How can you enjoy the new sunshine of the season? Here are some ideas for how to live your best altruistic life and celebrate sunshine on the first day of spring.
"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity," a quote by an aviation pioneer, Amelia Earhart, could easily be said of Charlene Gladney whose commitment and tenacity have fostered the successful educational transformation of thousands of students since its inception.
This blog focuses on Charlene Gladney, the founder and executive director of Operation Xcel in Greensboro, North Carolina. It highlights her commitment to addressing the dropout rates among at-risk youth in the region through educational initiatives. The blog details her journey from a successful corporate career at Xerox to becoming a community leader in nonprofit education, emphasizing her passion for supporting young people.
National Plant a Flower Day is the perfect start to the new season, so if you want to get involved, there are a few ways to join. Here’s how you can give back today.
Throughout history, remarkable women have fought against stereotypes and discrimination to advance women's rights. March honors their sacrifices and celebrates the strength of those who have paved the way for future generations. International Women's Month 2025 is an opportunity to celebrate women's achievements while also committing to real, lasting change. By embracing the theme 'Accelerate Action,' we can work together to create a more equitable and just world for everyone.
Children cannot have or read enough books. Having books and reading them has all the benefits of a well-balanced life. Getting a headstart in reading books before a child starts kindergarten significantly improves their lives. Limiting the time children spend on social media and increasing their time reading books is an ideal way to help them socialize and learn about new people, places, and things. Operation Xcel recognizes the value of reading books in the lives of its students. That's why Operation Xcel's programming incorporates reading nooks or rooms at each site.
Today we dive into the history behind this month and how you can get involved, give back and build a better world by celebrating National Women’s History Month.
The legacy of Guilford College in the context of the Underground Railroad and race relations reminds us of the importance of standing up for what is right. It challenges us to reflect on our roles in the ongoing battle for equality and justice. As we move forward, the principles of compassion and action that have guided Guilford since its inception will continue to illuminate the path toward a more inclusive and just world for all.
Did you know you can also give by supporting small businesses? Here are some hows, whys and benefits of supporting small businesses for your altruistic lifestyle.
Wally Amos, the man behind Famous Amos cookies, exemplifies the power of passion, resilience, and community spirit. His journey from a young boy with a love for baking to an iconic entrepreneur and philanthropist is a story worth celebrating and emulating. Mr. Amos' story of innovation, perseverance, and philanthropy continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and community leaders. Wally's impact on the culinary world and his dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others serve as a powerful reminder that success is not just measured by financial achievements but by the lasting influence one has on the world.
Even if you care about a cause, how can you ensure you’re a good fit for the position? Here are some ideas to help you find the right fit for volunteering.
Yvonne Johnson's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation. As the first black mayor of Greensboro, she broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of leaders. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to create positive change in their communities.
Yvonne Johnson's legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her community. She remained an active and influential figure in Greensboro, continuing her work as a community leader and advocate until her passing in 2024.
Valentine’s Day can be more than just romantic love, but true, kind, caring love for your neighbors and those in need. How can you lead a more altruistic life this week?
This Black History spotlight is on the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama. He is also the first African American to hold the highest office in the land. While in office, Obama's legacy included social justice, economic recovery, and international diplomacy. Since leaving office, he has continued to do influential work through his Obama Foundation, promoting leadership, civic engagement, and addressing climate change, voting rights, and racial justice. Operation Xcel celebrates the life and legacy of Barack Obama, a Black History legend.
Black History Month is a time to remember, celebrate and commemorate the achievements and contributions by African-American men and women throughout U.S. history.
In the 21st century, Black History Month holds immense significance in education. It promotes cultural awareness, addresses historical injustices, celebrates achievements, and empowers students to make a difference. By embracing the principles of Black History Month, educators can create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment where all students feel valued and inspired to reach their full potential. As we continue to strive for a just and harmonious society, the lessons of Black History Month remind us of the importance of honoring our shared history and working together to build a brighter future.
It’s true: with a lack of Vitamin D and little time spent outdoors, the winter months can literally make you sad. Luckily, we have some ways to combat seasonal depression.
Operation Xcel has transformed from a dropout prevention initiative into a comprehensive academic enrichment program, significantly impacting students' lives. By tackling the root causes of dropout rates and providing essential tools, skills, and motivation, it inspires a lifelong love of learning. Such programs are vital for at-risk youth, offering alternatives that contribute to brighter futures for individuals and society.
