Lincoln Elementary School in California has achieved recognition on the ERP Honor Roll, thanks to the support of Sewa International’s ASPIRE program, which promotes academic excellence and student success.
Lincoln Elementary School in California has joined the prestigious ERP Honor Roll, a recognition awarded to only 21% of public schools statewide for their outstanding academic achievements. This accomplishment was made possible through the support of Sewa International’s ASPIRE program.
Principal Gerson Sandoval expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided by Sewa International, stating, “Because of your support, we have been able to give every child the chance to learn and grow where they are – we have achieved something truly special.” His appreciation was conveyed in a letter addressed to the ASPIRE team, which is led by Program Director Sudha Prabhunandan, along with intervention specialists Victor Fisher and Renuka Jethmalani.
In his letter, Mr. Sandoval emphasized the collaborative effort between Lincoln Elementary and Sewa International, saying, “Together we are demonstrating that when we lift every student, we lift our whole school. We look forward to continuing this journey with you – toward even greater success and growth for our children.”
The ERP (Educational Results Partnership) Honor Roll recognizes a total of 1,834 out of 10,600 public elementary schools across California. Since 2023, Sewa’s ASPIRE program has partnered with Lincoln Elementary, which is part of the Newark School District. The initiative focuses on enhancing students’ skills in reading, math, creative arts, and English, while also fostering curiosity, creativity, and confidence through both in-school support and after-school enrichment activities.
Sewa’s ASPIRE program is dedicated to transforming the educational landscape for students in resource-constrained schools across the Bay Area, Atlanta, Houston, and other regions in the United States. Volunteers within the program collaborate closely with teachers to provide small-group coaching and homework assistance, which is especially beneficial for students from low-income families.
The ASPIRE program offers a diverse range of courses, including robotics, communication skills, art, and yoga, all aimed at strengthening students’ academic abilities and emotional well-being. “Every child deserves the chance to dream big and achieve their full potential — to read with confidence, to solve problems with curiosity, and to believe they can make a difference,” said Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International USA.
Since its inception, Sewa’s ASPIRE initiative has positively impacted over 1,500 elementary students across Newark and Livermore in California, with volunteers contributing more than 6,000 hours during the 2024–2025 school year alone. The program not only enhances academic performance but also cultivates leadership and empathy among high school volunteers who serve as mentors and role models.
Beyond academics, ASPIRE encourages civic engagement through various activities, including school gardening projects, creative arts, and community-led events such as the ASPIRE Carnival and Spelling Bee competition. These initiatives provide students with hands-on learning experiences that enrich their education and foster a sense of community.
As Lincoln Elementary celebrates its recognition on the ERP Honor Roll, the partnership with Sewa International continues to pave the way for future successes, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and enriching environment.
Source: Original article