United Way of Rhode Island and Hasbro Expand Summer Learning Initiative
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
The Hasbro Summer Learning Initiative will expand to include Cumberland’s middle school youth this summer with a $25,000 grant awarded to the Mayor’s Office of Children, Youth and Learning (OCYL).
Now entering its third year, the Hasbro Summer Learning Initiative was established in 2012 by Hasbro, Inc. and United Way of Rhode Island.
Cumberland Leadership Academy
The civic engagement and service learning program of the OCYL, the “Cumberland Leadership Academy” will incorporate the Hasbro Summer Learning Initiative model proven to stem summer learning loss in its 6 week, full-day program for students entering Grades 7 to 9. The Academy will run from July 7 through August 15 from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Monday through Friday at the J.L. McCourt Middle School.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Summer learning loss is very real for thousands of students across Rhode Island—all students lose an average of two months of reading skills during summer vacation when they lack access to programs designed to encourage learning,” said Liz Lemire, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Children, Youth and Learning. “We’re extremely excited to be working with United Way and the Hasbro Summer Learning Initiative to help students not only stay on track with their learning, but to be better prepared for new curriculum when school reconvenes in September.”
“The results for students who participate in summer learning programs are undeniable; an independent evaluation of the Hasbro Summer Learning Initiative last year showed 27 percent made gains in math while 32 percent improved their literacy skills,” said Anthony Maione, president & CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. “Now thanks to the ongoing support of Hasbro and the Rhode Island General Assembly, we will be able to engage even more children this summer to realize these benefits.”
The "Cumberland Leadership Academy” will include field trips, guest speakers, and interactive projects.
In 2013, the Hasbro Summer Learning Initiative was offered at 16 summer learning programs in 11 communities across the state, benefitting 1,500 students and representing substantial growth over the program’s inaugural year. During the summer of 2012, the initiative supported 11 programs that reached 1,100 students.
Those interested in participating in the “Cumberland Leadership Academy” must submit an application, parent permission slip and recommendation from a school administrator, teacher or adult leader within the community to the Mayor’s Office of Children, Youth and Learning by the end of June. Applications may be found online here, as well as the OCYL office and the Young Adult section of the Cumberland Public Library at 1464 Diamond Hill Road. Students will be accepted until all spaces have been filled. For more information, please call (401) 475-0929 or email [email protected].
