Innovative equity educational program to support the academic challenges of students with Sickle Cell disease.

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One of the most pressing concerns voiced by the sickle cell community—particularly youth and their parents—is the heavy toll the disease takes on school attendance and academic success. Too often, this results in students with Sickle Cell Disease repeating school grades at rates far exceeding the national average. Nationally, students repeat a grade at an average rate of 4.5%; however, our research has documented that within the sickle cell community, this rate of recidivism approaches nearly 40% nationwide.

With this as a backdrop, we have launched a statewide online tutorial program through a collaboration of dedicated volunteers and tutors as part of a collaboration with the Mind of a Warrior Program. This initiative is designed to provide consistent academic support to students with Sickle Cell Disease across Connecticut, removing geographic barriers and increasing access to much-needed educational resources.

To further strengthen these efforts, our new Sickle Cell Center has been equipped with enhanced digital capacity, allowing us to support the full continuum of academic needs of the sickle cell community through virtual engagement and learning. The program will support both middle and high school students statewide, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for students and families.

As part of this broader statewide initiative, we will also work to quantify baseline rates of grade repetition within school systems where data is available, using this information to track progress and outcomes over time. Our goal is to significantly reduce the academic challenges, frustration, and discouragement expressed by students and families who have long lacked access to adequate academic support. The SCDAA CT Board of Directors firmly believes that this targeted, collaborative tutorial program will meaningfully improve educational outcomes and overall quality of life for individuals and families living with Sickle Cell Disease.

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