One out of every five kids in our community is currently living in poverty. During the summer months these children can lose vital academic gains. This is called summer learning loss and is one of the most significant causes of the achievement gap between lower and higher income youth. It is also one of the strongest contributors to the high school dropout rate. For many young people, the summer “opportunity gap” contributes to gaps in achievement, employment and college and career success.
The Y is closing the academic achievement gap with programs that improve students’ educational readiness, engagement, and outcomes, while helping them grow emotionally and physically, too.
Third-grade reading skills predict high school graduation. That’s why the Y’s Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program helps elementary students that are reading below grade level. The program focuses on phonics, writing, and reading to boost literacy skills, with enrichment activities to support physical and social-emotional growth.
Power Scholars AcademyTM is a six-week summer program designed to not only tackle summer learning loss in math and reading but to foster physical and social-emotional growth. Scholars received strong academic support from local certified teachers, as well as an array of enrichment activities. In partnership with the Academy Center of the Arts, students were able to enjoy hands-on crafts, art classes, improv/acting classes, DJ classes, and more! Each student also received life-saving swimming lessons.
When you give to the Y - 100% of your donation stays right here in our community ensuring that your neighbors and friends are getting the assistance they need to learn, grow and thrive; creating a stronger and more vibrant community for us all.
2017 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS









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*Students must be entering grades 1-3, meet the academic-need criteria along with additional program criteria and be selected by their administrator/teacher to be eligible for the program. The YMCA of Central Virginia Child Care participates in the Y-USA's national Achievement Gap programming and our results show us how summer learning programs can better help children succeed in school.