Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program - YMCA of Central Virginia

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.

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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

During the summer of 2017 we were able to increase our reach, serving more children than ever before, improving the lives of 192 kids from our local communities.

Each child received a total of 192 hours of engaging, interactive and instructional learning.

59% of participants gained reading & literacy skills

80% of participants showed improvement in math skills

12,345 healthy meals were served during the 6-week program ensuring youth in low income homes received proper nutrition during the summer months

Parents report that they are now more engaged in their child's education, resulting in an increase of parent to child reading at home

100% of parents reported that their children have a more positive attitude about school

100% of participants were engaged in and exposed to several enrichment activities and programs such as music appreciation, visual arts, digital arts, and STEM

All children were given the opportunity to participate in life saving swim lessons from certified swim instructors, enabling them to be safe in and around water while gaining confidence and independence

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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.