Cram and Jam Homework Club

BEF invested in core academics at Sunset High School through support for a before and after school program designed to help students work on homework with a focus on math and science.

Sunset HS

Extended Learning, Math

Funded by: Building STEAM 4 All Funders

At A Glance:

BEF Investment: $8,000

111

9th and 10th graders got extra support in math

Average students per session getting homework help in math and science

Sunset High School’s Cram and Jam Homework Club provided targeted academic support for 9th and 10th graders to help them make a successful transition into high school. Once a week, students could come get homework help, with a focus on math and science. Across ten sessions of Homework Club, 111 students were served with individual and small-group support.

Initially, Cram and Jam was held before school as a Breakfast Club, but the school quickly shifted to afterschool to better align with students’ sleep schedules and transportation. As a result, attendance increased in the spring semester! Student progress by the end of the program was astounding; teachers report stronger engagement in freshman physics classes by participants who gained confidence through attending homework sessions.

“Two freshmen students of mine, who are from a marginalized community, have repeatedly attended Cram and Jam. They have gone from not-passing their Stem Physics class to solidly passing with C grades. The two are much more engaged in the class discussions and ask questions about the material or review with their group members. It’s been great to see this growth and confidence in these students.”

STEM Physics Teacher

“I improved my grades and I had fun!”

Student

Aloha High School Student Run Business: Doggie Dots

What started with a single social media post to a BEF fundraising site has resulted in video and television coverage, highlighting Doggie Dots at the Washington County K9 Trials and nearly $35,000 in donations from supporters around the world.

Middle School Extended Day Programs

Now in its 15th year, the Safe and Sound for Student Success (S4) program offered by BEF continued its vital work in the 2024-25 school year. Eight middle schools participated, serving 1,184 middle school students with an extended school day with access to extracurricular coupled with academic accountability.

Independent Living Skills for Community Transition Program Students

BEF is proud to support the Community Transition Program with a $10,000 investment for groceries and equipment needed to help students build independent living skills in the kitchen.

Early Risers Chess Club

Early means early! Fir Grove Chess Club members, all 3rd through 5th graders, show up at 6:55 am to play. Not only do they learn the game and have fun with classmates, but they also learn skills that help them become better and more confident students.

Cram and Jam Homework Club

At A Glance:

STEM Physics Teacher

“I improved my grades and I had fun!”

Student

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