Impact
Since 2014, LYTE has created opportunities for Delaware youth, as seen in the impact on our scholars, their families, and their communities.
Education in Delaware
Access to quality education is an essential ingredient to breaking the cycle of poverty and racial injustice. Delaware students are often limited by their zoned public schools or the challenges of school choice. Disparities in Delaware high school graduation rates by race, ethnicity and neighborhood are dramatic.
That disparity means students with the potential to succeed usually do not receive the education or support that they need to accomplish their dreams. The consequences of dropping out or missing the opportunity of a college education are severe for students and their communities. There is a strong correlation to crime and poverty among those with low levels of education, causing strain on government resources and social services.
Programs
When math teacher Ankur Arya saw the opportunity gap that his low income students in Wilmington, Delaware faced, he knew what could change the equation.
LYTE recruits a broad spectrum of middle school students who are beginning a period of rapid emotional and mental development and are receptive to opportunities capable of changing their life trajectories. Programs include five years of intensive support that help middle school students develop into prepared college scholars. After years of rigorous work, LYTE Scholars are ready for college or productive careers.
How We Make a Difference
100% of students in our programs come from low-income, African-American, or Latino backgrounds
100% are underrepresented in top high school programs and as college graduates
100% are willing to work hard to change their opportunities
Middle School Programming - Changing Academic Trajectory
Middle school students dedicate themselves after-school and over the summer to learning and preparing for rigorous high school programs. With their families, we help them navigate the high school choice process and gain access to the top high school programs in Delaware. Programming includes:
- Summer and after school classes for academic advancement (math and language arts)
- High school guidance, placement support, and choice application support
- Placement test preparation and free entrance exams
- Four academic tiers of academic classes to serve students with a variety of capabilities
Freshmen and Sophomores Programming - Set Your Eyes on the Prize
Scholars attend more than 35 top high school programs in Delaware. LYTE partners with these schools to help students transition into their academic environments. Our students face a series of new social situations arising from the fact they often do not look like their new peers or share their socio-economic background. Our motto is “Stay on track no matter the challenge.” Programming is designed to navigate the pitfalls and challenges of young high schoolers:
- Setting SMART GOALS as Freshmen
- Course and academic schedule planning with counselors and teachers
- Direct advocacy in monthly in-school meetings and personalized success plans
- Monthly grade tracking and professional tutoring services
- Skill building in listening and communications
- Character building development exercises
- Racial awareness and diversity skills
- Paid internship opportunities to save for college
- Open 529 college savings accounts
Juniors and Seniors Programming - Home Stretch
Our HOME STRETCH programming is designed to get everything ready for college. For two years, we concentrate on finding the right college for each scholar. Students need more than just good grades to get into college. LYTE programming and collaborations provide opportunities for professional and leadership development. We work with families to optimize financial assistance and ensure all deadlines are met. Every LYTE graduate has a HOME STRETCH story that includes:
- SAT preparation classes
- Internship opportunities
- College application support
- College essay development and editing
- College guidance for students and families
- College financial training for households (FAFSA and CSS)
- Tutoring
- Individualized strategic planning for college selection
- Virtual college information sessions