The YMCA of Greater Flint is excited to offer a free literacy and math program shown to provide strong academic gains at no cost to Flint area families. Registration has opened for the fall session of Power Scholars Academy.
Power Scholars Academy uses an evidence-based model from BellXcel (Building Educated Leaders for Life) which blends rigorous, small-group academic instruction with camp-like enrichment activities over an eight-week period. The academy targets 3rd and 4th-grade students because it is at this age that most schools transition from learning to read to a reading-to-learn curriculum.
“We see two to three months of academic gain in the span of one month with Power Scholars Academy,” said YMCA of Greater Flint CEO Shelly Hilton. “Recently released information from Michigan State University’s Education Policy Innovation Collaborative shows 33.9% of Michigan’s 3rd graders weren’t proficient in English/Language Arts on M-STEP testing. A further 5,500 youth are at risk of being retained in 3rd grade. We must act NOW to address pandemic learning loss in youth and set them on the path for success for the rest of their academic career.”
“Our staff of teachers, aids, and counselors are so excited to be part of this program again,” shared Safe Places Director, Monica Holmes. “They know the impact this program has on student success and can’t wait to get back to the classroom.”
Power Scholars Academy is part of the larger Safe Places program which offers area youth programs that not only keep them safe but helps them learn, grow, and thrive. Safe Places focuses on the scholar as a whole, with dinner and a snack and enrichment activities included. Family literacy nights are also a part of the program which gets the whole family excited about learning.
Program Time and Location:
When: October 3 – December 2
Time: Mon – Thu, 4 – 7 pm
Location: Cathedral of Faith, 6031 Dupont St, Flint
To Register: Registration is limited to 60 third and fourth graders and parents can register their kids online at https://flintymca.com/psa/. A waitlist is also available for the Winter 2023 session.
This program is made possible by generous support from the Genesee County Health Millage and the City of Flint. Another session will be held in Winter 2023 and is supported by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. More information is available by calling Monica Holmes at 810-232-9622.
