Summer learning programs help children and youth improve their academic and other outcomes. This is especially true for children from poverty impacted families who reside in underserved communities where summer learning programs are not offered due to restricted funding resources throughout summer months. Research shows that there are clear differences in the summer learning rates of low-income and higher-income students which amplify the achievement gap between the groups over time. Studies show that while low-income and higher-income students learn at nearly the same rate while in school, low-income students’ learning falls far below that of their higher-income peers due to lack of access to summer academic and enrichment programs. This disparity in access to summer learning is cumulative; widening over time, and increasing the achievement gap between low income youth and their peers summer after summer.
Please consider helping Hope Solutions close the summer learning gap by becoming a summer sponsor. Summer sponsors help create or subsidize the cost of week-long day camps (which can range anywhere from $150-$1,000). Providing Hope Solutions youth (many of whom are formerly chronically homeless) with access to summer learning, has proven to improve our youth’s academic skills, broaden horizons, and boost self-esteem. Any amount helps! Or, if you have a summer camp idea of your own, let us know. In the past, volunteers (teens and adults) have organized small groups to host different camps at our Pittsburg and Concord locations for a few hours/day for 1-4 days during the week. Some examples of past camp activities include dance, art, science, music, theater/improv, Tai Chi, and more! Feel free to email Gloria Bertolozzi at gloria@hopesolutions.org to discuss ideas or to offer help for an already formed camp. All camps are supervised by on-site Hope Solutions staff.
Thank you for making this summer count, and helping Hope Solutions close the achievement gap for our youth and families!