Sylus Green and like-minded parents founded 530 Scholars to help talented students on the South and West Sides of Chicago. The organization also helps students virtually.
They call themselves 530 Scholars because they want their students to graduate in the top 5% of their class and score at least a 30 on the ACT or SAT equivalent.
The program started out as a summer camp seven years ago.
Green created a relationship with Chicago Public Schools seeking talented children who needed guidance or resources beyond what the school could offer them. On the South Side, families wanted access to better resources for their children. Parents got together and developed a plan to gain those resources at a reasonable price.
Program Curriculum and Price
Programs include math, reading, and foundational skills. Green said: “We teach math a different way. We teach a logical and very old form of math. It is called Vedic Math. It is Indian-based math.” He began teaching critical thinking and the layout of how words and numbers work.
“Little skills rely on a strong foundation that they build.” There are only 44 sounds in the English language.
“We really focus on math, reading, and English the whole time. Sometimes we will throw in tech like HTML or coding or something like that which is still based in math and reading. But we really just focus on being strong in the foundational skills so that they can just add on to [it] because it has a strong foundation,” Green stated.
Parents and graduates of 530 Scholars mentor and tutor young talented people who need a boost. The program serves 30 families a year for $300 a month each. Parents of the scholars are trained to facilitate events and services to engage the kids to grow in all the skills provided in the program.
Families that have moderate or no income are allotted 530 Scholars services through the school. “These kids are super smart. They are going to be the future leaders of the city,” Green proclaimed.
530 Scholars Initiative
Green knows that there are some who are talented but not prepared for the ACT exam. The program offers ACT and SAT prep to students in high school.
Once kids score a 30 on the ACT, he hires them to instruct the other kids. They know once they receive their score they flip from student to staff person. Sometimes people have a hard time, but 530 Scholars try hard and do not allow students to fall through the cracks.
The initiative of 530 Scholars is 90% math workshops, ACT and SAT prep for those without access to it, finding super talented students, and fighting to make sure they have the resources. The other 10% is community service experience.
Partners and Graduates
Green has worked with CPS for five years. This year they are ramping up again to expand to more schools. Parent University and CPS are big partners and supporters of the program. Green has stated that he is grateful to have them involved in the 530 Scholars and is appreciative of the vision, leadership, and support.
Phalanx is also a partner with the program and hires some of the scholars.
The program has not had graduated scholars that needed extra academic help in college in the last four to five years. They are still tutoring with the program and earning money while in college. When a scholar hits a big threshold, such as a high score on college entrance exams and graduation they receive a $530 check.
Success Stories
Ariel M. ranked number one in high school, scored a 33 on her ACT in her junior year, and her SAT score was 1520. She received over $2 million in scholarship offers and is currently deciding between MIT and Johns Hopkins University.
Tia and Tyler were co-valedictorians at Lindbloom, Tia is at Duke and Tyler is at Northwestern. Together, they received about $5.2 million in scholarship offers.
Brianna D. came into 530 Scholars with a score of 1200 on her SAT but received a score of 1420 after working with the program. She received a scholarship and is now a junior at USC.
What People Need To Know
Green wants everyone to know that “We are not just suits… We are parents that recognize gaps in our student’s learning and when we cannot find the resources, we create them ourselves and then we build them out so other parents like us have access to it so we can create the nation’s top scholars and future leaders of the world.”
Recently, the 530 Scholars held an event with many fun activities. The Peace Players offered skills training and drills. Some volunteers also put together blessing bags for the homeless. During the event, 530 Scholars had a regional hit-the-button math competition. Local school champions went head-to-head with the scholars. There were $530 in prizes awarded during the competition. In addition, there was a motivational speaker who discussed planting seeds and growing plants. Everyone left the event with a plant. They also had self-care, self-help, pride building, and professional development workshops.
Written by Jeanette Vietti and Marrissa Kay
Source:
Interview with Founder, Sylus Green on 04/07/2022
Images Courtesy of 530 Scholars – Used With Permission
