A-Z Learning Lab kicks off summer

By Kristi Tullis Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer

CADIZ – The A-Z Learning Lab kicked off the summer with an open house held on May 30.

Residents and their families were invited to a cookout, where children had faces painted, and enjoyed time playing with inflatable axe throwing, a bounce house, and snow cones provided locally by Daureatha McPeak and Pop Up Play, LLC. The Metropolitan Housing Authority (MHA) of Harrison County provided food and drinks, along with prizes, for all who attended.

Children were given a warm welcome and a re-introduction to the learning lab that operates fulltime for children living at Bingham Terrace during the summer months.

MHA installed the learning lab to provide access to education for its residents’ children. The year-round classes have been a success since their inception in 2018. The lab remains open full-time throughout the summer months and adjusts its hours to after-school availability during the rest of the year.

The lab operates on grant fund-

Economy

ing and in-kind monetary, tax-deductible contributions that provide staff time, materials, supplies, and transportation for participation in the program. Those who attend are rewarded with off-site field trips, which this year will include a day at Kennywood, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), Faith Ranch, and more. The Harrison County Soil & Water Conserva - tion District also participates in educational presentations to the children.

The A-Z Learning Lab is aimed at creating a summer of fun, adventure, and learning for all participants. The program is designed to increase independence, self-confidence, and self-discovery while incorporating educational activities to allow participants to continue to grow academically and socially in preparation for the upcoming school year. The lab has the potential to serve up to 40 students between the ages of 6 – 17. Students must be residents of Bingham Terrace to attend the daily activities at the lab. It also provides them with a safe place to learn and spend time with each other. The lab instructor is available for questions, one-on-one tutoring, assistance with computers, and age-appropriate classwork. The lab also has an in-house library of books that have been either purchased or donated by members of the community. Donations are always welcome. With the summer kick-off being a success, the A-Z Learning Lab is looking forward to a great 20232024 year.