For immediate release
MEDIA RELEASE
Summer Learning = School Achievement
Select Grand Rapids Students to Explore New Experiences
WHO: Grand Rapids Public Schools middle and high school students
WHAT: 17 summer experience programs and 578 summer experience offers
WHEN: Summer 2010
WHERE: Targeted Grand Rapids neighborhoods
WHY: In Grand Rapids Public Schools, achievement tests show that after working hard all year, some students lose up to 40% of their learning during summer vacation.
GRAND RAPIDS – Thanks to an infusion of private local funding, 578 middle and high school students in targeted Grand Rapids neighborhoods will receive “summer experience” offers this month. Some students will experience arts outings, field trips and college visits, while others will be offered part-time jobs… all designed to combat a phenomenon known as “summer learning loss.”
Through a collaborative effort of Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation, Area Community Services Employment and Training Council (ACSET), W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and The Douglas & Maria DeVos Foundation, 14 organizations have been selected to design and deliver experiential summer learning programs for 2010:
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“This is a great opportunity for our youth, the future of our neighborhoods and our community,” said Nkechy Ezeh, associate director of United Methodist Community House. “These comprehensive summer programs provide a great way for students to catch up, embrace new experiences and make good decisions for the future.”
Students selected for the scholarships by GRPS educators will receive a brochure outlining summer experience options. The funded programs will include jobs, music, computers, outdoor and citizenship activities in combination with creative reading and math elements.
SUPPORTERS OF SUMMER LEARNING
Area Community Services Employment & Training Council
Child and Family Resource Council
City of Grand Rapids
Community Research Institute at Grand Valley State University
Frey Foundation
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Grand Rapids Public Library
Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Heart of West Michigan United Way
Kent Intermediate School District
Kent School Services Network
Literacy Center of West Michigan
Our Community’s Children
Sebastian Foundation
Steelcase Foundation
Student Advancement Foundation
The Douglas & Maria DeVos Foundation
