Welcome to The Schaefer Program
We are a free, nonprofit mentoring program and venture that pairs former spelling bee competitors with current middle school spellers to reignite excitement and passion around the world of semantics and linguistics.
Our Mission
At The Schaefer Program, we believe that spelling is more than just memorizing words. It's about understanding the nuances of language and developing a deep appreciation for the power of words. Our mission is to empower the next generation of spelling bee champions by fostering a love of language and promoting academic excellence.
Our
Story
Get to Know Us
Before he passed, Bill Schaefer was a pillar in the Colorado spelling community. He put in countless, painstaking hours to make the world of spelling and semantics fun and enjoyable for many elementary and middle school students. To pay it forward and keep Bill's legacy alive, a few of us ex-spellers have decided to work together to create a program and bring back the community around spelling. Check out this article from the Denver Post to learn more about Bill's impact.
Our Program
Spellers
Grades 3-8
Our program is designed to help current elementary school and middle school students master the art of spelling. Led by former spelling bee champions, our bootcamp covers everything from the basics of phonetics to advanced vocabulary building techniques.
Mentors
Grades 9-12
Our Mentorship Program pairs current high schoolers (and ex-spelling bee competitors) with current spellers for personalized coaching and support. We believe that mentorship is one of the most effective ways to help students succeed, and our program has a proven track record of producing spelling bee champions.