[Give Chances] August Weekly Newsletter 3

Give Chances Receives Community Award from Bergen County!

We are delighted to share that Give Chances has been presented with the esteemed Outstanding Community Service Contribution Award by Bergen County. This recognition highlights our organization's impactful efforts within the local community, particularly among Korean Americans residing in the area.

The award was conferred during the Korean Independence Day Celebration and Flag Raising Ceremony held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. This event provided a meaningful platform to commemorate Korea's liberation and honor those who have championed freedom.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Bergen County and the Office of the County Executive for this distinction, which underscores the growing significance of Korean Americans in the region. As we reflect on this accomplishment, we are inspired to continue our mission of positive change and community empowerment.

Expanding
Online Joyful Learning Initiatives!

Summer is a cherished time for students to relax, create beautiful memories, and take a break from their academic routine.

However, this extended vacation can often lead to a loss of knowledge retention and a sense of stagnation when students return to school. At Give Chances, we recognized this challenge and decided to take action.

Thanks to the overwhelming response from enthusiastic volunteers, we were able to initiate a special summer program focused on providing tailored academic assistance to students through weekly 1:1 tutoring sessions. This year alone, approximately 10 students from various locations benefited from our online tutoring services. The assistance covered a range of subjects, including SAT preparation, concentrated Math with word problems, English language education for learners, and more, each designed to address the unique needs of individual students.

The results were truly heartening. According to a parent survey, our tutoring sessions not only contributed to noticeable academic improvement but also boosted the students' confidence in their own learning abilities. Our volunteers, too, found immense satisfaction in making a positive impact on the lives of these young learners and building strong connections with them.

We are committed to continuing these efforts and expanding the scope of our online initiatives. Our mission is to bring even more opportunities for quality education to children in need.

With the dedication of our volunteers and the support of our generous community, we look forward to making a significant difference in the lives of students, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to thrive academically and beyond.

Spotlight on Abhinav Kota:
A Passionate Give Chances Volunteer from Maryland

In our ongoing effort to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of our volunteers, we are delighted to introduce Abhinav Kota.

Abhinav Kota has been an online volunteer with Give Chances since 2021. He is an upcoming senior who lives in Maryland. He hopes to pursue computer science in college and maybe go into machine learning or AI. In his free time, he likes to hang out with his friends or watch movies.

Abhinav's journey with Give Chances has been both diverse and inspiring. As an online tutor, he offered his expertise to students who need academic guidance. Moreover, Abhinav enthusiastically embraced the role of a Chance Maker, delivering the Education Equity Seminar to raise awareness about educational disparities and advocate for a brighter future for all students.

One of Abhinav's outstanding initiatives involved a personal project centered around giving back to the community. Drawing from his own love for reading during his childhood, Abhinav decided to collect books for donation to Give Chances students. With passion and determination, he went door-to-door in his neighborhood during winter break, seeking book donations. The response was heartwarming, with many neighbors generously contributing to the cause.

Abhinav's dedication resulted in a 64-pound package of books, ranging from delightful picture books to captivating chapter books, making its way to Give Chances Headquarters in New Jersey. His thoughtful gesture will undoubtedly bring joy and knowledge to the young minds we serve.

Reflecting on his experience, Abhinav shared, "This project was a great experience, and I got to talk to people I otherwise would not have paid much attention to. I am proud of having been able to donate these books to Give Chances. I hope that whoever receives one of those books will enjoy them as much as I did during my childhood."

Abhinav exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and compassion that defines Give Chances. Through his efforts, he has proven that even a simple idea can have a profound impact on the lives of others. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Abhinav and all our volunteers, whose unwavering support continues to brighten the lives of countless children and foster a love for learning that knows no bounds.