documentary film
directed by Rollin Binzer about the transformation of Providence-St. Mel
from a typical "inner city
" school to a top tier institution. It had its world premier at the Dawn Breakers International Film Festival
in Zurich.
Background
This documentary was made to promote discussion and interest in school reform. Tom Hurvis has been a long-time sponsor of scholarships and internships for inner city youth. The current strengths of Providence St. Mel, its curriculum, its success, and its discipline, are seen as anomalies when compared to typical inner city schools. When Hurvis discovered Providence St. Mel, he was inspired to create the documentary.Synopsis
The Providence Effect is a film about Paul Adams III and the inner city Chicago school he founded and brought to prominence. Formerly a public school, Providence St. Mel has become a private school with rigorous educational standards and expectations. The film documents how the school sets and encourages those goals for students.Recognition of the film
The movie shows the power of individuals to make a difference in breaking the cycles of poverty by creating an environment where students have no choice but to learn. It documents the phenomenon of what high expectations and hard work can achieve. - Christina Hykes, Education Specialist, New York Programs, World Vision
World VisionWorld Vision, founded in the USA in 1950, is an evangelical relief and development organization whose stated goal is "to follow our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in working with the poor and oppressed to promote human transformation, seek justice and bear witness to the good news of the Kingdom of...
- Greater New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
This is a powerful documentary that will support the efforts of schools working towards excellence. Great for professional development and parent engagement. Marilyn Calo, Principal, Family Life Academy Charter School
Every educator, parent, and student must see this film. Inspiring!
- Kimberly Jones, Council for Opportunity in Education
This film is a brilliant reminder of the power of having higher expectation for our low-income and minority youth. Yes, everyone can go to college. - Rocio Gandra, Pueblo del Sol Community Service Center
Recognition of the school
Providence St. Mel is one of the most profound educational achievements in the nation. The school uses the entire day as a learning experience for the young people. They all end up going to college - which is unbelievable. But, they have a serious code of discipline, students come to learn... they enter into a relationship that says – you will adhere to our practices, we will teach you, provide educational opportunities for you and you will learn. - Congressman Danny K. Davis
Danny K. DavisFor other persons named Danny Davis, please see Daniel Davis .Daniel K. Davis is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1997. He is a member of the Democratic Party.-Early life, education and career:...
, US House of Representatives
I believe the experience at Providence St. Mel shows every child can learn. If we can replicate the achievement and changes at this one school, we could change the face of American education and America itself. - The Honorable Roy Barnes
Roy BarnesRoy Eugene Barnes served as the 80th Governor of Georgia from January 1999 until January 2003. Barnes was also a candidate for Governor of Georgia in the 2010 election....
, Former Governor of Georgia and Co-Chair, Commission on No Child Left Behind
Providence St. Mel’s 100% placement of its graduating seniors in four-year institutions need to be examined, evaluated, and where possible replicated. - Damon Caldwell, VP, Chief Program Officer,
The Jackie Robinson FoundationJackie Robinson FoundationThe Jackie Robinson Foundation is a non-profit organization which gives scholarships to minority youths for higher education, as well as preserving the legacy of Baseball Hall of Fame member, Jackie Robinson. The foundation was founded by Rachel Robinson, the wife of Jackie, in 1973, a couple of...
Greatness is a state of mind - invest in greatness, invest in education. When we have the belief that all children should have access to opportunities to learn at the highest level, we get the results we have seen at Providence St. Mel - Bravo! - Professional Development Specialist, DCPS
Awards and nominations
- 2009, Official Selection, International Premier Dawn Breakers International Film FestivalDawn Breakers International Film FestivalDawn Breakers International Film Festival is an international film festival that is held in various cities throughout the world. The festival originated in 2007 and debuted in Phoenix, Arizona on December 2008. It was held in Zurich, Switzerland in 2009, San Diego in 2010 and Houston in 2011...
- 2009, Winner, "Best Documentary". Omaha Film Festival
- 2009, Winner, "Most Inspirational Documentary", Seattle True Independent Film Festival
- 2009, Winner, "Audience Choice Best Documentary", Lake County Film FestivalLake County Film FestivalThe Lake County Film Festival is a yearly film festival held in Lake County, IL. Started as a two film event in 2004, it has expanded to a 100+ screening event in 2008.-History:...
External links
- The Providence Effect at the Internet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie Database is an online database of information related to movies, television shows, actors, production crew personnel, video games and fictional characters featured in visual entertainment media. It is one of the most popular online entertainment destinations, with over 100 million...
- Official website
- Providence St. Mel website