Fuse Project is proud to be entering its second year of expansion for our Avenue Bridge Collaboration (ABC) Program, reaching all three Title I schools in the Avenue community. Our mission is to advance equity in education, ensuring that every child has access to transformational learning opportunities. Through the ABC Program, we provide essential resources such as academic and extracurricular clubs, mentoring programs, teacher appreciation events, and—perhaps most importantly—student incentives. These efforts aim to bridge educational disparities in our community and empower both students and educators to achieve their fullest potential.

Why Incentives Matter

At Fuse Project, we understand that every milestone counts. Celebrating academic progress—whether big or small—plays a pivotal role in nurturing a supportive and motivating learning environment. Our student incentive program works alongside principals and educators to create moments where students can take pride in their achievements. These celebrations foster confidence, promote positive behavior, and instill lifelong habits of growth and perseverance. When students are recognized for their hard work, it reinforces the value of effort and the importance of the learning journey. Progress is valuable, and success lies in the steps students take toward their goals.

By celebrating milestones such as academic growth, improved behavior, and perfect attendance, we help students internalize the belief that their hard work matters. These achievements build a sense of pride and encourage students to continue striving for excellence, not only in school but also in their personal development.

Pathway K-5: “Reaching Goals One Day at a Time”

At Pathway K-5, an alternative elementary school serving students with significant behavioral needs, the mission is clear: to provide an equitable education while fostering positive relationships and meeting each student’s daily goals. Pathway K-5 believes in creating a safe and loving environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed.

As part of our incentive efforts at Pathway, we recently celebrated 30 “Nacho Average Students” who demonstrated exceptional progress in attendance, behavior, and iReady assessments. Of these students, 15 had perfect attendance, missing only one day during the quarter, while 16 met their behavior goals, and 10 showed growth in their iReady Reading or Math scores by at least 5 points. Ten of these students accomplished more than one goal. 

We also want to thank our dedicated volunteers for helping make the event possible, including Allison Starr, Claire Burden, Harley Griffin, and Lee Friedman. 

Calloway-Smith Middle School: Celebrating Remarkable Growth

Calloway-Smith Middle School, another Title I school in the Avenue community, recently hosted an Achievement Celebration to honor 48 students who made significant strides in their academic performance. These students were rewarded for their growth on the iReady Reading and Math assessments, marking a moment of recognition for their hard work. This celebration, complete with Foosackly’s chicken fingers, reflects our ongoing commitment to bridging educational disparities and providing the support necessary for student success.

Calloway-Smith has already seen impressive results from their academic efforts, including a 3% increase in English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency and a 5% increase in Science on the 2024 Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) scores. These gains highlight the value of celebrating progress and reinforcing the connection between academic effort and achievement. As the school continues to rise, we look forward to seeing even more students recognized for their growth in future celebrations.

Calloway-Smith also recently hosted a "Pizza Party" for students who earned A/AB Honor Roll status, recognizing 21 students from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades for their academic excellence. Each student received a $10 Walmart gift card, with special recognition given to the top-performing student from each grade. These students not only excelled in their studies but also displayed the dedication and effort that Fuse Project strives to celebrate. In addition to these awards, the student from each grade with the highest GPA for the quarter received a special BOO! Bag surprise, filled with extra snacks and candy. Order of Fuse member, Madison Wright, also joined us to help celebrate and serve pizza. 

Florence Howard Elementary School: Recognizing Hard Work

Florence Howard Elementary School, the first educational partner in our Avenue community efforts, continues to emphasize rigorous teaching and learning to prepare students for college and career readiness. With the motto "Hungry for Knowledge, Wild for Success," the school instills a passion for learning that is reinforced through incentives like the BOO! Bag surprise. On Halloween, Fuse Project walked into each classroom to personally hand out treats to students who made A/AB Honor Roll. This act of recognition not only rewards students but also motivates others to strive for similar success.

Approximately 100 students at FHES earned A or A/B Honor Roll status, representing 20% of the entire student body. While it was heart-wrenching to see some students who didn’t earn the recognition, the school assures us that these incentives serve as powerful motivators, pushing all students to work harder and aim higher.

Building a Future of Success

The growth we are seeing in these schools is just the beginning. As our incentive program expands, we continue to celebrate the efforts of students and teachers alike. By recognizing both small and large accomplishments, we help students realize that progress is a journey worth celebrating, and that hard work leads to success. The connection between academic growth and incentive-based recognition is undeniable—celebrating these milestones not only motivates students but also boosts their confidence and sets them on a path to continued success.

We are proud to continue our work alongside these incredible schools and communities, helping to close the educational gap and provide equitable opportunities for every student. As we look ahead to more celebrations, we remain focused on our goal: to create a lasting impact on the educational journey of every child in the Avenue community.

To continue supporting programs like our Academic Support Program and providing these invaluable incentives to students, we need your help. Consider making a donation today to empower the next generation of learners and help us create lasting change in the Avenue community. Your contribution makes a real difference!