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mustangs on the move
Mustangs on the Move (MOTM) is a collaboration of Pasadena nonprofit organizations, high school students and community members who are working together to provide after-school programming at John Muir High School in Northwest Pasadena.
The school is located in a commercially blighted area of the community with few resources for teens. Flintridge played a pivotal role in mobilizing the community effort to provide extracurricular activities on the campus and has provided financial and in-kind support to build the infrastructure and sustain the collaboration.
Since the first after-school programs launched in November 2003, Mustangs on the Move has offered a wide range of activities for students in grades 9-12 that are held before, during and after-school hours. These activities serve as a critical enrichment and support system for more than 900 vulnerable teens, offering everything from academic assistance to mentoring, job skills, food preparation, music, art, sports and dance.
Students are the focus and are involved in every aspect of the collaboration. They serve as advisors on the volunteer teams that oversee Mustangs on the Move and assist with recruiting students to the after-school programs, for which they earn a monthly stipend.
Achievements
• During the 2008/2009 school year, fully 75% of Muir students participated in at least one MOTM after-school program. Our attendance rate is more than double the national standard for after-school programs;
• MOTM significantly contributes to Muir’s graduation rate. The popular credit reclamation classes (English, social studies, math and science) have been responsible for over 30% of Muir’s graduating seniors for the past three years;
• All 14 MOTM senior student advisors during 2008/2009 have enrolled in college. The group included a National Merit Scholarship winner.
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Mustangs on the Move programs do not take place on PUSD holidays or minimum days.
Funding Partners
Mustangs on the Move received a five-year $1.25 million 21st Century High School ASSETs Grant through the California Department of Education in 2004. Due to MOTM’s accomplishments, this grant has been renewed for another five years at $1.3 million. While these funds provide the bedrock of our program’s sustainability, they do not cover all costs.
In addition to the 21st Century Grants and Flintridge's support, Mustangs on the Move has sought and received support in the past from The Annenberg Foundation; The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation; Dwight Stuart Youth Foundation and The Rose Hills Foundation.
A major corporate contribution from the J. L. Moseley Company currently exposes Muir students to educationally meaningful experiences such as summer programs on college campuses. The J. L. Moseley Company's corporate goal is to invest in the area's youth so that they grow to successful adulthood.
Join the Mustangs Partnership
All interested nonprofit organizations are invited to participate in this community-wide vision to encourage productive futures for our young people. Please contact Program Director LaWayne Williams to be added to the Mustangs on the Move email list or call (626) 396-5610.
Photos: Courtesy of Mustangs on the Move
