Horizons is a tuition-free summer academic enrichment program dedicated to nurturing students from Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade over ten consecutive years. Horizons helps children build self-confidence and realize their full potential inside and outside the classroom.
ThinkGive launched its partnership with Horizons in the summer of 2024, providing valuable SEL opportunities for students. We asked the educators and students to share their feedback about their ThinkGive experience. Here is what they had to say.
Grades: 6-8
Location: Dedham, MA, serving youth from Boston
Began partnership with ThinkGive: 2024
Impact of ThinkGive on Students: “The most noticeable growth came with my student’s ability to recognize that they often give to others. It provided a confidence boost and demonstrated that being kind can also positively impact one’s mental health and relationships.”
Highlights of the ThinkGive Experience: “There was a significant reduction in work-avoidant, disruptive behaviors with two students who commonly struggle to meet expectations due to social-emotional difficulties. In nearly every lesson, the students were focused and articulate in their reflections.”
Survey Results: After participating in ThinkGive, students reported significant improvements in their interactions:
74% agreed that they were becoming kinder to themselves.
70% agreed that they were being kinder to others.
67% felt more connected with their family.
66% reported interacting more meaningfully with different people.
62% agreed that ThinkGive helped their group feel more inclusive.
Student Voices: Here’s what some students had to say about their ThinkGive experience:
“I liked ThinkGive because it helped me connect with more people.”
“It really taught me how to care more about my extended community and the environment.”
“I really like it because it helped me be a better person.”
Each partner has a dedicated ThinkGive program coordinator to ensure seamless service. Hannah Brewster, ThinkGive’s Program Coordinator for Horizons, shared her reflections on the partnership:
What’s it been like working with Horizons? “Horizons at Dedham Country Day supports students for ten consecutive years, and it was a joy to partner with this special organization for the summer. The highlight for me as their Program Coordinator was seeing the program in action, in person. I sat in on Emily Mosca’s class as she led her 6th graders through a Circles of Care lesson about giving to people in your extended community. Emily energetically engaged her students as they brainstormed examples of extended communities and then moved around the room to express their opinions on statements such as: ‘Diversity strengthens a community’ and ‘My actions impact my communities.’ In speaking with Emily after her lesson, she shared that since launching ThinkGive, her students were ‘more motivated within the community to do acts of kindness.’ Horizons is a unique, impactful organization, and I look forward to our continued partnership!”
Horizons is a recipient of the SEL for Every Child Fund, which provides full funding to implement ThinkGive’s SEL programming. If your school/organization serves a majority of under-resourced youth and lacks funding for SEL initiatives, find out if you qualify at thinkgiveproject.org/fund.
This pilot program was sponsored by:
