Learn how J-Z AMP™ helps students redefine what’s possible to achieve.
Jones - Zimmermann Academic Mentoring Program JZ AMP™ All Rights Reserved. Made by Got Clicks.
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We have a proven method for increasing high school graduation rates among urban, at-risk students. This approach is currently being employed at our J-Z AMP Advisor Sites:
- Sacred Heart University,
- Trinity College and
- Yale University via Dwight Hall.
What is the Jones-Zimmermann Academic Mentoring Program?
The Jones-Zimmermann Academic Mentoring Program (J-Z AMP™) represents a breakthrough educational partnership between an urban university and its public school district to support middle-school students who are at-risk of dropping out before they graduate high school.
Historical Timeline:
- 2000 - Seriously motivated to implement a solution to curb inner-city drop out rates, Reginald Jones (then a CT State Representative) teamed up with long-time friend and school board colleague John Zimmermann (a successful business consultant) to put in motion a proven program to reduce drop-out rates – and the Jones-Zimmermann Academic Mentoring Program was born.
- 2001 – First J-Z AMP™ 3-year Cohorts Begin: Sacred Heart University launches J-Z AMP™ with John Winthrop Middle School, Bridgeport, CT. Trinity College launches J-Z AMP™ with Hartford Magnet Middle School (now Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy), Hartford,CT.
- 2005 – J-Z AMP™ Expands. Yale University’s Dwight Hall launches J-Z AMP™ with Wexler-Grant Community School, New Haven, CT, later expanding participation to Celentano Museum Academy School, too.
- 2006 – J-Z AMP™ Methodology & Research Findings Published: Mentoring for Success: Capturing the Essential Elements of the Jones-Zimmermann Academic Mentoring Model, Jonathan T. Hughes, Ph.D., Korynne Taylor-Dunlop, Ed.D.
- 2008 – First cohorts of J-Z AMP™ participants graduate high school. JZ-AMP produces astounding results. We’re seeing an aggregate participation graduation rate of 85%!
Today – We’re hopeful that more cities/universities will implement this compelling response to staggering drop-out rates and failing students.
"There should be an AMP! in every middle school
in the country!"
- John Zimmermann, co-founder, J-Z AMP
J-Z AMP™ - About Us
Click on the “WATCH” above to see J-Z AMP™ in ACTION
Key Components of J-Z AMP™
- Paid and trained, COLLEGE-AGED MENTORS commit for a 3-year cycle of a twice-a-week relationship with middle school students (6th-8th grades.)
- Free, after-school, customized ACADEMIC TUTORING is the foundation of the mentor:mentee relationship.
- LIFE-SKILLS COACHING and ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES are offered to balance and enhance the time spent together.
- A TRIANGULAR (2:1) mentee: mentor relationship offers peer to peer benefits and accountability as well as cost-efficiency.
- Student SELECTION is based on standardized testing results and 5th grade teacher assessment. Participants begin the program below grade-level in both math and reading.
- Partner universities commit personnel and staff hours to oversee all implementation and COORDINATION with school leadership, teacher coordinators, parents, and participating students. Everything from supplies, to issues, field trips, transportation, community buy-in, and teacher support is managed by the J-Z AMP Site Director.
- •Long-range TRACKING procedures measure each site’s success at improving the graduation rate among academically at-risk students.
- J-Z AMP™ ADVISORS CONFERENCE gathers practitioners twice a year to exchange ideas and trouble-shoot challenges across city/school lines.
- BEST PRACTICES of our J-Z AMP™ Advisor sites are documented and ready to be put to work in new J-Z AMP™ sites!