Hillsides Education Center

Hillsides Education Center is committed to educating each student with the individualized attention necessary to achieve personal success.

How do you help people in my community?

For Jeremy Ramirez, a student who was unable to find a comfortable learning environment to achieve academic successes, HEC was the perfect fit. Over the course of two years, Jeremy delved into the vocational program and worked on projects he enjoyed, which gave him, for the first time, the confidence to be successful in school.  This confidence crossed over to his other classes and soon Jeremy was successful in his academic classes as well. During his senior year, Jeremy was a teacher’s aide and mentor student to the younger students in the vocational program, which helped him build self-confidence, increase self-expression, and form lasting connections with adults.  He assisted the students in building the school’s vocational technical center. 

“Jeremy had much insecurity about trusting himself in an unstructured environment,” said vocational teacher Tony Carson of Jeremy’s past learning experiences.  “Hillsides gave him time and space to regain self-control by providing structure and really guiding him.”

Why do you need my support?

Instead of teacher-centered lessons, project-based learning is a model for classroom activity emphasizing learning activities that are long-term, interdisciplinary, student-centered, and integrated with real world issues and practices.  At Hillsides Education Center, Tony Carson, co-teacher of the vocational program, is doing just that—giving students hands-on projects in three vocational classes that will offer them survival skills to obtain and retain a job.

Some HEC students who suffer from severe emotional disturbances may not be college bound, but have the potential to succeed in the real world by learning one of three vocational trades offered at the school.  From Adirondack chairs to benches, students in trade science learn to build and construct many projects. In auto technology, students learn the basics of an engine, change the oil, and are building a working model of a V8 engine.  Food service prepares students for further education or immediate employment in the hospitality and food service industry.

“Students learn what it means to work and solve problems with others,” Carson said, adding that his classroom is a model work environment that enables students to develop job survival skills. “We reinforce academic concepts in practical applications, introducing students to hands-on, vocational skills.  Students are also encouraged to explore careers by identifying and strengthening weaknesses and develop their interests.”

Students at Hillsides Education Center are given opportunities to further their education or explore vocational interests that they wouldn’t have in another academic setting.  With the emotional disturbances that some students have, teachers must find different strategies to manage behaviors while teaching academic standards. 

Carson is certain of one promise he has made to students—“I want each student to fill up their tool belt by giving them every possible tool that will help them be the most successful person they can be. I want to teach them the value of work ethnic, to work well with others, and to provide them with opportunities to build self-esteem through achievement.”  Individuals who make a contribution to Hillsides Education Center can be assured that they are also filling students’ tool belts with the support of teachers like Carson at Hillsides Education Center.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

ach year, the public school system provides the HEC with “service fees” to cover expenses for our students unable to function in a traditional school setting because of their mental and emotional disabilities. In a given year, approximately 12% (or 10 out of 84) of our students remain unfunded while waiting to see if they qualify to stay at HEC or whether they must return to the public school system.  During a time of waiting (typically 2-3 months) for qualification to attend the HEC, the school must cover these unfunded students with an estimated budget shortfall of $130/day or $2,600/month. This shortfall, which drains our general budget, ultimately impacts the quality of education and services provided to other HEC students.

Additional financial support is specifically needed to help fund the following programs and activities including:

• A vocational training program that provides our students’ with practical work experience and prepares them for post-secondary vocational certification programs.
• A tutor/mentor program that pairs HEC students with a member of the community to improve student academic performance, self-esteem, and trust;
• After school sports programs (basketball, volleyball, cheerleading) that foster teamwork, cooperation, and confidence;
• Extracurricular activities and clubs to further students' creative endeavors;
• A tuition assistance program for unfunded students whose attendance at the HEC creates a budget shortfall and impacts the education and services for all students.
• A scholarship fund to help offset the costs of higher education for our college-bound graduates.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Volunteers help Hillsides Education Center provide the highest quality of education to the children and troubled teens we serve.  Along with his or her talents and skills, each volunteer brings a unique perspective and life experience to our education program. It is always a pleasure to match a prospective volunteer with just the right task.
Working with children who suffer from mental illness or have a learning disability is rewarding, yet extremely challenging. Those who wish to work with our children undergo extensive screening, orientation and training.
In general, HEC’s volunteer opportunities fall under six different areas:
Program Volunteers Weekly volunteers form the backbone of the service program at Hillsides.   Some volunteers work directly with the children, serving as tutors or librarians.  Those with a special skill or hobby may wish to share that interest with one or two children; others elect to provide behind the scenes support such as clerical assistance and bicycle repair.
Student Tutors  A select group of high school seniors visit the main campus for an hour each week to tutor and conduct learning activities with our children.
College Interns  College students majoring in education, psychology, music therapy and social work may volunteer their time to fulfill course requirements for field-work.  These students gain valuable first-hand experience at our exceptional facility.

Clubs and Companies  Approximately 50% of Hillsides’ volunteer service hours are performed by clubs and companies.  Organizations support Hillsides’ mission by sponsoring outings for the children, organizing gift collection drives, painting and landscaping, and lending a hand at special events.

Service clubs, professional societies, corporate volunteer teams, alumni associations, church groups, or any group wishing to make a positive impact in the community may contact the director of community resources to request a tour of the campus and learn more about volunteer opportunities specific to Hillsides Education Center.