About
Wishbone sends low-income high school students to after school and summer programs to pursue their passions. Check out How it Works or read more about our Philosophy.
How it Works
We provide a scalable service for students to discover, access and afford quality after school and summer programs.
We identify promising students with a specific passion
Wishbone selects students from an applicant pool suggested by teachers in the education community. We identify students who would most benefit from an out-of-school program experience. We then talk to these students to hear more about their interests and aspirations.
We connect students to high quality programs that fit their needs
Wishbone connects low-income high school students to our network of program providers. Students use our regional program database to select a program in line with their particular passion. Wishbone then works with students through an in-depth application process that assesses their passions as well as the relevance and quality of their chosen program.
We engage our online and offline communities to support our students
Wishbone provides financial access to a scalable number of students by matching low-income students to an array of scholarship opportunities from various sources. Foundations, corporations and program providers within our communities support our students’ passions. Accepted Wishbone students are also exposed to our direct-to-student donor base.
We share our students’ stories to inspire others
Upon reaching successful funding, Wishbone students are inspired to attend their chosen program. Our students inspire their donors by sending updates about their experience through our online platform. Our students return to their classrooms engaged, inspiring their peers with a heightened sense of personal motivation and a new-found relevance for education.
Philosophy
1
We help low-income high school students
The Wishbone student is a high school student who has demonstrated great potential in school and an unwavering interest in a particular passion. Our students range from high-performing individuals who lack opportunity to students who are at risk of dropping out of high school and need a real life experience to find relevance in school.
2
We work with teachers and schools
All Wishbone students must be sponsored by one of their teachers. Teachers assist students in the Wishbone application and program selection process, providing support throughout the program experience. Wishbone actively works with sponsor teachers and provides them with a comprehensive curriculum in supporting students.
3
We accept students of all backgrounds
100% of our students come from low-income communities and cannot afford an out-of-school program experience. We use the degree of free or reduced- priced school lunches as a measure of community need. We focus on those students who demonstrate a compelling need.
4
We work with qualified out-of-school programs
All Wishbone Recommended programs have been specifically vetted for our students. Wishbone takes quality of experience and safety very seriously. We encourage students to attend a program within their greater communities. We also help students pick a program that is an ideal match for their skill sets.
5
We fundraise for students’ wishes from a variety of sources
Wishbone taps a wide range of funding resources to increase the level of program access for our students. In addition to individual fundraising on www.wishbone.org, we also work with program providers to negotiate scholarships and tuition reduction and partner with foundations and corporations with established direct-to-student giving plans. For more information please contact us at info@wishbone.org.
