Summer Academy is our annual four-week program run by our Youth Development & Family Support team where children in grades 3 – 8 prepare for the upcoming school year. They get access to educational materials including financial literacy, entrepreneurial classes, and dynamic field trips.
Certified teachers and tutors join our staff during the summer to help Seattle students both catch up on the year prior and feel confident going into the next grade. This extra learning opportunity is vital for our community, especially now. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, children in fourth and eighth grades are falling behind in academics. This applies even more to Black and Hispanic students than white students.
Since most of the children we serve are African American, Hispanic and BIPOC, Atlantic Street Center plays a crucial piece in helping to support young people. Programs like Summer Academy are just one of the ways our staff helps children and youth to thrive.
At the close of this year’s Summer Academy, we were honored to have Rick Rizzs and his organization Rick’s Toys for Kids alongside us. His team donated brand new backpacks and school supplies to all of our Summer Academy scholars. New gear like this adds to the confidence and excitement our kids gain ahead of the school year!
