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 percent of them—tested below their grade level in reading, as did 83 percent 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
From the Field
From the Field
Boy’s family goes hungry in Colombia so he can pursue dream
Venezuela is in crisis. The economy has collapsed, and an uprising of political opposition to President Nicolas Maduro has put the country’s leadership in question. Armando is one of more than 4 million Venezuelans — 5,000 per day in 2018 — who have left the country seeking food, work, and a better life.
From the Field
Life frames: 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
In the kitchen: Papadum recipe
In Bangladesh, this crispy and glossy cracker, called papadum, is a popular snack, but it’s also often sold to help families have more income.
From the Field
A sponsored child’s life in Colombia comes full circle
As a teenager and sponsored child in Colombia, Mayerly Sanchez co-led a Children’s Peace Movement that was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. She’s still fighting violence with love.
From the Field
2014 Ebola virus outbreak: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
The 2014 outbreak of Ebola virus disease in West Africa was the “largest, most severe and most complex Ebola epidemic” in history.
From the Field
DRC conflict: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) threatens the lives of millions of children affected by fighting, hunger, diseases, and poverty.
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.
From the Field
Innovative solutions help refugees in need worldwide
Through innovative responses to refugee crises, World Vision is investing in a better life today and a better future for refugees, especially children. Learn what innovation solutions World Vision is implementing in refugee camps.
From the Field
Forced to flee: Top countries refugees are coming from
More than 70.8 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced. Why did they flee, where are they going, and what can be done to address the plight of refugees, especially children?