About 30 students from two charter schools are spending the last few weeks of seventh grade working on robotics projects, honing communication skills and going on field trips.

Students from Atlas Preparatory School and Pikes Peak Prep were selected for the three-week REACH program, hosted by the private Colorado Springs School. High school students serve as mentors, working alongside teachers.

“This is almost better than summer vacation,” said 12-year-old Elijah Green, from Atlas. “I want to do this all year.”

Elijah and 13-year-old Jenessa Duran, also from Atlas, were working on giving their small robot commands to move in certain directions as part of the assignment. Later, they were headed to Cave of the Winds.

The two students said they enjoyed the change of environment and the hands-on approach that is central to the program.

“We’re always learning something new,” Jenessa said. “They trust us so it’s easier to do our work.”

REACH is a partnership with the three schools. Atlas is in Harrison School District 2 and Pikes Peak Prep is in Colorado Springs School District 11. Costs were covered by donations from all three.

“We’re really good at preparing kids for college, so why not share it,” said Jessica James, Colorado Springs School spokeswoman.

REACH is built on collaborative learning, using exploration as the theme for lessons and activities. Staff at the three schools worked together to figure out the needs of the students and the best ways to help them improve, said Anne Taylor, REACH program director.

“It’s preparing them for the next level of academics and leadership,” James said.

Atlas sent all 27 of its honor college students. Six students were selected from Pikes Peak Prep. Students are in class year-round at the two charter schools, with an extended break in July. Colorado Springs School has a more traditional schedule, allowing REACH to use the school and older students to help in the classes.

“It’s new to CSS, but it’s not a new concept,” Taylor said, adding that the schools are discussing what to do next year in terms of expanding the program to more students or more schools.

Taylor said assignments aim to boost skills such as writing and critical thinking. Students are also asked to hone public speaking skills, she said. Students’ final grades will be based on a portfolio of work.

The younger students aren’t the only ones learning. The CSS students serve as mentors for community service credit and some are learning how to work with students and putting leadership skills to work.

“It’s not just about being their friend, but also about helping them learn,” said 16-year-old Marissa Tivis, CSS senior who wants to be a prediatrician.

She said she wouldn’t hesitate to work with REACH again.

“I’ve never really liked teaching, but I love working with them,” said another mentor, 17-year-old Kelsey Moyes, CSS senior. “I can be their role model. It’s a really good feeling.”

CSS junior Aaron Watts, 16, who helped with the robotics class, said it gave him a chance to use the leadership skills he had learned. Giving the younger students an opportunity they wouldn’t have otherwise made it even better, he said.

That chance and all the “awesome” field trips to places such as the Olympic Training Center did mean time away from classmates for the students chosen for REACH.

Danny Borja, 12, from Pikes Peak Prep, said it is a little strange to finish his school year at a different school, away from most of his classmates. He was quick to add that the program has been fun and that he has enjoyed talking to different people and making new friends.

He has learned a lot more about reading and writing at REACH, Danny said.

“They know how to make it sort of fun,” he said.

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