The B E L L Foundation Inc

OUR VISION IS FOR ALL CHILDREN TO EXCEL.

BELL exists to transform the academic achievements, self-confidence, and life trajectories of children living in under-resourced, urban communities.

Because we believe in the tremendous potential of all children to excel, we recognize them as scholars.

For us, it's all about ensuring children have the time they need fulfill that potential in school and in life.  Learning takes place all the time - not just in school.  Research shows that a lack of learning opportunities outside of school – and in particular, a lack of summer learning opportunities – causes up to 2/3 of the academic achievement gap between children from low-income communities and their higher-income peers. 

Our program model, BELL Summer, is designed to deliver engaging learning experiences for students who might otherwise lack them.  BELL Summer is based on strong partnerships with schools and delivers small-group academic instruction, mentorship, a wide range of enrichment activities, and community engagement.

Our program is designed to achieve the following goals:

• Scholars will increase their literacy and math skills.
• Scholars will strengthen their self-confidence.
• Scholars will improve their social skills.
• Parents will become more engaged in their children's education.

BELL launched in California in 2012 with summer programming at Bridges Academy in the Franklin McKinley School District (FMSD) in San Jose. In 2015 we are excited to expand our partnership to include Los Arboles Literacy and Technology Academy also within the FMSD. The Franklin McKinley School District identified BELL as a high quality summer learning provider and recruited us to be part of their efforts to improve the lives of children in the community.

The 2015 BELL Summer program will serve approximately 280 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th grade scholars at Bridges and Los Arboles Academies. The core of our program is reading and math instruction delivered by experienced, certified teachers with the assistance of tutors. A strong enrichment component offers scholars the opportunity to explore a variety of subjects such as STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), arts, music, journalism, health and fitness.

BELL is designed to produce learning gains that help students narrow the achievement gap, transition successfully into the next grade, and enter the new school year ready to excel.

Testimonials -

"I struggled with math my whole life and didn't get it. After BELL last summer, I not only understand it, I now have a 3.5 GPA.” - 8th grader, Bridges Academy

"Thank you to all that make the BELL program possible. My daughter enjoys all of the new things she has learned, made new friends, and above all else she now has a desire to go to college!"

"Thank you for helping my child and others like her. She has so much more confidence now"

"I know my child has challenges learning, but I thank the BELL program for helping my child be more confident in herself and aware of the importance of attending school."