dual announcements at the schools in his hometown of Cedar Rapids on May 24.
"The Kids on Course program started as a simple question, what can we do that will change the lives of young people in my hometown?" Johnson noted. "What we came up with is what parents, teachers and non-profit leaders said would make a difference. Now the real work starts."
"Kids on Course" will establish a full time site coordinator at each school solely focused on supporting students' academic and personal success, as well as connecting families to their kids' educations. It will continue at least through the 2013-2014 school year, a three year minimum commitment. With an annual budget of $350,000, the Zach Johnson Foundation will invest at least $1,050,000 over three years at the two schools.
"Sixty percent of Harrison children experienced the flood in 2008 first hand," explained Linda Reysack, Harrison principal. "This is exactly the opportunity to give these students some much-deserved fun, as well as help them reach their academic potential."
"Our students love to learn, not just at school, but at an art museum, a farm, even a baseball field," added Cindy Stock, Van Buren principal. "The fact that a professional athlete is telling them their dreams are possible, and that he's helping make it happen, is just fantastic."
"Kids on Course" is a pilot program developed by the board of the Zach Johnson Foundation in cooperation with the District and the United Way of East Central Iowa.
"This program will help inspire the students of Harrison and Van Buren schools to make choices that will ensure the kind of broadened exposure that makes high school graduation a given, and that leads to fulfilling careers and productive citizenship," said Dr. Ruth White, Program Director.