How can we as individuals commemorate Dr. King’s life, and further continue his legacy? Here are some ideas to get started and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The purpose of parent engagement at Operation Xcel, as described by Ms. Walton, "is primarily targeting needs, offering advocacy, and building positive, goal-oriented relationships with families. Through a combined commitment from our partnerships with schools, we hope to foster meaningful relationships with families based on respect and empathy. Student achievement and overall well-being are at the core of our OPeXCEptionaL Family Project".
Operation Xcel's December Parent Café, facilitated by ADS staff and volunteers, aimed to engage parents in conversations about the Five Protective Factors.
Positivity is key to creating an altruistic lifestyle in the New Year. If you want to start 2024 off on a high note, check out these tips for living a positive life this year.
Not sure if donating blood is the right decision for you? Check out all the answers to your questions here, and help give life this January.
The Winter Showcases, intended to demonstrate projects the students worked on during the year, also provides opportunities for students to practice their leadership, communication, and self-confidence skills. The students did not disappoint. Each student presented their projects quite knowledgeable of the content and reasoning that certain actions occurred. For example, one student demonstrated the effects of gravity between two of the same cars carrying different weight loads. The young man was able to interact with the audience while demonstrating the reason why the heavier car traveled farther toward the bottom of the ramp than the car with the lighter load. He confidently asked the audience why such is the case and congratulated the person with the right answer. The students in the Operation Homework afterschool programs are evidence that students are willing to learn, retain and confidently communicate information as they remain engaged in the process and receive the necessary support to eXCEL in every academic and social environment.
Operation Xcel is intentional in its mission to provide equal access to quality educational resources. Its programs empower youths and their families by helping them believe that each young person can positively impact their community. The organization aims to guide youth toward successful careers in their chosen STEAM fields, careers that can lift them out of poverty and its associated challenges. These once-struggling individuals can then help others escape despair and address societal disparities.
There are a variety of different ways to be more charitable without spending money. Here are some ideas to try.
If you want to be sure your New Year’s resolutions really stick for 2025, check out these useful tips on how to keep the habit hopeful.
Check out this unique spin on 12 ways you can show you care this holiday season.
This season, be a part of the merriment by giving back through these four fun festive ways to spread holiday cheer.
If you want to live a more altruistic lifestyle, help give back in the upcoming season by checking out these volunteering ideas for cold weather months.
Operation Xcel uses proven educational strategies and pedagogies such as personalized learning plans, the assessment of learning styles, and the integration of GRIT and STEM efficacy into the curriculum. Integrating GRIT into STEM curricula fosters resilience and effective problem-solving, preparing students for real-world challenges and enhancing academic performance while cultivating innovative thinkers ready for a changing world. This is how Operation Xcel students achieve academic eXCELlence!
Operation XCEL is excited to introduce our new family engagement initiative, The OPeXCEptionaL Family Project... an inclusive model to bridge opportunity gaps. Our primary goal is to establish a consistent forum for collaborating with underrepresented families and identifying the root causes of opportunity gaps. Family engagement can be understood as a relationship between families and educators characterized by an ongoing mutual relationship, built on trust and respect, and focused on student learning and achievement.
A mentorship program has more in store than just for the mentee. If you’re not sure whether mentoring is right for you, take a look at these eight ways becoming a mentor can benefit you.
What’s the best way to show thankfulness? By giving back to others. This Thanksgiving, remember the reason for the season by showing thanks through giving.
Family engagement benefits children by boosting academic achievement, enhancing social-emotional development, reducing behavioral issues, increasing attendance, and improving long-term outcomes. When parents are involved in their child's education, kids tend to achieve higher grades, perform well on tests, and are more likely to be promoted and graduate on time. Family engagement boosts a child's self-esteem, motivation, and social skills, leading to a more positive attitude toward education.
Books are a valuable source of information, creativity and empathy. If you’re not a book lover now, you will be soon. Here’s how reading makes you a better person.
Operation Xcel incorporates high-dosage tutoring to effectively support students encountering academic difficulties. This strategy is designed not just to boost grades but also to turn individual challenges into strengths. Intensive tutoring involves frequent, personalized sessions with experienced tutors, allowing students to receive targeted assistance tailored to their specific learning needs. As a result, students gradually build their confidence, contributing to improved academic performance. Additionally, this approach promotes a growth mindset, motivating students to perceive challenges as opportunities for personal and educational growth. Operation Xcel can share many success stories about students for whom intensive tutoring has been an effective tool to realize improved academic progress. This blog introduces a success story about Jayden and his quest to master math.
