HAWKS Educational Program

The Hawks Educational Program offers direct and multi-faceted assistance to our student/athletes.  We are very proud that Riverside shapes the lives of the Hawks on and off the court. 

The objective of the Hawks Educational Program is to provide the tools to help the individual members of the Hawks succeed academically through high school, and to prepare them for college.  In addition, the program is intended to expand their horizons so they are open to new life opportunities.  Each year, we are working to enhance our program to better serve the needs of the Hawks. Every Hawk has access to free educational support.

Currently, the Riverside Hawks Educational Program has four interrelated components that create a platform to support our players.

Setting Academic Goals and Requirements
All Hawks must submit periodic report cards to participate in the program. The Executive Director and coaches make it clear to both parents and Hawks that academic performance is monitored and a standard is required to be a member of a team. Every Hawk, from 7th through 12th grade must attend Study Hall with their teammates – seeing themselves as a team not only on the court but also off the court.   Based on grades, Hawks are offered various forms of support.  In certain cases, low academic performance will suspend a player from the team.

Tutoring and Homework Assistance Program
On site at Riverside, we have dedicated Study Hall space to provide a safe and quiet environment for small group tutoring/homework. Study Hall is open during the school year Monday through Thursday, 4 to 6pm, with a nutritional meal provided.  Columbia University’s Double Discovery Program provides the Hawks’ student/athletes with dedicated tutors by subject area on location.  Study Hall is available to Hawks 5th grade and up and mandatory for 7th grade and up. Many Hawks attend Study Hall, meet up with teammates, complete their homework, and then attend practice or work out together in the gym downstairs, well beyond the mandated days.

Off site, homework assistance is also provided at the Columbia/Barnard College Liberty Partnership program just one block from Riverside.  This program provides homework assistance from 4 to 6pm two times per week to targeted student/athletes in the 7th through 12th grade. The program is structured to ensure a high tutor to student ratio – targeting 3 students per tutor.
 
SAT  Preparation Program
Stanley Kaplan SAT Prep for Hawks’ juniors and seniors is available on location at Riverside completely free.  A comprehensive 7 month course prepares our student/athletes for the May SAT.  The participants have the opportunity to take four practice SAT exams in a simulated test environment prior to taking the actual test.   The Hawks’ partner with NY Cares to administer the program.  Future plans include test prep for high school and statewide exams. 

College and Life Option Counseling Program
A growing area for us. All Riverside participants have access to free college counseling, college trips and financial aid guidance through Options, a program dedicated to helping students identify and apply to colleges and access financial aid.  

We are proud to announce that over 90% of our high school seniors went on to higher education for the academic year ending 2007.

Tutoring Program with Columbia University and Barnard College

Schedule

Mondays
Location: Columbia University - Milbank Hall - Room 225 (2nd Floor)
Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Tuesdays
Location: Riverside Church - Room 414
Time: 4:00pm - 5:30 pm

Wednesdays
Location: Columbia University - Milbank Hall - Room 225 (2nd Floor)
Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Thursdays
Location: Riverside Church - Room 414
Time: 4:00pm - 5:30 pm

Saturdays
Location: TBD
Time: 9:00am - 2:00 pm

Sundays
High School Math, Science & Literature
Location: TBD
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00 pm


SAT Prep Program 2009-2010 Sign up

The Riverside Hawks are offering free Kaplan SAT Prep beginning September 2009. The classes will be held at Riverside Church (490 Riverside Drive) through May 2010. For more information, please call Mark Jerome at 212 870-6811. Register soon!!! Please email application to hawkstemp@therivesidechurchny.org , fax to (212) 870-6800, or mail to: Riverside Hawks, 490 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10027.

Download Student Application (PDF)

Double Discovery Program

The Hawks have officially partnered with Double Discovery. Housed on the Columbia University Campus, Double Discovery offers a variety of educational programs. Through their programs, students learn about colleges and careers, improve their academic work, and participate in personal development activities. Initially, Double Discovery will provide tutoring for our participants Tuesday thru Thursday beginning the first week of October on the fourth floor of Riverside Church. Students will convene between 3:30 and 4 and will be given snacks. Study sessions will follow from 4 to 6.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

The Institute for Responsible Citizenship is currently accepting applications for its summer leadership program in Washington, DC.  The Institute provides America's best and brightest African American male college students with unparalleled networking opportunities, leadership development, and life-long mentorship.

