October 2010       A message from CEO Mark Kiester: At the Boys & Girls Clubs, the challenge of preparing students for life is at the core of our mission. This month we've partnered with Forefront Austin to provide our supporters and the broader community a unique array of perspectives on how educating students who are "ready for life" is important for us all to address. We appreciate the opportunity to speak to you directly on this important issue and hope you enjoy the other perspectives as well.            Feature    Auctions    Events    Volunteer       How can we help students graduate ready for life?         Beating the Odds By Patti Smith, Club Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Austin Area Almost half of Texas' urban students drop out of high school. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area promotes a sense of community and a sense of belonging that fuels the commitment to school and self. Our students go onto graduate at a significantly higher rate than their peers. > Read full article     In 2010, 100% of Lanier HS Club Members Graduated, Overall Graduation Rate was 63% See more facts               Adaptability: Education's Answer to Tomorrow's Challenges By Dr. Meria Joel Carstarphen, Superintendent of Austin Independent School District We are teaching students to perform jobs that don't yet exist using technologies that haven't been invented. > Read full article           Take Dead Aim By John Ellett, Founding Director of The First Tee of Greater Austin Encouraging students to focus and look forward is critical to long-term individual success. > Read full article           Inspired for Life: Developing Creative Learners By Sharon Scamardo, Principal of St. Michael's Catholic Academy "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is therefore not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle > Read full article           Early Childhood Education: Brain Power for the Future By Mona Izquierdo, Director of Education of El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission Neglect in early childhood affects the learning ability and prospects of an individual throughout life. > Read full article           VISIT OUR BETA AUCTION SITE   Shop with purpose! Browse Forefront's auction listings and get a great deal on unique, fun and useful items, knowing that 100% of the proceeds go directly to their non-profit partners. The list is growing so check back regularly. UPCOMING EVENTS   ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION DATE   Boys & Girls Clubs Austin Area Black & White Gala- Held at The Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Austin, this gala includes cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, and musical entertainment by Marcia Ball & Suzanna Choffel. 11/5/10 > Learn more St. Michael's Catholic Academy 2010 Crusader Classic- Annual golf event at the Lakecliff Country Club provides funding for financial aid, academic support and general sports program enhancements. 11/7/10 > Learn more The First Tee Greater Austin More Than a Game- Sunday Pairings Party with live music, dinner and auction, an overnight stay at the beautiful Hyatt Lost Pines Resort, and a golf tournament Monday at Wolf Dancer golf club. 11/7/10-11/8/10 > Learn more VOLUNTEER & MENTOR OPPORTUNITIES   ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION SCHEDULE   Boys & Girls Clubs Austin Area Mentors and Tutors, career guidance, college preparation support Weekdays > Learn more Austin ISD Reading & Math Coaches; College Readiness Coaches and One-on-one Mentors. Weekdays > Learn more The First Tee Greater Austin Youth Life Skill and Golf Mentors Afterschool/Saturdays > Learn more