This holiday season, try incorporating some of these healthy treats into your life to balance out the rich holiday feasts. Check out these top eight power foods you need to take advantage of.
Science and engineering are growing at a rate of seventy percent faster than other occupations. Introducing STEAM concepts to kids at an early age so that they take interest and focus on these subjects is the goal of educators in America.
March 8th is SEL Day. Low-income and minority students face obstacles to healthy development. Equitable social-emotional development is crucial for their well-being. Effective strategies and resources must be implemented to help them achieve their full potential. Operation Xcel implements ongoing training and development that covers Social Emotional Learning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Learning Equity Network of Solutions (LENS) which equips it educators with tools and strategies to teach our students how to remove obstacles to their learning.
Gratefulness is not something which comes naturally; it needs practice. If you want to live an altruistic life and practice thankfulness this month, check out these easy steps you can take.
If you’re interested in living a more altruistic lifestyle and helping those in need this Halloween, check out these five spooky ways you can give back.
Operation Xcel elementary and middle school educators who serve as Site Directors indicate how they help children learn through the issues that weigh heavily on their minds. The intent of each of the strategies that Operation Xcel teachers incorporate is to help children focus on learning and away from negative emotions and thought patterns. Operation Xcel teachers incorporate well thought out and researched processes to successfully eliminate emotional barriers like anxiety, fear of missing out (FOMO), food scarcity, and other vices that detract from successful learning in the classroom.
Since the weather is cooling down, you can add a little sunshine and warmth to a stranger with these simple ideas.
As parents, donors, and supporters of Operation Xcel, we understand the importance of quality after-school programs. Donors and sponsors of students who currently attend or have attended in the past recognize that not all children are able to attend afterschool programs and encourage others to join in the fight for other affordable or free programs. We will take part in the Lights on Afterschool Lightbulb Challenge to bring attention to the need.
Let’s talk about five strategies to keep your resilience sharp, so you’re ready to handle any obstacle life throws your way.
Today marks the International Day of the Girl Child 2024, a significant occasion dedicated to acknowledging the potential and dynamic influence of young girls within their communities tackling global issues. Anthony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, has recently introduced the U.S. Global Strategy to Empower Adolescent Girls. This groundbreaking initiative involves a collaborative effort between private, state, and federal agencies to empower girls globally and dismantle the barriers that impede their full participation in public and social life.
In alignment with this vision, Operation Xcel, a diverse and inclusive nonprofit organization, is fervently investing in the future of girls and young women. The organization strategically provides social-emotional learning (SEL) and equal opportunities to every girl in the program, nurturing their abilities in STEAM fields and preparing them to become catalysts for positive change in their communities and future careers.
It is important for every employee, including those in leadership positions, to have a good work-life balance to create a positive and productive work environment. When employees have a balanced life, there are fewer absences, lower turnover, happier employees, and greater engagement in the organization's success. It is beneficial for all organizations to provide spaces at work that help employees relax and de-stress. World Mental Health Day is a time when people can take a collective look at how well the mental health of all people is respected and where it is placed on the hierarchy of organizational needs.
Let's talk about five ways to spread joy and positivity everywhere you go, that you can practice every day!
Operation Xcel utilizes social and emotional learning (SEL) strategies to address negative perspectives and promote emotional competence in youth who participate in its programs. Children who are not emotionally competent are at risk for mishandling issues that may lead to suicidal ideations. In North Carolina, Suicide is the second and third leading cause of death among children between ten and fourteen and fifteen to seventeen-year-olds, respectively. In North Carolina, various mental health organizations recommend a list of things parents should do to help steer their children away from contemplating suicide. This blog shares some information from pediatric researchers who suggest that parents and caregivers are the first to recognize and address suicide risk factors. They also highlight the reason that there is not enough research to have better suicide prevention programs across all cultures and communities.
No matter what kind of stress we’re experiencing, the better we can learn to cope in a healthy way, the more successfully we’ll be able to manage.
Whether you have a little or a lot of free time, there’s no better way to spend it than by getting out there and making a difference.
