Heart of a Champion is a program at East Middle School for 7th and 8th grade students. The program is a collaborative effort between East Middle School and the McNair Educational Foundation.
The objective of the Heart of a Champion program is to encourage middle school students who have the potential to go to college but have significant barriers that might prevent them from going to college or being successful in college. Priority is given to student-athletes.
Students are selected by the Principal at East Middle with assistance from the faculty and guidance as needed. The program consists of 25 7th graders and 25 8th graders.
The students meet a minimum of twice a month during exploratory time. The program utilizes the Heart of a Champion curriculum as well as other relevant activities. In addition, guest motivational speakers and related field trips are planned throughout the school year.
Students in the program are assigned an adult mentor. The mentor meets with each student individually a minimum of 5 times per year. As needs arise, mentors may meet with students on a more frequent basis.