Paul Savramis Offers Academic Support through Rising Stars

Paul Savramis has always stressed the importance of education to the Rising Stars participants. Over the years, Rising Stars has worked hard to put this mantra into action, with Paul Savramis and the organization setting up several programs geared toward assisting students with their learning goals. Paul Savramis answers some questions about Rising Stars’ academic support programs below.

Q: If I feel my child isn’t getting the education he or she needs in public schools, what can I do?

Paul Savramis: There can be a number of reasons why a family may feel that their child is not receiving the education they need in public school. Most often the reason is that the child does not want or is not motivated to learn. In both of these cases Rising Stars may be a vehicle that can help facilitate better education. We strongly believe that to learn a child first must want to learn. The correct vehicle to promote learning then becomes paramount as does the correct environment. Rising Stars has developed a program called Academic Plus that is part of our basketball team programs. It provide support to help qualified students attend private school and puts them in situations that are conducive to learning..

Q: How does Rising Stars do this?

Paul Savramis: We’ve formed a partnership with several private schools, including our home school Long Island Lutheran, Holy Trinity, Chaminade and Holy Cross. We work with our sponsors to find students that qualify for assistance through Academic Plus and are always looking to add additional schools.

Q: Once my child has been accepted into Academic Plus, are there ongoing requirements?

Paul Savramis: Yes. Rising Stars coaches will monitor the academic performance of all children enrolled in private schools through the Academic Plus program. This includes regular report card monitoring and community service.

Q: What if my student is unable to maintain a acceptable GPA in the program. Will he or she be told they are no longer a part of the program?

Paul Savramis: Rising Stars has a peer-counseling program that can work one-on-one with the student to iron out those trouble spots. We work with the teachers the family and the child. Not every child can succeed immediately and in some cases difficulties need to be overcome. The important thing is that the child continues to try and continues to want to succeed to stay in the program.

Q: My child is in high school, preparing for the SAT. I’ve heard that Rising Stars offers assistance with that. Can you tell me more about that?

Paul Savramis: Rising Stars offers tutoring for SAT Prep in addition to our regular peer tutoring and homework assistance.

Q: My child has a busy schedule, between school and extracurricular activities. Are the peer counseling hours flexible?

Paul Savramis: Yes. Our peer counselors can work around your child’s scheduling, finding a time that is convenient for everyone involved.

Q: Rising Stars emphasizes the importance of a college education. First, what assistance does your organization provide to high school students preparing to enter college? Also, do you offer one-on-one counseling?

Paul Savramis: Rising Stars offers seminars to help prepare young students for the college experience. We also have a specialist that works one on one with every senior in helping them through the process from filling out college applications to sorting through all the different choices.

Q: I read that Rising Stars is a participant in the Student Sponsor Partners program. What is this program?

Paul Savramis: The Student Sponsor Partners program attempts to address the high number of high school dropouts by forming partnerships with students to provide private education and college planning. This mentoring lasts for four years and can be vital to a student’s college success. Providing that support is important and Rising Stars is proud to be a part of what they do.

Paul Savramis received his Master’s degree in physical education from Queens College. Prior to graduation, Paul Savramis founded Eastern Invitational Basketball Camp, a youth-oriented basketball camp that continues to thrive today. With Rising Stars, Paul Savramis was able to further his dream of helping youth achieve their education and sports goals.