By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager
This month, we take a look at the Students Working to Achieve Greatness (SWAG) program, which the Village of Wellington runs in partnership with the Crowned Pearls of Wellington. This unique program assists rising high school juniors and seniors in their pursuit of higher education.
As the school year kicks into high gear, it’s not just classrooms that are buzzing with activity, the village’s youth programs are also revving up. Among them, the Students Working to Achieve Greatness (SWAG) program stands out as a gateway to opportunity for Wellington’s high school students who face significant challenges. Since its inception in 2017, SWAG has been more than just a program; it has been a lifeline, offering mentorship, academic support and real-world experiences that shape futures. Let’s dive into how SWAG is empowering our young people to break barriers and achieve greatness, one success story at a time.
As a key part of the SWAG program, the village partners with the Crowned Pearls of Wellington, the program’s sponsor. The Crowned Pearls is an official graduate chapter of the international Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the nation’s oldest sorority for African American women.
One of SWAG’s primary goals is to assist rising juniors and seniors in their pursuit of higher education. The program supports students’ career objectives and broadens their horizons through employment opportunities and cultural experiences. As program sponsors, the Crowned Pearls of Wellington also serve as mentors, create a life skills curriculum that includes financial management and professional development, and provide academic, intellectual and community support. Cultural outings and a paid summer internship are also integral components of the program.
The SWAG program is structured around three core elements: tutoring, internships and mentoring, with the following key objectives: demonstrating gains in academic achievement; acquiring leadership skills; boosting confidence; increasing school attendance and graduation rates; preparing students for advanced education; and enhancing community and civic responsibility.
Since the program’s inception, participation has steadily increased each year. Students are referred to the program by guidance counselors at Wellington’s two high schools. To qualify, students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.
SWAG participants who need academic assistance receive tutoring from the Crowned Pearls of Wellington, a nonprofit partner that includes retired educators. These educators offer weekly tutoring sessions, tailored to meet the diverse educational needs of the students. The program’s academic support includes supplemental instruction, facilitated workshops, and access to textbooks and other materials relevant to the students’ educational needs. This tutoring component strengthens subject comprehension, boosts confidence and builds important learning skills through individualized attention.
Students in the SWAG program are also awarded paid summer internships with local community partners. These internships are assigned based on the students’ skill sets, interests and compatibility with work assignments. The internships are designed to help students transition from school to the next phase of their lives, offering real-world experience that integrates school studies with workplace demands, preparing students for the expectations of the working world. The students also get opportunities to make informed career decisions by assessing their aptitudes and interests while exploring potential career paths. This internship program serves as a valuable link between schools and the local community. The internship component benefits both the student participants and the local business partners, which include organizations in healthcare, nonprofits, commerce and local government.
The mentorship aspect of the SWAG program, designed by the Crowned Pearls of Wellington, addresses the social and emotional needs of the students, while also fostering life skills that contribute to personal development and future success. The strong bonds formed between students and mentors cultivate leadership skills, a sense of belonging and community involvement, creating lasting connections. The broader community benefits from having strong, homegrown role models. Mentors work one-on-one with students throughout the program, offering academic support, assistance with college applications and financial aid forms, and emotional guidance.
Since its launch in 2017, more than 250 students have completed the SWAG program, with 71 students receiving internships. Impressively, 100 percent of SWAG participants have graduated from high school, and 80 percent have gone on to attend a four-year university — a significant achievement, well above the average among Wellington High School graduates. SWAG students have also been featured on local news channels and in newspaper articles.
The SWAG program is more than just a tutoring or internship placement initiative; it’s about building relationships that make a meaningful difference. The Crowned Pearls of Wellington provide gentle yet firm guidance, imparting life lessons that will stay with the students for the rest of their lives.
Wellington is proud to partner with the Crowned Pearls to make the SWAG program a resounding success. Together, we’re not just supporting our students — we’re investing in their futures, fostering a community where every young person has the opportunity to shine. As we look ahead, we remain committed to empowering our students and nurturing the next generation of leaders in Wellington
