Following a “Practice What You Preach” Philosophy Helps Bryant Manor Computer Learning Center Become First Model Center in Washington

10/12/2009

Seattle, WA—When it comes to the success of center users, Bryant Manor Computer Learning Center Director Makini Magee has substantial expectations. Magee continually encourages the more than 60 elementary, middle, and high school students who participate in the center’s active afterschool program to set their sights high. She advises them not to shy away from the classes that will offer the greatest challenge, never to settle for “good enough,” and always to ask their teachers, “What will it take for me to get an A?” Her encouragement and the program’s academically enriching curriculum have resulted in 48 percent of the center’s afterschool program participants earning a 4.0 grade point average and a significant number of the high school seniors going on to college. Magee also holds adult center users to the same high standards. Two years ago, when Magee discovered that only two percent of the adult residents living in the 58-unit apartment complex were able to speak English, she established an English as a Second Language (ESL) class and a Citizenship Study Group. Today, English is spoken by the majority of the residents, and they are using their new language skills to achieve greater self-sufficiency and become better integrated into the community. Encouraging Students to Go Above and Beyond To help students achieve their full potential, Magee launched Above and Beyond in September 2005. Approximately 60 elementary, middle, and high school students participate in the afterschool program that meets Mondays through Thursdays from 3:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. “I am very proud of the fact that many of our young residents start in Above and Beyond in elementary school and they continue with it right up through high school,” said Magee. “Many of our students receive scholarships and go on to college. In fact, three of my center staff members were high school students who participated in Above and Beyond. Two are now seniors at the University of Washington, and the other graduated from high school last year and currently goes to Seattle Central Community College. Seven past Above and Beyond participants are now in college.” To encourage students to become active participants in Above and Beyond, Magee established a peer educators component for the program. “I try to encourage all students to work in the center and to all work together,” Magee explained. “To help them do this, we enlist their help as peer educators. Students who have earned a 4.0 in a subject area are eligible to tutor the younger students. If we see a younger child in need of some help, we match the tutors with the students. However, before a student becomes a peer educator, he or she must complete an orientation that teaches them communication skills, how to assess a student’s need and progress, the difference between teaching and doing the work for the student, how to give praise, and how to empower a student. Our peer educators must maintain a 3.0 grade point average to continue being a tutor.” Magee requires that all Above and Beyond participants bring in their progress reports each quarter. This enables Magee and her staff to monitor progress and identify areas of improvement for each student. Helping Immigrants Become Part of the Community Assisting adults achieve their full potential is also important for Magee. Two years ago while sitting at her desk, Magee realized that many residents did not speak or struggled with English. Further investigation revealed that only two percent of the entire adult resident population at Bryant Manor spoke English. This statistic prompted Magee to launch an ESL course, as well as a Citizenship Study Group. “Many of our residents have immigrated from Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia to build a better life,” stated Magee. “To build that life and become a part of society, it is crucial that they speak the language. Since we started the ESL class two years ago, we have had about 25 residents participate in it and improve their English skills. However, the course does not only focus on speaking English. We have also incorporated a basic computer skills component into the course. Participants learn English while they learn to use the computer. The residents are using their new computer skills to create resumes and obtain jobs. In fact, recently, three ESL participants obtained jobs. The class not only teaches them how to communicate and use the computer, it also allows them be a part of the community and elevates their self-esteem.” The center’s Citizenship Study Group is helping residents not only become part of society. To date, five adults who participated in the center’s Citizenship Study Group have studied for and passed the U.S. citizenship exam. Modeling a Behavior Leads to Model Status Magee’s lofty goals and belief that one must face their greatest challenges to experience their greatest success is not limited to center users. She sets just as high expectations for herself as center users. “You really cannot ask others to give all they have, if you are not willing to match their level of commitment,” said Magee. “As an administrator, I felt the best way to teach a behavior is to model it. This way, we all achieve greatness together.” It is Magee’s “practice what you preach” attitude that enabled the Bryant Manor Computer Learning Center to become the first Neighborhood Networks center in Washington to achieve Model center classification. “I have to admit, when I saw the requirements for Model center classification, I was a bit overwhelmed,” said Magee. “I realized if I was going to ask residents to excel and face their greatest challenges, then I had to do the same. I could not be intimidated by the process. It was all worth it because the residents are worth it.” Magee intends to use the center’s Model center classification to secure more funding. She will use a portion of that money to support a music program she launched in October 2009. The program will help students appreciate music by allowing them to attend community performances and participate in music workshops facilitated by local musicians. The program will conclude with the participants giving a live performance that will be open to the community. The event will serve as a fundraiser for the center. “To me, Model center classification demonstrates to funders growth, movement, and the ability to build,” explained Magee. “Model center classification shows that we are a success, and that this center is transforming lives and changing the community for the better. However, we are not just changing lives in our community. We have students who go to college in other states. One of our Above and Beyond students who is now in college just completed an internship in Kenya. What we do at this center has a global impact and we were able to achieve all we have with one grant from the city. Imagine what we could do with more funding.” Even though Magee has received minimal financial support, she is quick to express her appreciation for the numerous partners and contributors who make it possible for the center to offer much-needed programs and services. “The center is the recipient of many in-kind donations,” said Magee. “Our partners really support what we are doing. We also have generous contributors who hear about the work we are doing and contact me to donate items, furniture, equipment, and their time. Also, the residents are amazing about helping out. Their hard work allows us to achieve success as a family. Our strategy was to focus on making the most of what we do have, rather than what we do not have, and that manifested into what we wanted it to be. We had a vision, and we all committed ourselves to reaching it until it became a reality.” For more information about Neighborhood Networks centers in Washington, contact: Laura Cole U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Spokane Multifamily Program Center U.S. Courthouse Building 920 West Riverside, Ste. 588 Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 368-3210 For more information about the Bryant Manor Computer Learning Center, contact: Makini Magee Center Director Bryant Manor Computer Learning Center 1801 East Yesler Way Seattle, WA 98122 (206) 324-2261

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