Children, Inc., a Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati nonprofit known for providing high-quality early education, has grown during the past year by adding a continuum of services to aid families at any stage. Adding Navigo to its menu of services last year also meant completing the continuum for students like Alaria Long.
Alaria in pre-school
Alaria, a recent Holmes High School graduate, is a great example of Children, Inc’s innovative multi-generational approach to building a stronger future for our region.
Beginning at just four months old, Alaria attended Children, Inc.’s early learning center, Treasure House, in Covington.
Her mother, Nadine Long, recalls Alaria’s kindergarten readiness at an early age, knowing her numbers, practicing writing skills, and displaying an excitement to learn each day. Her teachers remember her as an artistic, bright and charming student, who was quick to make friends and ask questions.
Alaria’s love of learning and her Children, Inc. experiences did not end when she began elementary school. At Holmes High School in Covington, Alaria, captain of the volleyball and track team, and junior varsity captain of the academic team, was an active member of NaviGo Prep, a division of Children, Inc. providing high school students with one-on-one college and career readiness coaching.
As a NaviGo Scholar, Alaria was provided a college and career coach that helped her navigate decisions for life after high school – including exploring career options and support through the college admissions process.
During her four years as a NaviGo Scholar, Alaria shadowed a nurse practitioner at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in the labor and delivery room, spoke at several NaviGo Scholar events, and was accepted to more than ten colleges.
Alaria was also a founding member of the NaviGo Student Board of Directors.
Alaria is now an incoming freshman at Kentucky State University and plans to build a career in nursing. This summer, she worked as a teaching assistant at Treasure House, helping young learners develop new skills the same way she did more than a decade ago.
Alaria’s remarkable story demonstrates how Children, Inc.’s work with families at vital points in their lives can change lives.
To learn more, about these programs and other services provided by Children, Inc., please visit www.childreninc.org.
