Brain Expansions Scholastic Training (B.E.S.T.) is an East Tampa Initiative that focuses on engaging middle school and high school students in health care careers, while enhancing their academics using memory skill and chess.

The program’s primary goal is to ignite interest and allow exposure in science technology and health. Minority and under represented students will be given educational projects and guidance in those areas bringing real life applications to them.

Students will also be taught skills in memory and long term retention which will enable students to remember anything that is needed for academic success in spelling, reading and comprehension, math and science.

During the school year, students of the B.E.S.T. program will be engaged in intense tutoring that incorporates memory and meaning to their school assignments.

Students will be involved in an interactive comprehensive math and science enrichment program designed to teach students about the brain and nervous system while promoting safe and healthy behaviors. Chess classes will be offered to enhance and sharpen mental functions. This unique approach also fosters creativity, patience and critical thinking.

In the summer, the B.E.S.T. offers a five week program that allows students to participate in field trips to various health care facilities. Students will be introduced to different disciplines including physical therapy, radiology, medicine, dentistry, optometry and more.

These multidimensional lessons, that first and foremost develop a keen love for learning, give students opportunities to discover their own strengths and to learn to create school work that is praiseworthy. This approach will nurture a sense of competence in their own learning and allow each student to experience repeated success with demanding activities.