P.O. Box 128376 • Nashville TN, 37212 contact@waterwalkerstn.org

Measurements & Outcomes

Summary of Educational Outcomes

We continue to implement and expand our Five Pillars of Programming.
We see this holistic approach to youth development in action every week. The results are eye-opening!

2025

EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT

Reading results for new students (over their first 16-week period): average improvement of .94 grade level

Reading results for returning students (by the end of year): average improvement of .9913 grade levels

Summary of Educational Outcomes

Results are captured from assessments taken throughout the year.

2024

Results for new students

(over their first 16-week period)

Reading: avg. improvement of 0.93 grade level

Overall: avg. improvement of 0.97 grade level

Results for returning students

Reading: avg. improvement of 1.58 grade levels

Overall: avg. improvement of 1.63 grade levels

All students completed Junior Achievement financial literacy courses, including More than Money, Economics for Success, and Career Success.

Summary of Outdoor Adventure Program

2025

Kids
0
participated in
Outdoor Adventures!
0
including
Lake days
0

Other Outdoor Adventures

Rock Climbing

Aquatic Ecology

Nature Hikes

Swimming Lessons

Zip Lines

Waterfall Adventures

Fishing Trips

Ice Skating

Summary of Basic Needs Program

2025

Served more than 105 family members, providing groceries weekly to families and meals daily to students. We are thankful for partnerships with Watson Grove Baptist Church, Nashville Food Project, and One Generation Away to help these families.

Frequency

Deliveries made by staff and volunteers every week

FOOD BOXES

For all of our youth and their families!

Food Portions

A week’s worth of food/groceries for an entire family!

Hygiene Products

To all students and families in need

Hot Meals

Served 5 days a week to youth in education program

Healthy Snacks

Provided every day during programming

Summary of key Wellness outcomes

2025

  • New students learned how to define stressors and triggers, how to identify symptoms of stress, and learned various breathing exercises to practice during and after the group.
  • Through group exercises students developed rapport with the counselor and each other leading to open discussion on stressors they experience at school, at home, and in their private lives. Topics included bullying, active shooters, and challenges with teachers.
  • Students shared ways they cope within each area and openly sought direction from the counselor on how they can support each other. Students received practical information on ways to reframe and challenge their thoughts to manage their reactions.
  • 69 youth participated in counseling sessions.
  • Provided 174 wellness days (after-school recreation, outdoor adventure activities, and lake days).
  • 79 kids participated in wellness activities.
  • Based on anecdotal evidence and personal observations, we witnessed students experiencing tremendous growth in mental and physical well-being throughout the year.

Summary of Leadership Development

Nine teens are participating in this program in 2025.

Teen employment training

Preparing a resume

Interviewing skills
(mock interviews)

“Dress for Success” styling sessions

Career exploration

Job search and application training

Learning life skills and soft skills to enhance employability

Hours served: 1000+

Mentorship sessions (professional guest)

Tutoring

Job-skills training centered on lake activities (boating safety; how to give swim lessons; how to tie knots; boat maintenance)

Helped administer literacy lessons for younger participants