Empowering Students with Study and Soft Skills Lends Support to Childhood Cancer Research

CUMMING, Ga. - Sept. 25, 2016 - PRLog -- In support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, iStudyforSuccess, an online educational tool that helps students improve their study, social and "soft" skills, will donate 10% of all September and October proceeds from Study & Social/Soft Skills license renewals and new enrollments to the Make-A-Wish® Foundation or Cure Childhood Cancer©.

"As founder and owner of products designed to help children grow and thrive, both within and outside of the classroom, I am especially touched by organizations who both help cure diseases that threaten to shorten young lives and who offer wish experiences for children suffering with diseases," commented Julie Wilson, founder of iStudyforSuccess. "That's why we are excited to be able to donate to Make-A-Wish® and Cure Childhood Cancer© in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month."

iStudyforSuccess, which debuted in 2013 in Cumming, Georgia, a northern suburb of Atlanta, with just a handful of schools on board, is now being utilized by hundreds of educators in schools in 35 states.

iStudyforSuccess is a two-pronged program, emphasizing both Study Skills and Social/Soft Skills. The Study Skills course includes 25 sessions on topics such as Time Management, Organization, Quiz Creation/Test Taking Skills, Learning Styles, Study Habits and Reading & Note Taking Strategies.

"The program is so flexible that it is being taught as a connections or elective class, in after school and youth service programs, and it serves as an enrichment exercise for students in specialty programs," said Wilson. The program is also used in counseling departments and media centers, and even integrated into year-long core classes. iStudyforSuccess sessions include all materials and step-by-step instructions for teachers, which means no course planning or training is required.

Students love the cartoons that open each session, which results in engaging class interaction. Key vocabulary is integrated throughout the program, and formative and summative grading suggestions are also included as guidelines for teachers.

The Social and Soft Skills course addresses vital interaction and character building skills, which are introduced as 28 mini-sessions, helping to facilitate positive interaction and communication with others. Some of the topics presented include Empathy vs. Sympathy, RESPECT!, Self-Monitoring/Patience, Commitment/Timeliness, Active Listening, Being a Team Player and GRIT! Cartoons introduce these sessions as well, and each is marked with an estimated time needed for completion.

"After receiving feedback from local businesses and higher education institutions, we knew that it was vital to offer schools the opportunity to focus on both Study Skills AND Social/Soft Skills for their students," commented Wilson. "By adding in the Social/Soft Skills component, we knew we were helping to develop well-rounded children, empowering them with character building skills needed for long-term success."

Social and Soft Skills can help boost students' self-confidence and self-respect, while offering lasting techniques to call upon when interacting with family, friends, classmates and teachers. It works well at all grade levels, as a supplement to the Study Skills segment, as a guide for specialty programs, and as a complement to Business Ethics and Soft Skills Vocational Training courses at the high school level.

While iStudyforSuccess is being utilized in 5th through 12th grades, middle school administrators and teachers have found that it is particularly effective in preparing middle school-aged children for advancement to high school. The program also allows educators the flexibility to focus on specific skills, based on students' needs.

"Our goal as a district is to personalize learning for our students. iStudyforSuccess allows teachers to focus on specific study or SEL skills based on what students bring to the classroom and on their individual needs," commented Marie Hoffman, Assistant Superintendent, CCSD 93, Bloomingdale, IL. "The lesson plans are easy to follow and the videos and activities are highly engaging.  What we love about the program is how easy it is to individualize for students or small groups.  The format helps teachers to plan engaging instruction, and the resources are very well organized!"

iStudyforSuccess continues to grow throughout the U.S. and licenses are still available for the 2016-2017 school year. Schools are granted immediate access to the two courses and they remain active until July 1, 2017.

To learn more about the iStudyforSuccess sessions and to view pricing, visit www.istudyforsuccess.com or contact Julie Wilson at JulieWilson@iStudyforSuccess.com.