Through the focused and intimate structure of our program, the Institute equips these young men with the tools required for successful careers in business, education, journalism, law, government, the sciences, public policy, ministry, medicine, public service, and the arts.

Program Highlights

  • Meet with influential leaders such as  General Colin Powell, Congressman John Lewis, Justice Clarence Thomas, and Dr. Sheila C. Johnson;
  • Take rigorous academic courses on constitutional and economic principles;
  • Participate in roundtable discussions, including seminars on career development;
  • Work at high-level internships around Washington, DC;
  • Enjoy a host of social activities that help participants to build strong bonds with each other.

For more information about our program, please read the details below and visit our website at www.i4rc.org.

Program Details

The 2009 program will run from Saturday, June 6 to Saturday, August 1.

  • Students must commit to two summers.
  • Tuition and housing are paid for by the Institute.
  • Students will be placed at paid internships based on their career interest (a stipend of $3000 will be provided for those placed at unpaid internships) .

You should be a sophomore to apply.  Although the Institute does not have a GPA requirement, the average GPA for participants is a 3.65.  An applicant's GPA is not the only criterion that is considered during the admissions process. Other achievements such as campus involvement, honors and awards earned, athletics, and volunteer work are looked upon favorably.

 The application can be found on the web at http://www.i4rc.org/announcement.htm

The deadlines for admission into the 2009-2010 class are:
Early Decision-November 7, 2008
Regular Decision-January 15, 2009

Inquiries should be directed to info@i4rc.org or (202) 659-2831.  Those considering applying are highly encouraged to review the website in detail and contact our office with any questions before submitting an application.

The Jackie Robinson Scholarship

Through its Education and Leadership Program, the Jackie Robinson Foundation provides scholarships of up to $7,500 annually to minority high school students showing leadership potential and demonstrating financial need to attend an accredited 4-year college or university of their choice.

You must be a U.S. citizen in order to qualify for the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Award. In addition, you cannot possess a 2 or 4 year degree when apply for this scholarship. The application package must include ONE (1) letter of recommendation and an official transcript (with raised seal). In addition, all applicants are required to take either the SAT or the ACT and submit their scores. The Foundation's college codes are: SAT: 4248 ACT:6570.

Please note that the College Board is NOT responsible for delivering your ACT/SAT test scores to the Foundation on time. If you are taking the test multiple times, please select the testing dates PRIOR to the due date on March 31, 2009.

If your official high school transcript includes your SAT and/or ACT scores, it is not necessary for you to authorize the College Board to send your scores to us. We will accept the scores listed on the OFFICIAL transcript.

ALL SAT/ACT SCORES, LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONS AND OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE MAILED TOGETHER AND RECEIVED BEFORE MARCH 31ST!! WE DO NOT ACCEPT FAXES!! THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS!

WHERE DO I MAIL MY MATERIALS?
All transcripts, ACT or SAT Scores and a letter of recommendation should contain your social security number and be mailed to:

Jackie Robinson Foundation
Attn: Scholarship Application
75 Varick Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10013

APPLICATION TIMELINE
October 15, 2008 — JRF Scholarship Application becomes available online
March 31, 2009 — 11:59 pm EST - Deadline for submission of all application components
June 15, 2009 — Al l applicants notified of status

Ron Brown Scholarship Program

The Ron Brown Scholarship Program - seeking African-American High School seniors for $10,000 annual scholarships for four (4) years to any accredited college or university in the U.S.

Deadline for applications are November 1, 2008 and January 9, 2009. Apply on-line at www.ronbrown.org. For additional information contact Kathy Ames at (434) 964-1588.

Hawks in College

Player College
Arjan Perovic Adelphi College
Shelton Ladson Babson College
Forrest Alvarez Bard College
Jonathan Soto Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)
Shamil Duran Caldwell College
Julio Rosario City College
Tyrell Faulcon Community College
Antwann Parks Delaware State University
Corey Staley Fayetteville State University
Alexander Hector John Jay College
John Soto Lehman College
John McNeil Long Island University (LIU)
Brandon Adams Manhattan College
Stephen Siveski McGill University
Omari White Northfork State University
Amir Younesi Purdue University
Devin Ross Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Kyle Clark Skidmore College
Denis Ocampo Sullivan Community College
Stanley Grayson Wesleyan University