Youth Development - Academic Success
CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP
Research shows that many youth from underserved and low-income families often start kindergarten underprepared and fall behind their peers as they progress through school. This “gap,” known as the achievement gap, presents not just immediate hurdles for these students, but also long-term challenges for us all.
The Y understands that the future of our community is affected by the academic success of children. We also know that not all children have what they need to thrive in the classroom. That’s why we support them with strong role models and enriching experiences and strategies that give all children the opportunity to reach their greatest potential academically.
Each of our achievement gap programs — Y Readers, Y Achievers, Parents as Teachers and Summer Literacy Infusion — is offered to families at no cost and is fully funded by individual gifts, corporate donations and grants. Last year, we were able to provide $2.3 million in achievement gap support to help kids in need succeed in their educational journey.
The YMCA is able to offer literacy programming at no cost to families thanks to the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations who contribute to the YMCA Better Us Campaign.
The mission of SLI is to prevent summer learning loss by providing opportunities for students to practice literacy skills at camp, build home libraries, and develop an enjoyment of reading.
The mission of Y Readers is to provide the additional support students need to gain self-confidence and be proficient in reading by the end of third grade.
The mission of Parents as Teachers is to provide the information, support and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life.
The mission of Y Achievers is to help teens improve academic performance, explore diverse college and career options plus interact with professionals who serve as role models.