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.

SAT Prep 2008 Sign up

The Riverside Hawks are offering free Stanley Kaplan SAT Prep beginning October, 2nd. The class is every Thursday through May at Riverside Church (490 Riverside Drive). For more information, please call Krystle Daniels at 212 870-6903 or Mark Jerome at 212 870-6811. Register soon, only 15 applicants will be accepted. Please email application to kdaniels@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 Monday thru Thursday beginning the first week of February 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.

Tutoring at Barnard College with the Liberty Partnership Program

Click here to learn more about the tutoring program.

Click here to read a complete overview of the goals for the Liberty Partnership Program (LPP) outlined by the NYS Education Department.