CHOC collaborates with United Way, Dairy Council of California and AmeriCorps VISTAs on Summer Enrichment Programs
Bridging the summer learning gap for school-aged children
“Building a relationship with an ongoing, consistent tutor or older mentor, whether that be an older teenager or adult, really does a lot for a child's confidence,” says Eden Hirsh, Senior Manager, Education, at United Way California Capital Region. “Seeing someone really take an investment in them and their success creates a lot of social and emotional boosts that carry on to other aspects of their life.”
Every week in the summer, AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associates sit alongside children encouraging them through reading exercises and boosting confidence. Through the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP), together CHOC and United Way are making impactful strides in advancing education equity.
Summer enrichment—especially for younger children—is essential. “One thing that we know is that if a child is not proficient in reading by the time they hit 4th grade, then they often perpetually fall behind in many subjects,” says Hirsh.
Learning loss in the summer months is known as the ‘summer slide.’ When students are no longer in the classroom regularly, they lose some of the achievement gains made in the prior school year.
Research has shown that 3rd to 5th grade students lost an average of 20 percent of their school-year gains in reading and 27 percent of gains in math during summer break.
Summer slide affects low-income families the most, an unfortunate reality due to high costs of summer camps and programs. The summer enrichment program developed by CHOC and United Way helps bridge the gap, so low-income families can equally access important educational programs for their children throughout the summer.
“If we can change the trajectory of either the poverty or the resources of the family, we can really make that impact with our youth and have lasting changes in their lives,” says Terri Smyth Canillo, Vice President of Community Impact at CHOC.
Along with AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associates, the program, named by United Way as STARS, reaches roughly 100 students spread across two school districts in Northern California, many of whom are also bilingual English language learners. The AmeriCorps VISTAs are college students or recent graduates who work on site from 30 to 40 hours per week, creating relationships directly with students and parents.
"I never anticipated how much this AmeriCorps Summer Youth Program would have positively impacted me,” says Chloe Chedin, AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate. “My experience with these kids has helped reinvigorate my passion to offer my services to those in need. I am so fortunate to have been hired and to have met the community, the kids, and my wonderful coworkers."
Other AmeriCorps VISTA associates share their experiences as part of the program:
“Being a VISTA, I’ve grown to be more patient and learn how to interact with the kids. My favorite part of the summer program is getting to come into work every day to do fun activities and learn more about the kids. The summer program has also made me realize that I want to continue working with kids in the future!”- Alyssa Vu, AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate
"This summer program has given me something to do while being enrolled in school. I believe it will help me develop fundamental skills like communication and responsibility that would ultimately help me in my educational and professional career. It is also my intention to give back to my community and create a safe space for everyone involved.” - Javier Amador, AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate
Through the STARS program and alongside AmeriCorps VISTAs, reading becomes much less intimidating by using BookNook. Kids are able to build vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension skills through interactive games, books, and lessons using the cloud-based resource.
“For the kids whose native language is not English, trying to read in English is a challenge when they don't understand or comprehend what they are reading,” says Amahirani Reyes, Youth Services Program Manager at CHOC. “It becomes a scary learning experience for the kids.”
With the guidance of in-person AmeriCorps VISTAs, students are able to have consistent, one-on-one support and a role model as they go through the BookNook curriculum.
“Once they see how fun and beneficial it is, they love it. They’re excited to do BookNook,” says Reyes. “I love to see the kids who exceed all the readings, and don’t need it anymore. That’s the best part.”
A few words from our kids in the summer enrichment program:
"My favorite thing about BookNook is that I get to read what the monsters are saying, I also like the speech bubbles because they help me when I need help." - Rhythm, 3rd Grade
“I really like the stories from BookNook, especially the one about Outer Space.” - Youssef, 3rd grade
"The games, the reading, and finding answers in the book is my favorite thing." - Ariyon, 4th grade
"My favorite thing about BookNook is playing games and having fun!" - Aminah, 3rd grade
The meaningful relationships created between mentor and student also fuels excitement. It makes reading fun again for kids—the key component of building a lifelong love of learning and achievement later in life.
“On average, students that participate in the program for about six or seven months usually increase about one to one-and-a-half grade levels,” says Hirsh. “A lot of the children end up becoming proficient and at grade level by the time they finish the program.”
BookNook gives children access to use the program on their own time as well, making the impact even greater for independent learning. “My child’s reading level has improved and greatly benefited from the STARS program,” says Ana, a parent of a child currently in the program.
“If a child is good at reading, they're way more likely to have fun with it,” says Hirsh. “It’s not something they’re ashamed of. It’s now a positive experience that can provide so many benefits tenfold.”
More than 20 years ago, CHOC began serving summer lunches through partnerships with school districts and municipalities, cities, and more recently through support from United Way California Capital Region and the Dairy Council of California. Thanks to the longstanding relationship between CHOC and United Way, the STARS literacy achievement program was born.
“We're really grateful for our partnership with CHOC. It's been a huge step for us to try and get our tutoring efforts into more community spaces,” says Hirsh, “and CHOC really helps us do that.”
The effort is uniting the community in multifold ways beyond literacy, as well. Later this month, United Way is hosting a graduation for students who have completed a school readiness program for kindergartners in Yolo County. All STARS families are invited to celebrate and join in for fun games and activities—a way to give each STARS student the shining spotlight he or she so rightly deserves.
Interested in getting involved with STARS? We’re always looking for volunteers. Sign up today and make a lasting difference in a child’s life. Email literacytutor@uwccr.org.