'Learning Days' will keep students sharp through summer

FLINT, MI—School might be out, but students in the Flint area are still learning. 

The Flint & Genesee Literacy Network and other organizations are hosting National Summer Learning Days for Flint and Genesee County. From July 12-15 area students will take part in a series of activities, classes, and events to reduce summer learning loss across.

“The loss of math and reading skills of students from low-income families each summer are cumulative and significantly contribute to the achievement gap between lower- and higher-income kids,” said Ja’Nel Jamerson, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network. “Research shows that while gaps in student achievement remain relatively constant during the school year, the gaps significantly widen during the summer. That is why summer learning is so important.” 

A wide range of community partners will provide activities and events as part of the local Summer Learning Days initiative. the participants include Alpha Esquire Youth Mentoring and Leadership Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint, Communities First Inc., Crim Fitness Foundation, Local EMTs, Flint & Genesee Literacy Network, Flint Community Schools, Flint Cultural Center Corporation, Flint Development Center, Flint Institute of Arts, Flint Institute of Music, Flint Public Library, Flint Youth Theater, Genesee County CARD, Genesee County Parks, Genesee Health System, Genesee Intermediate School District Head Start, Hurley nurse practitioners, Longway Planetarium, Michigan State University Extension, National Heritage Academy, Ruth Mott Foundation/Applewood Estate, Sloan Museum, Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village, and University of Michigan–Flint Pop-up School.

“Summertime is a critical time in the lives of children and families and it’s becoming increasingly important that we support opportunities to create stronger families, healthier neighborhoods, and high-quality learning environments that allow families the best opportunities to reach their greatest potential,” said Lauren Holaly-Zembo, vice president for Community Impact at the Crim Fitness Foundation. “Flint’s Community Education Initiative is a community-wide system of support for students and families. Through Community Education, we are able to provide robust summer learning activities for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade in the Flint community. From fine arts classes, literacy-focused clubs, sports-based youth development programs, to community gardens at every site, we are offering great opportunities for students and families to grow and learn all summer long.”

City of Flint Mayor, Karen Weaver, said she supported the summer learning efforts of the organizations.

“Education and literacy are two very important things that go hand-in-hand in moving Flint forward from pre-K all the way to adulthood," she said. "It’s important that all children and youth have access to high-quality summer learning experiences to help them succeed in school, their careers, and in life overall. The opportunities to obtain enriching summer experiences, healthy meals, a first job, and more, can open many doors and possibilities to brighter futures for our young people. We are grateful to have so many learning and literacy resources in the Flint community for residents to take advantage of.”

The full calendar is included in the images below.