Springboard Academy

For nearly a century, Milton Hershey School (MHS) has been transforming the lives of children from families in social and financial need. In 2007, MHS will launch an innovative program to help new middle school students transition into its residential learning environment.

Called the Springboard Academy , the program is housed on a mini-campus focused on providing experiential education to meet the unique needs of each student. The core planning and operating philosophies of Springboard Academy are innovation, possibilities thinking, commitment to student success, and experiential education. Whether studying fractions by cooking a meal together, learning science by collecting water samples from a nearby creek, or sharing ideas around a campfire, students will have endless opportunities to learn by doing. Springboard Academy staff members will play a role in helping students by enabling them to:

• Prepare for academic success at MHS
• Develop strong social and character skills
• Learn how to lead a healthy lifestyle

Key features of the Springboard Academy program include:

• Experiential learning
• Authentic work opportunities
• Individual student success plans focused on individual strengths
• Special programs to keep parents and sponsors connected to their child and MHS