Summer Learning Partnership Report Partnership Design This report describes the summer learning activities and outcomes of a partnership between BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life), First Presbyterian Church, and Westerly Hills Academy. BELL is a nonprofit organization that partners with schools and community organizations to expand learning time for students in grades K-8. Its mission is to transform the academic achievements, self-confidence and life trajectories of children living in under-resourced communities. For years, First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte has partnered with Westerly Hills Academy to provide academic support, tutoring, volunteer assistance, and much more. This partnership has offered the church and the school a way to connect and serve. In 2012, BELL was first invited to provide a summer program to Westerly Hills Academy students as part of the partnership with First Presbyterian Church. In 2016, the nonprofit, church, and school again partnered to combine resources and expertise and deliver a summer learning experience aimed at helping students boost their reading skills, selfconfidence, and social skills, while encouraging healthy lifestyles and engaging parents in their child’s education. The program was hosted at First Presbyterian’s campus, which allowed them easy access to museums, parks, and other cultural experiences in Charlotte’s center city. It was provided at no cost to families; however to increase scholar attendance, First Presbyterian did ask families to pay $20, which was returned if their child missed no more than two days in the summer program. The summer learning partnership helped students strengthen the foundational reading and math skills they need to advance to the next grade and begin the new school year ready to excel.
60 K-2 165 92%
Scholars Enrolled Grades Served Total Hours of Summer Learning Average Daily Attendance
+3
Average Reading Gain, in Months
Scholars did not experience Summer Learning Loss in Math
100%
Teachers reporting that scholars increased their self-confidence
100%
Parents reporting that scholars enjoyed their summer learning experience
96%
Parents reporting they became more involved in their scholar’s education