June 26, 2023 PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Leaven Kids Launches Summer Success Program for Local Youth
Leaven Kids launched its Summer Success program today, which aims to provide academic resources and engaging educational experiences to vulnerable youth during their summer break • By increasing the availability and accessibility of summer programming, Leaven Kids can help address the effects of summer learning loss amongst disadvantaged students
FAIRFIELD, CA -Leaven Kids, a non-profit 501(c)3 committed to early childhood education, launched its Summer Success program today, June 26, 2023, across its 22 learning center locations in California and Texas.
During summer break, many low-income students lose access to the educational resources and services that are more readily available during the academic school year. For these children, the lack of financial resources and local opportunity can present unique challenges that make it difficult to stay academically engaged during the summer months. As a result, these students often experience a decline in achievement scores upon returning to school in the fall - an effect called summer learning loss.
Leaven Kids’ Summer Success program seeks to combat summer learning loss by providing educational resources and services to vulnerable youth during their summer break.
“The financial and environmental challenges that exist for children living in historically underserved communities create an increased risk for summer learning loss,” said Mark Lillis, Chief Executive Officer for Leaven Kids. “However, we believe every child deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of their socioeconomic background, which is why we’re bringing Summer Success to some of California and Texas’ most at-risk neighborhoods. By increasing the accessibility and availability of academic programming, we can reinforce the lessons learned during the academic school year and better prepare our students for the next grade.”
Summer Success offers a robust, evidence-based curriculum with an emphasis on reading and financial literacy. The program also features a variety of STEAM-related activities that foster curiosity, creativity, and future-oriented thinking amongst students.
Additionally, Summer Success hosts a number of field trips to local businesses such as the Jelly Belly Candy Company and Chick-fil-A. Leaven Kids also plans to host excursions to local attractions including bowling alleys, movie theaters, and even an outdoor ranch. These experiences make for a more memorable and engaging learning environment, while simultaneously reinforcing the lessons taught in the classroom.
“Creating an engaging and memorable learning environment is a foundational piece to our organization,” said Gen. Maryanne Miller (Ret.), Leaven Kids Board of Directors Vice President and retired 4-star U.S. Air Force General. “Programs like Summer Success afford students the opportunity to engage their minds in a way that is transformative to their outlook on life. Students who participate in our programs leave feeling inspired and, most importantly, hopeful about the future and prepared for their classrooms in the fall.”
Summer Success is part of Leaven Kids’ broader mission of providing free after-school tutoring and mentoring to some of California and Texas’ most at-risk neighborhoods. Leaven Kids serves as an in-community resource for children and their families by building educational centers in areas hardest hit by poverty, crime, and high drop-out rates among youth. Community members interested in learning more about the Leaven Kids mission are encouraged to visit www.leavenkids.org. ###
About Leaven Kids Since 2009, Leaven Kids has provided free after-school tutoring and mentoring to some of the United States’ most at-risk neighborhoods. It serves as an in-community resource for children and their families by building educational centers in areas hardest hit by poverty, crime, and high drop-out rates among youth. With the help of dedicated volunteers, Leaven Kids helps to transform entire communities by providing love and patience to children struggling to learn and succeed in school. To learn more, visit leavenkids.org. Contact for Media Samuel Swanson sswanson@leavenkids.org