Excel Academy launches 2021 cohort applications
At May’s annual summit, the Excel Beyond the Bell (EBBSA) network launched its 2021 Excel Academy Application. In the Fall of 2021, EBBSA and UP Partnership will launch its second 10-month cohort of youth development professionals committed to transforming lives of young people through relationships.
“It’s not the soccer ball, or the paint brushes, or the instrument that changes the life; it’s the coach, teacher, [or] mentor that does,” said Francisco Gónima, Excel Academy facilitator and coaching partner.
Excel Academy aims to change young San Antonians’ lives through the power of Developmental Relationships.
MORE THAN A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE
“[Excel Academy] goes deeper to focus on the power of developing key relationships to empower youth,” Gónima adds.
According to members in the first cohort, Excel Academy equipped them with tools to build upon even in their own personal relationships. Excel Academy integrates coaching sessions, cross-network collaboration, and reinforces key practices with organizational leadership and staff.
Each organization that participates in the 10-month program brings an integration champion and a youth development coach.
THE BENEFITS OF EXCEL ACADEMY
Partners become part of a network of San Antonio youth development professionals focused on acquiring the capacity, tools, and resources needed to build and foster high-quality relationships with students in their programs.
“The real change happens through connection, and embedding developmental relationships at the core of these programs,” Gónima said.
Built on the Search Institute’s Developmental Assets Framework, partners focus on five key elements of transformative relationships:
- Express Care
- Challenge Growth
- Provide Support
- Share Power
- Expand Possibilities
The Search Institute identified 40 positive supports and strengths that young people need to succeed. Excel Academy focuses on these, ensuring that more San Antonio youth have access to the relationships they need to succeed.
Additionally, Academy participants go through:
- Ten (monthly) half-day sessions
- Monthly coaching meet-ups
- Ten 1-hour coaching webinars
TESTIMONIALS FROM THE FIELD:
Previous participants agreed that the Academy created a safe space for them to grow, brainstorm, strategize, and expand DR efforts in their organizations. The Academy was both enriching and fulfilling at many levels, according to a number of Cohort 1 participants.
“More than feeling safe, it’s about feeling seen. It’s about learning how to do the work to achieve their potential. The reality is not all youth development programs are created equal – this Academy is the magic elixir to create a program that empowers young people with the confidence they need to be successful,” Gónima said.
A special congratulations to the first cohort of partners for completing the first step of transformative program. They have moved to the implementation phase of the program and have set a powerful precedent for the 2021 cohort!
Cohort 2 applications are open between June 1 – July 29 to any EBBSA network partner. In August 2021, 15 agencies will be announced for the second cohort.
Learn more about the Developmental Relationships Framework
Learn more about Excel Beyond the Bell San Antonio
