Hudson Scholars Summer 2021 Brochure

NEW HEIGHTS FOR HUDSON SCHOLARS SUMMER 2021

93%

2021: A SUMMER TO REMEMBER

Summer 2021 saw the return of our in-person four-week program. It was the first time all four cohorts of scholars – rising 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th graders – were together in person. In addition to our regular English, math, leadership, science, social studies, and

physical education classes, two new elective courses were added: music for the 8th graders and science for the 9th graders, complementing the drama and art electives for the 6th and 7th grade Scholars.

91%

91% of Scholars reported being engaged in 3 or more of their classes this past summer.

The Hudson Scholars program has been a tremendous opportunity for our participating students, not just in the summer but throughout the school year with regular tutoring sessions. We have seen the positive impact the program has had academically, as well as socially.

93% are happy they attended Hudson Scholars

Josh Whitham, Principal of Sleepy Hollow Middle School

HUDSON SCHOLARS BY THE NUMBERS

The Hudson Scholar Program is the best community and the best summer program I was ever a part of. I made so many friends and I learned so much at the same time.

8th Grade Scholar

Hudson Scholars means to me leadership, responsibility, willingness, and fun.

8th Grade Scholar

Hudson Scholars are engaged in their classes

100% of our Scholars reported that they felt like part of the Hudson Scholars community.

Hudson Scholars means friends, support, kindness and Hudson Scholars makes me feel proud.

6th Grade Scholar

MENTOR-LED CLUBS

Our Hackley Upper School mentors created mentor led clubs where they led two 40 minute sessions per week on a topic about which they were passionate. Topics included financial literacy, chess, soccer, coding, arts and crafts, hiking, debate, gardening, and more! The Scholars loved engaging with the mentors in this way, many finding a new passion of their own.

85%

85% of our Scholars reported that they now have a better idea of what it means to be a good leader.

90%

Hudson Scholars means to me to be at my greatest, to not give up or lose hope, to be creative, and to give it your all no matter what.

8th Grade Scholar

It means to try hard and do the best you can. Do not give up, even if times are hard.

8th Grade Scholar

90% of our Scholars reported that there was an adult (either a teacher or a mentor) to whom they looked up.

Mentor offering two 9th grade Scholars encouragement during our Color Wars activity

A 6th grade Scholar enjoys the arts and crafts mentor-led club

Students engaged in the mentor-led gardening club

Financial Literacy Soccer Gardeninig Arts & Crafts Debate Chess Coding Hiking

FIELD TRIPS AND FUN

Hudson Scholars was thrilled to bring back field trips. Our 6th and 7th grade Scholars took a trip to an outdoor experiential learning site, focusing on developing leadership and communications skills and developing resilience, all while having fun! The 8th grade Scholars took a tour of the Old Dutch Church and other historical sites in Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, which was part of their social studies class that involved a close partnership with the Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow Historical Society. Finally, our 9th grade Scholars went on two excursions. First, as a way to expose our Scholars to college and get them excited about the idea of higher education, they visited Pace University and Manhattanville College. Second, our oldest Scholars went on a fun filled, community building fishing trip!

TOP: Scholars reach new heights on field trips

RIGHT: 7th Grade Scholars enjoy nature on their field trip to Camp Bernie, in NJ

The Scholars’ willingness to work their hardest, collaborate with one another, take risks, and strive for excellence is remarkable. This, combined with the humor and kindness that they bring to our community each day is a true inspiration. We are so proud of our Scholars!

9th Grade Scholars go fishing

David Sykes, Director

CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES!

The program overall is amazing. It gives opportunities to learn new things. And people are kind and inclusive. Thank you for a life changing program.

This summer featured our first ever Hudson Scholars graduation ceremony where we celebrated last year’s and this year’s rising 9th graders. Mentor-alumni returned to congratulate the scholars and give remarks during the outdoor ceremony for students and their families. It was truly a great opportunity for the mentors, scholars, families, and faculty to be together and to celebrate our oldest Hudson Scholars.

91%

91% of our Scholars reported that they improved at / feel more comfortable asking teachers and/or mentors for help

Hudson Scholars Graduation Ceremony

Hackley alumni and former mentors come back to the Hilltop to celebrate the Hudson Scholars graduates

Hudson Scholars Class of 2021

9th Grade Scholar

Hudson Scholars means to me leadership, responsibility, willingness, and fun. 9th Grade Scholar

PARENT PRIDE

70%

7 in 10 parents said that if their child did not attend

Hudson Scholars they would have likely stayed home or gone to a relatives house

My daughter had a great time. She loved it and enjoyed it everyday. Now she manages her time much better than before with homework and projects and she is more independent with her work.

Hudson Scholar Parent

100% of the parents reported that their child seemed excited about what they were learning

He made new friends and he had new experiences. Every morning he woke up happy and excited to discover something new at Hudson Scholars.

Hudson Scholar Parent

100% of the parents reported that the learning environment was positive and meaningful.

100% of the parents reported that their child has a better attitude towards school and learning

85%

85% of our Scholars reported that they now feel more confident as a student.