HomeMy WebLinkAboutCover LetterMelissa Higgins
Level the Score
16204 Prairie Lane
Little Rock, AR 72206
lissagh@gmail.com
August 14, 2023
Dear City of Little of Little Rock,
I am writing to formally request your consideration for the use of my property located at 5008 West
24th Street for the activities of my nonprofit organization, Level the Score. Our mission is to provide
after -school tutoring and comprehensive support to students in grades K-12 within the Pulaski
County area, with a particular focus on addressing the educational challenges faced by African -
American males.
Level the Score aims to bridge the educational gaps that many students have encountered, especially
during the tumultuous times of the pandemic. We have witnessed firsthand the difficulties families
have experienced in managing multiple students' learning needs within a single household. Our
program has been meticulously designed to offer personalized learning opportunities that empower
students and their families to overcome these challenges.
Through our after -school tutoring program, students will benefit from specialized instruction in both
literacy and math. We are committed to fostering a strong foundation in decoding words, fluency,
and mathematical skills such as number sense, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. By
ensuring a solid grasp of these fundamental concepts, we believe students will be better equipped to
meet and exceed grade -level expectations.
One of our primary goals is to address the disparities faced by African -American males in the
educational system. We intend to attract and support at -risk males by providing them with an
environment where they can develop a sense of self-worth, self -efficacy, and the skills necessary to
navigate both the educational system and broader society. Through guided exploration of STEAM
subjects, exposure to prominent minority figures, and opportunities to engage in various enriching
activities, we aim to empower these young individuals to fulfill their potential.
Furthermore, our program extends beyond academics. We believe in nurturing well-rounded
individuals, and to that end, we offer career exploration, etiquette classes, access to medical care
through telehealth visits, and engagement in various recreational and skill -building activities such as
tennis, boxing, art, cooking, and more. By involving parents in their child's learning journey and
providing them with the tools to be effective advocates, we strive to create a holistic support system
that ensures each student's success.
In light of the recent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Level the Score also places a
strong emphasis on mental health and self -care. We provide strategies to promote positive thinking,
coping skills, and stress relief techniques that equip students and families to overcome life's
obstacles.