11 new girls will join the program, which offers ‘A Better Chance’ to students coming from disadvantaged areas

By Leah Shaffer

A Better Chance Foundation is getting a fresh start like no other this year. The organization will bring in 11 new students to Eden Prairie, along with three returning 10th-graders.

It’s a packed house for the ABC program, which offers young women from disadvantaged areas of the country an opportunity to go to school in Eden Prairie. Students and their parents begin arriving next week.

In the meantime, the organization needs resources to gear up for the new class. “We’ve got a household to run,” noted Gardner Gay, ABC’s executive director.

Like any household there’s a need for the basics: towels, linens, school supplies, winter gear. The organization is also in need of bunk-beds, to maximize living space in the ABC house, 8771 Preserve Blvd.

ABC is entirely supported through donations. The students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, so their costs are covered. It costs approximately $280,000 to run ABC, but the need for help goes beyond financial contributions.

ABC is also looking for those in the community who can support the students in their endeavors. An opportunity to succeed The Eden Prairie ABC program started up in 1995. The home houses a maximum of 15 girls who will spend their high school years in Eden Prairie.

A similar program out of Edina for male students has been in place since 1969.

According to its Web site, www.edenprairieabc.org, the organization “brings qualified, highly motivated minority students from all over the United States to Eden Prairie High School for their freshman through senior years. It provides an opportunity for deserving students who may not otherwise reach their potential to have a better chance.”

During a recent informational meeting for host parents, Lauren Weaver, chair of the selection committee, spoke about how they select girls for ABC Foundation.

“We want them to succeed, we want them to graduate and we want them to graduate with excellent grades,” said Weaver, adding that, “These are all girls who are very capable at that.

“They are excellent academic students, but they are in a place that does not take advantage of that.”

ABC is a national organization that receives applications from students across the country. Some applicants are directed to private schools, while others may be connected Eden Prairie, one of 28 public schools that are a part of the ABC program.

This year’s new group of students comes mostly from California. All but one will be starting out as freshmen. Weaver explained that “they are looking to go to a school that is better than what they can go to where they are.”

As part of the application process, students need three references, which include the student’s current math and English teacher, and a personal reference. The national organization will typically send the first batch of applications to Eden Prairie for the ABC selection committee to review by February.

The committee looks at a number of factors when deciding who can get into the program, including financial need; and having excellent references. They also look to make sure Eden Prairie High School is a good fit for the student’s personality. A student who is too withdrawn might be overwhelmed by the size of the high school.

“When they come here to Eden Prairie, this is like a private school to them,” added Weaver.

She said she wishes Eden Prairie kids could read some of the applications. “It is just amazing how different their life is from ours here.”

Each student receives a support network in the form of host parents, mentors and community connections. ABC is looking for volunteers for hosting, mentoring and tutoring students.

Students spend every other Sunday with a host family and maintain monthly contact with their mentor. Those wishing to tutor offer those services at the ABC house for about two hours once a week.

Additionally, people can volunteer to provide a guest dinner at the ABC House. To learn more, call 952-975-8310.

Upcoming events:

What: Informational meeting at the ABC House

When: This Saturday at 10 a.m. Where: 8771 Preserve Blvd.

Why: You can learn more about how to volunteer with the ABC Foundation New students will be arriving starting Aug. 25 for a full week of orientation activities

What: 5K Run/Walk and 1K Kids’ Run

When: 8:30 a.m. Sept. 27

Where: Purgatory Creek Park, 13001 Technology Drive

Why: The event helps to raise funds for the ABC Foundation Visit www.edenprairieabc.org or call 952-975-8310 for more ways to help.