Community program boosts student success with intensive summer learning
October 14, 2024 | Teton County, Wyoming
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In a recent government meeting, discussions highlighted the pressing need for targeted educational support for economically and academically at-risk students. The conversation centered around the significant changes in the TCSD's summer learning program, which saw a reduction in offerings over the past six months. In response, the TLC organization, in collaboration with community partners, launched an expanded summer program aimed at addressing these gaps.
The TLC's Summer SOAR program, which traditionally provided four weeks of full-day academic and enrichment activities, was extended to six weeks this past summer. This initiative resulted in over 13,000 direct service hours for 84 students, all provided at no cost to families. Notably, participants demonstrated impressive academic growth, with an average of four months in reading and nearly four months in math, contrasting sharply with the national trend of summer learning loss.
However, the program's success came with financial challenges. The total cost of the SOAR program is approximately $250,000, with current federal grants covering only a fraction of that amount. To sustain the six-week programming model, additional funding sources will be necessary.
The meeting also addressed the importance of early intervention in college and career readiness. TLC's newly launched Funding Futures program aims to instill a belief in higher education among students from a young age. This initiative includes a savings account component where families contribute towards future educational expenses, alongside TLC's matching contributions and incentives for positive behaviors linked to academic success.
As TLC continues to build trust and relationships with students and families over the years, the organization is optimistic about the potential impact of these programs on students' aspirations and future opportunities. The discussions underscored a commitment to deepening support for vulnerable student populations, emphasizing the need for sustained investment in educational resources.
The TLC's Summer SOAR program, which traditionally provided four weeks of full-day academic and enrichment activities, was extended to six weeks this past summer. This initiative resulted in over 13,000 direct service hours for 84 students, all provided at no cost to families. Notably, participants demonstrated impressive academic growth, with an average of four months in reading and nearly four months in math, contrasting sharply with the national trend of summer learning loss.
However, the program's success came with financial challenges. The total cost of the SOAR program is approximately $250,000, with current federal grants covering only a fraction of that amount. To sustain the six-week programming model, additional funding sources will be necessary.
The meeting also addressed the importance of early intervention in college and career readiness. TLC's newly launched Funding Futures program aims to instill a belief in higher education among students from a young age. This initiative includes a savings account component where families contribute towards future educational expenses, alongside TLC's matching contributions and incentives for positive behaviors linked to academic success.
As TLC continues to build trust and relationships with students and families over the years, the organization is optimistic about the potential impact of these programs on students' aspirations and future opportunities. The discussions underscored a commitment to deepening support for vulnerable student populations, emphasizing the need for sustained investment in educational resources.
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