At any given time, Academy Programs houses, feeds, counsels, coaches, and educates about 70 of the toughest, least motivated middle- and high-school students from around the state. Of the 185 students who came through the program in 2018, the average grade-point average was a 1.38 when they entered the school. When they transitioned out, they carried a collective GPA of 3.0, says Principal Matt Kittle. Most incoming students — 84% of them — tested below their grade level in reading, as did 83% of students in math. While here, almost 4 out of 5 students increase their math and reading scores one grade level or more. World Vision helps provide resources for the staff so they can better help kids succeed.
News & Stories
United States
From the Field
Adoption a symbol of redemption in Appalachia
In West Virginia, Lucy Kirby cares for eight children. Hers is a beautiful story of adoption, and World Vision was there to help in her time of need.
From the Field
2019 Hurricane Barry: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
Hurricane Barry made landfall in Louisiana, bringing heavy rains, floods, and a dangerous storm surge. World Vision is responding with relief supplies.
Change Makers
Global 6K for Water creates an unforgettable moment for a California pastor
Nicole Wetmore, a pastor from California, sponsored the child on her race bib at the Global 6K for Water in 2018. Because of her choice, an unforgettable moment was in store in her not even six months later.
Change Makers
Highlights from the 2019 Global 6K for Water
See the inspiring photos from Global 6K for Water events around the U.S. World Vision’s Global 6K for Water brought thousands together on May 4, 2019, to bring clean water to communities across the globe.
Change Makers
Chicago-area company creates vision through the Global 6K for Water
Chicago-based HOH Water Technology has a stake in the water game, but its president, Tom Hutchinson, also wants to help end the global water crisis through participation in the World Vision Global 6K for Water.
Change Makers
Families, churches, schools, businesses rally for clean water as 6K host sites
When you walk or run the Global 6K for Water, you provide life-changing clean water to one person! You can create even more impact by becoming a host site and gathering friends and family to walk and run with you. Check out what people like you have to say about how easy and impactful it is to host the Global 6K for Water.
Change Makers
Kansas school unites community as Global 6K for Water host site
Kim and Mendy revel in the impact each person makes by hosting or participating in World Vision’s Global 6K for Water. In 2017, Mendy had hoped to get 10 people to sign up. In 2019, she and Kim aim to get 500 participants to raise $15,000 for clean water.
Change Makers
Beating cancer while running a marathon
In 2017, Wendy Eckman ran the Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon as part of Team World Vision to raise money for clean water in Africa. She ran in between her chemo appointments and finished strong!
Change Makers
How God and a hurricane sent an American family on a new journey
Child Ambassador Randi Jo Rooks believes that meeting her sponsored children prepared her to face her home’s destruction by Hurricane Florence. She found that material items no longer held the importance they once had in her life.