About Us
Who Are We?
The Academic Oversight Committee (commonly known as the AOC) was established in 2010 by the Grundy Foundation, which serves as its fiscal monitor. The purpose of the AOC is to provide year-round programs at community learning centers focused on academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for students deemed at risk.
The AOC supports three (3) 21st Century Community Learning Centers established for Bristol Borough youth attending public and parochial schools, in grades K through 12, located at Warren Snyder-John Girotti Elementary School, St. Mark Parochial School and Bristol High School. The programs offered help students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.
An active group of community leaders, service providers and residents is at the forefront of efforts to sustain Bristol Borough’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers to build a community of strong, self-confident leaders armed with the tools needed to succeed in school and in life.
Why AOC?
The AOC believes Bristol Borough’s youth --- regardless of income, race, gender, or current academic achievement --- deserve access to academic support, activities to enrich their lives, and a safe place to be during after-school hours and while attending summer-camp.
What and Where?
21st Century Community Learning Centers are funded by a federal grant and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Programs and services provided at the 21st Century Community Learning Centers are free and available to all eligible students in grades K through 12. A variety of programming focused on both STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and STREAM (Science, Technology, Recreation, Arts and Mathematics) curriculums plus year-round credit-recovery for high school students is offered. Students are directed to daily activities based on the strengths or weaknesses of their classroom performance, or a desire to try new things; including exposure to new and different opportunities encouraged by professional staff.
How?
Fundraising is required --- all year long --- to provide a variety of different programs structured to spark curiosity, capture attention and inspire engagement. The monies raised supplement the programming delivered by the 21st Century Community Learning Center grants awarded to the Bristol Borough School District. Our two premier fundraising events are the annual Bristol Fall Classic (Saturday night before Thanksgiving) and Jazz on the River concert (last Friday night in June) along with continuous grant-writing and advocacy work.
Our mission and fundraising objectives and goals are accomplished with the aid and support of like-minded citizens and community partners. In addition to the AOC’s key collaborations with the Bristol Borough School District and St. Mark School, the AOC is fortunate to have established strategic relationships with the Bristol Borough Council, Bucks County Intermediate Unit, Ivins House, Grundy Library and Grundy Museum, King George II Inn, (Raising the Bar) and Bucks County Community College.