VETERANS HERITAGE PROJECT

Arizona ranks #44 for K-12 education, #45 for high school graduation, and #48 for college readiness. Sixty percent of employers indicate applicants' lack "communication and interpersonal skills", and "can't think critically, solve problems or write well." (Workforce Solutions, 2013) Research shows civic education in combination with project-based activities fosters a positive school climate, supports academic achievement and high school graduation, and is necessary for students to build communication skills, be exposed to different perspectives, and learn how to engage with the greater community. Imprints of Honor provides these opportunities.

As a STEAM approach to learning, the goals of our after-school program are to utilize inquiry, critical thinking, and collaboration to enrich academics, build student character, and develop 21st century skills that allow students to adapt to evolving and fast-paced environments. Students work on a project over the course of the school year that engages them in complex topics surrounding history, citizenship, and service. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a public product, which is presented to an audience. As a result, students develop deep content knowledge, as well as collaboration, creativity, and communication skills. Student build confidence, and cultural and social competencies.

A certified Character Education Program and approved curriculum for the Arizona Seal of Civics Literacy, our after-school program is conducted through school chapters (clubs.) We train middle school and high school teachers on how to utilize our instructional videos, and online curriculum via our learning management system (LMS) to complete program activities.

Students learn the history behind military conflicts from World War II to the War on Terror, videography and photography basics; and communication skills in preparation to interview a veteran. The recorded oral history video interview is preserved in the Library of Congress. Students write, edit, and publish the veterans’ stories in a student produced hard-bound book, Since You Asked. High school students are trained in the use of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop through our technology platform and two in-person workshops to layout the stories and assemble regional editions of the book for publication. Schools collaborate to plan and host community events at the end of the school year to honor their veterans and present the completed work with a book signing open to the public. Participating students and veterans each receive a free book, and additional copies are available for sale.

Additional enrichment activities include Veterans Day events, veteran classroom presentations or school assemblies, and ten scholarships exclusive only to our students, ranging from a one-time $1500 award to a $17,500 scholarship renewable up to four years.
We also provide digital credentials for students who achieve goals in the areas of leadership, interviews, civic engagement, scholarship, publishing, and character. Utilizing the Badgr Digital Credential system, each Imprints of Honor badge is embedded with data that verifies skills and achievements in these areas. The student can add the digital credentials to a resume, LinkedIn profiles, or even a college application.