Our Programs

The Turner Twelve program is designed to nurture, expose and equip students with the skills, knowledge and support needed to overcome the pull from their current environment to drop out of school, and encourage each to strongly consider life as a college graduate. The program consists of three parts:

1. We provide educational opportunities that will ensure higher learning experiences.

2. We encourage community involvement that will foster the holistic development of students as they grow to their fullest potential.

3. We provide a six-week voluntary personal development and enrichment program to help develop leadership skills.

The Turner Twelve will engage in programs during the course of a year that will cause a change in the mindset of the student and create a zeal for higher learning. It is believed that a structure that is consistent and appealing to the young energetic mind will attract and maintain the interest level of the students involved. We propose that students take advantage of opportunities that will increase their awareness and knowledge of life. The Ultimate goal of each Turner Twelve student is to become a first generation college graduate. Therefore, involvement in the following activities is a requirement and will assure great success of each student.

Afternoon Sessions

Study sessions combine college prep with tutoring in their current classes to ensure the optimal grades are obtained and that students become familiar with what is expected of them in a college setting. Students are provided specialized training in a classroom setting to assist them. Study sessions utilize time to reinforce learning in daily academic routine, as well as provide various exercises that promote holistic development and higher order thinking skills. Study sessions take place Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Whiz Kidz

A weekly computer-based curriculum offered in conjunction with DISD designed to stretch the imaginations of the students by using the latest computer technology available. It exposes students to many different careers and gives them a different prospective to careers they may already be familiar with.

College Tours

It is our desire to expose our students to what life as a college student can be like and the benefits that will follow as a result of a sound college education in their adult lives. Each year during Spring Break, students will visit and experience life on pre-selected college campuses and gain valuable personal interaction with faculty, staff and students on a higher level. In most cases, our college-bound hopefuls have never stepped foot on a college campus. They are exposed to dorm life, college professors and classrooms to help generate interest in higher learning.

Community Service

Each year, students have an opportunity to demonstrate their citizenship and spirit of volunteerism through their participation in activities such as Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets to families in need, visiting local nursing homes, and serving as mentors to younger students at area schools.

Parent Meetings

Another valuable tool is the Turner Twelve Parent Meeting, which is critical to the success of the organization that the parents buy into. the process, is in collaboration with the leadership of the organization, and is in communication with leadership on a regular basis. Parent meetings are the best vehicle to accomplish this. Parent meetings consist of the following of recognition of student grade performance and words of encouragement from guest speakers, parents and board members.

Kids Across America

During each summer, students will share in a meaningful experience with other young people attempting to create positive change during a weeklong session at Kids Across America camp, affectionately called KAA, in Branson, Missouri. An event made possible through generous donations from one of the friends of the Turner Twelve. The camp is a life-changing experience that promotes camaraderie, instills self confidence, and develops courage in a fun and safe Christian environment.

Summer of Choice

Summer of Choice is a mandatory six-week personal development and enrichment program, which exposes students to Dallas area professionals that challenge and help students become leaders in their community and school. The program consists of daily workshops and enrichment activities. Students celebrate their success and showcase their skills at the end of the program with a Summer of Choice Banquet.