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Penny Harvest: Outcomes

When we look at the Penny Harvest we see countless stories of transformation
that takes place within the culture of our schools, but more importantly, within
the children who participate.

Leadership

Katie was a shy fourth grader who was chosen as a student leader for her
school. At first she didn’t want the role.  But over the course of the program
year she began to push herself to take more risks and speak up when she
had the chance.  By the end of the year the other students were looking to
her for the answers.  In fact, she had embraced her role as a leader so much
that the following year she ran for Student Body President… and won!

Character Development

The Eagle Ambassadors is a group of students attending one of the most
diverse schools in Denver.  Students range from upper class to living in
transitional housing, and more the 12 languages are spoken there.  In
fact, the school has the highest population of homeless students in the
city.  In 2009 in response to a request from one of their classmates living
in transitional housing, the Eagle Ambassadors dedicated a portion of their
Penny Harvest funds to building a children’s library at one of the two shelters
that feed into their school.  They held a book drive, purchased carpet, bean
bag chairs, lamps and bookshelves, and spent an afternoon constructing the
library. The library became a refuge and a resource where kids could check out
books, study and even peer mentor each other.  The project was so successful
they did it again the next year for the other shelter.  In 2010 the Eagle Ambassadors
were honored as the Outstanding Youth Group for National Philanthropy Day in Colorado. 

Teamwork

Students from a local elementary school in Yuma, Colorado decided to
give their money to the City to fund a cleanup project on the local duck
pond.  When the students returned to school in the fall they learned the
project had been cancelled and the money had not been spent.  Frustrated
by the outcome of their donation, the students organized themselves,
marched down to City Hall and presented their case in front of City Council.
The money was reallocated towards the community pool at the students’ request soon after.