High School M.A.S.T.R. Plan Program – The Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation
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Our High School M.A.S.T.R. Plan Program

The High School M.A.S.T.R. Plan program was launched in 2023 to prepare middle school students to successfully enter & navigate high school by helping them set academic and life goals, explore career opportunities, and develop critical-thinking skills. The program’s aim is to increase the number of youths who graduate high school, move into post-secondary education or training, and ultimately have fulfilling employment that offers family-sustaining wages.
The transitions from elementary to middle school and then to high school are challenging for most students, regardless of background, given a host of physical and environmental changes. SPPF conducted extensive community listening sessions with principals, counselors, parents and students to better understand the challenges specific to our community and how we could potentially help. We heard that students lack preparation and resources, don’t know what to expect, and don’t know why high school is important or where they want to go afterward. We also heard that counselors are often unable to help. Counselors are serving 400-500 students and “can only help the ones that know what they are looking for.” Parents confided that they are unable to help with homework, and are not prepared to help students select classes, sort through career options, or prepare for college.
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Support Beyond Foundational Skill Building

SPPF, together with community partners, provides preparation and access to proven resources. Rather than focusing on “foundational” skill building as our M.A.S.T.R. Kids® Program does, this program is focused on critical thinking, independent learning and life skills. For this reason, applicants are assessed to ensure they are reading at or near grade level.

Once accepted, scholars work with certified Teachers, called Navigators, on research strategies, essay writing, and strengthening overall math skills, financial literacy, public speaking, and other areas. They learn to use digital tools to find answers and interact with Teachers. They utilize Naviance® tools to gain perspective on their strengths, to explore career pathways that align with their strengths, and to identify what’s required to pursue the careers that most interest them.

HSMP Featured in the News

Spectrum News featured the High School M.A.S.T.R. Plan Program, highlighting its impactful efforts to close the achievement gap and increase graduation rates.
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Partners Amplify Our Impact

The educational institutions, corporations, community non-profits, volunteers and government officials who have joined us in this work have all proven to be PHENOMENAL partners, amplifying our impact by providing tutors, scholarships for amazing travel and college experiences, black history instruction, exposure to careers via speakers and onsite field trips, and so much more. During our summer session we are actually hosted by Pinellas Technical College, where students participate in four weeks of daily instruction in about eight trades.