The mission of the BOAST program is to stimulate academically at-risk
children's interest in science, and to serve as a national resource for
hands-on science and internet lessons.
The purpose of the BOAST Academy is to provide positive
educational experiences for the participants outside of the school day.
These educational experiences enhance and supplement the school curriculum,
especially in the area of science.
In March 1995, BOAST established an after-school component in a subsidized
housing complex in northeast Champaign. Since many of the participants
in the after-school component attended Kenwood
Elementary School, part of the Champaign
Unit 4 School District, the after-school component relocated there
in January of 1997.
In Spring of 1999, the name of the component was changed to "The BOAST Academy." The name change reflects the fact that the activities of the component are academic in nature and supplement the school curriculum.
The BOAST Academy meets at Kenwood
Elementary School, Monday through Friday, from 2 - 5:30 p.m. each
day. It is a cooperative effort between the participants, their families,
the school staff, and BOAST staff and volunteers. The
academy is managed by a certified teacher who is assisted by U of I
student as well as community volunteers and staff. Click
here to view a map that shows how to get to Kenwood Elementary
School.