A major focus of the D.I.V.A.S. program is for all its members to achieve and maintain academic success. To make that goal a reality, all D.I.V.A.S. are required to maintain a 2.5 GPA with no “D” or “F” letter grades. Members participate in monthly data chats where a review of grades is conducted, and strategies are implemented to ensure that the 2.5 GPA is obtained. In addition to monthly data chats, members are expected to be aware of all assignments given and to check student portals daily so that they have some responsibility and accountability for their academic well-being. Members are challenged to be proactive and not reactive in achieving academic success. Members are also provided an opportunity to visit the offices of the coordinators when in need of academic and personal support.
The 2017/2018 D.I.V.A.S. Cohort consistently overachieved the required benchmarks. 70% of the 6th grade students in the program received GPA’s higher than the 2.5 requirement. Only one seventh grade student performed below the GPA requirement. After introducing peer tutoring, facilitating in office academic time, and suggesting self-advocacy, the student was able to improve her academic standing which resulted in 100% proficiency in obtaining and maintaining a 2.5 or higher GPA for the 7th grade students. Following the trend of the 7th graders, 100% of the 8th grade students received a higher GPA than required 100% of the time. D.I.V.A.S. members were held to a higher standard and the data has shown that they were consistently meeting or exceeding those standards which, the program believes, aids in closing the achievement gap.
At the end of each grading period, the D.I.V.A.S. program hosts an awards ceremony for those D.I.V.A.S. members who have shown excellence in areas of aptitude, behavior, altruism, and attendance. During the first grading period, over half of the members received awards which in turn, evoked positive change and influenced other members to follow the trends of the award recipients. Members challenged and assisted each other to achieve their own personal academic goals. Statistics indicate that peer mentoring can in many cases be more effective which is why this method is utilized and encouraged amongst D.I.V.A.S. members.
Another major focus of this program is for its members to be college and career ready. It is the belief of the D.I.V.A.S. program , that with the systems and strategies in use, 90% of the program’s members will successfully complete the program with a clearer understanding of career choices and the pathways to obtain those careers; a broader world view and an appreciation of diverse cultures; an obligation to service; enhanced leadership capabilities and roles; and a greater appreciation for their physical, mental, and financial well-being. In short, the D.I.V.A.S. program is grooming students to be valuable members of their communities and abroad.
D.I.V.A.S. of Sarasota Inc 501(c)(3) 