Life Changing Program Gives Students Second Chance to Succeed

“STRIVE has changed my life,” said one Maple Grove High School student.

“On the first day of STRIVE, my senior year changed completely,” said another student.

In letters to members of the Rotary Club of Maple Grove, it’s easy to see that STRIVE--a program that helps underperforming Maple Grove Senior High School and Osseo Senior High School seniors--is making a difference in the lives of local students.

Tom Beyer is no stranger to the STRIVE’s success stories. Beyer, who has been a member of the local rotary club for about six years and is currently part of the club’s vocational service committee, looks forward to mentoring new groups of students each year.

“I really like working with young adults,” Beyer, a store manager at Maple Grove’s Slumberland Furniture, said. “It’s so rewarding to see them succeed.”

Every other week, Beyer, and a handful of other adult volunteers, meet with Maple Grove and Osseo seniors who are in the bottom third of their class. Through morning sessions at each school, volunteers teach students how to better manage their time, change bad habits, and participate in class. Rotary also brings in motivational speakers whose messages, Beyer says, stick with the kids for years to come.

The Rotary Club of Maple Grove will give out $3,000 in scholarships to 10 participating STRIVE students. This year, there are about 20 students from Maple Grove Senior High School in the program.

A number of local colleges, including Hennepin Technical College, will match the scholarship dollars if the student chooses to attend college at the participating locations.

“Our goal is really help these kids graduate,” Beyer said. “A lot of times, it’s not until after the student is in college that he or she can look back on the skills that we taught them.”

“I know some people went there for the Mountain Dew and Doughnuts,” one STRIVE student wrote in a scholarship application, reflecting on the first few meetings. “I’m going to be honest, I did in the beginning. But...I’m a stronger person from that class.”

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If you’re an adult who would like to volunteer to mentor underperforming students, contact the Rotary Club of Maple Grove. Although the program has already begun, new students are always welcome. For a listing of STRIVE meetings at both Maple Grove and Osseo High SChools, visit the rotary club’s website.