Achieve All Year: Summer Studying for Classroom Comprehension

School may be out but learning doesn’t stop in the summertime!

 

United Way is committed to year-round childhood success throughout the greater Charlotte region, and summer learning plays a big part in the larger picture of continuous growth. Students who may be behind grade level can take this time to continue developing their skills and preparing for the upcoming academic year.

 

While the school year can get busy with extracurricular activities, household duties and classroom hours, summer provides the perfect opportunity to nurture learning. In fact, several of our community partners in education offer summer programs – find out what’s available near you!

 

 

Freedom School Partners

 

The Children’s Defense Fund through Freedom School Partners in Grier Heights takes advantage of the summer season for its six-week literacy and cultural enrichment curriculum. Students can enroll at no cost and be empowered in their reading skills – a critical focus in early childhood development.

 

Freedom School Partners also provides two healthy meals and a snack, as well as a weekly book to students. The Children’s Defense Fund boasts proven results, with 60.2 percent of students improving their reading skills.

 

 

 

 

HOLLA! Community Development Corporation

 

HOLLA! Community Development Cooperation, serving Anson County, hosts the Read and Reel Summer Camp. Throughout the four-week program, students participate in reading and writing workshops, listen to guest speakers and embark on educational field trips.

 

Check out their Facebook page for other upcoming events celebrating academic progress.

 

 

 

 

 

YMCA of Greater Charlotte

 

YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s Y Readers program works with first through third grade children to bring their literacy skills above and beyond grade level. The six-week program, partnering with Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Lincoln and Mooresville schools, aims to ensure students are proficient by the end of third grade.

 

The program’s 2018 summer results show 87 percent of students improved or maintained their reading level and 15 percent more students reading at grade level standards.

 

 

 

Boys and Girls Club of Cabarrus County, Inc.

 

The Boys and Girls Club of Cabarrus County sponsors a summer program for elementary-middle school students that includes food and fun activities. Children develop skills in performing arts, computer technology, physical fitness, arts and crafts and life readiness.

 

Educational field trips include sites like the Gem Theater, Starlight Theater, Kannapolis Rec Park and Fries Skating Rink. Groups also get to experience fishing, canoeing and swimming at Camp Spencer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salvation Army – Charlotte Area Command

 

The Charlotte-area Salvation Army, serving Mecklenburg and Union counties, has Boys and Girls Club summer camps running from June-August. The camp offers an additional educational program called SMART Moves, teaching students about the dangers of risky and unhealthy behaviors.

 

The Boys and Girls Club partners with Vision to Learn to provide free eye exams and glasses to campers. Locations include the Belmont Avenue Club, Dwight Howard Boys & Girls Club, Dillehay Courts Club, Marsh Road Club, Center of Hope Club, Milton Road Club, Monroe Club and East Union County Club.

 

 

 

 

 

 

YWCA Central Carolinas

 

YWCA Central Carolinas runs youth programs for 350 children in Mecklenburg and Union counties. These programs are dedicated to K-5 students growing up in public housing and at-risk neighborhoods.

 

The YWCA’s Youth Learning Centers have activities focused on literacy, cultural awareness, health education and physical fitness. Students participate in weekly field trips and receive swim, horseback riding and cooking lessons.

 

 

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas

Community-based mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas runs year-round. The program is always seeking role models for young students.

 

Fun summer outings include going to local parks, museums and special Big Brothers/Big Sisters match events. Positive relationship-building is a significant part of education and teaches young students life and career skills for their future.

 

 

United Way is proud to support these organizations that provide summer learning opportunities for parents and students. Your donations directly impact children in our community and help them thrive personally and academically. Support our childhood success work by giving to United Way.