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
U.S. Work
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
2013 Moore, Oklahoma, tornado: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
The deadly EF5 Moore, Oklahoma, tornado with winds of 200 mph cut a 14-mile-long gash of destruction through southern Oklahoma City and Moore, Oklahoma, in May 2013. Along with subsequent tornadoes, it left 38 dead and caused $2 billion in damage. The Moore tornado, with wind speeds exceeding 200 mph, ranks among the deadliest in Oklahoma’s history.
From the Field
5 of the worst disasters in 2017
The world’s attention can shift easily once a new disaster strikes, but it’s important that we not forget the long-running crises, particularly in Syria and East Africa, that are affecting millions of children.
From the Field
Hurricane Irma relief: Churches bring hope to storm survivors
Standing in line at a Hurricane Irma relief goods distribution, Brenda Jennings’ voice shakes when she talks about finding out that her family had lost everything five days after Hurricane Irma hit Immokalee, Florida.
From the Field
After Hurricane Harvey, families begin recovery in Texas
Rolled-up blankets couldn’t keep Hurricane Harvey’s floodwaters from seeping into the Houston, Texas, home of Lilly Rosales and her husband, Jose Linares, on the night of August 26. As they quickly discussed what to do, water reached their ankles — then their knees.
Prayers
Hurricane Irma: Pray for Florida, Caribbean
As Hurricane Irma continues its path of destruction, Florida is bracing for the worst. Pray for people evacuating and those already impacted in the Caribbean.
Prayers
Pray for Texas in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, flooding
Hurricane Harvey caused record-breaking flooding across Texas. As families and communities recover, pray for Texas and the relief work.
Thanksgiving: Kids give thanks for vegetables
KidREACH — a World Vision afterschool, tutoring, and mentoring program — teaches kids about healthy eating and how to cultivate fruits and vegetables. Learn how the kids at Mount Vernon Elementary School in Brownton, West Virginia, are reading, writing, and gardening.
From the Field
Hurricane Katrina stories: Survivors, responders remember
As we mark 10 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, survivors and responders remember stories from the aftermath — and the hope that ensued.