Light Work Enterprise presents free study-skills resources for Wilmington students

Shannon Collins, cofounder and chief operating officer of Light Work Enterprise, presented a free study‑skills resource kit for students ages 8 to 17 during the Wilmington City Council Education, Youth and Families Committee meeting on March 12, 2025.

Collins said the project was developed in partnership with the Wolf Foundation and tested at three nonprofit after‑school sites, including Urban Promise of Wilmington and Girls Inc. The organization also worked with the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania as a research partner to pilot the materials with about 50 students, she said.

The project includes a short “study time” questionnaire to assess student needs, age‑tailored “steps of studying” handouts, a “My Study Plan” worksheet that incorporates research‑backed techniques (for example, studying in short chunks and taking breaks), and a three‑question guide to prompt conversations between students and their study helpers (parents, volunteers or after‑school staff). Collins said the resources are intended for parents, educators and nonprofits with volunteers or young staff who may not have formal training in study support.

Collins reported pilot results to the committee: 96% of pilot participants said the resources were understandable and helpful; 95% said the handouts made the steps of studying clearer; and she said about 85% reported increased confidence after using the materials. Collins said those figures come from the pilot of roughly 50 students across the three sites.

The materials are free and available online; Collins provided an email contact for organizations interested in printable PDFs and partnership: shannon.collins@lightworkpub.com. She said Light Work Enterprise can also deliver group trainings and workshops for parents, after‑school providers and staff, and that one‑on‑one work is available through partner organizations rather than through Light Work directly.

Committee members asked about additional local partners and how organizations can sign up. Collins named Urban Promise, Girls Inc. (Wilmington), and the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania, and said community groups or schools should email her to arrange access and downloads. Committee members noted the city is preparing to open an Office of Educational Advocacy and suggested the office could help expand the initiative’s visibility and distribution.

Collins emphasized the project’s parent‑engagement aim: the materials are designed to give caregivers simple, actionable tools to start conversations and support study habits so students who struggle academically because they were not taught study techniques can better show their capabilities.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the presentation; members thanked Collins and discussed potential partnership and outreach steps.

Collins closed by inviting any interested organizations or parents to email her for materials and to request workshops or printable forms.