Dear 8^th Grade Academy apprentices, families and volunteers, 

8^th Grade Academy is the "varsity" program at Citizen Schools designed to help apprentices succeed in 8th grade and to bridge the years between high school, college, and beyond.  In California, 8GA is currently located at the following Citizen School campuses: Monroe Middle School, Campbell Middle School, McKinley Institute of Technology and Kennedy Middle School.  Starting in 2008will launch at the Ben Franklin Middle School & Thomas R. Pollicita Middle School, both in Daly City.  Here at 8GA we work to:

·  Prepare students for the transition to, and success in, high school (including helping them navigate the high school choice process).

·  Increase students' college awareness and motivation.

·  Build students' critical skills in decision making, resourcefulness, follow through, resilience, and professional interaction.

·  Enable students to reflect on and celebrate their Citizen Schools experience.

By joining 8^th Grade Academy, together we will embark on a journey to Destination 2013.  Destination 2013 develops access by preparing students to succeed in high school and college.  We want students to get the most out of their high school experiences so that the doors to college will be open. 

We look forward to embarking on the journey to Destination 2013 with you.  If you or your child are interested in joining Citizen Schools 8^th Grade Academy or volunteering with our program, please email me or your local campus director.

Lauryn McCarthy

8GA State Captain
Monroe Middle School
1055 S. Monroe Street
San Jose, CA 95128