YMCA of Greater Nashua Power Scholars Academy is providing evidence-based programs that are reversing children’s summer learning loss in at-risk populations.
The YMCA of Greater Nashua is pleased to announce it has received recognition by the New Hampshire School Administrators Association (NHSAA) for its Power Scholars Academy program.
This program is entering its seventh year, in partnership with the Nashua School District. Each year, after the students receive their report cards in December, teachers and administrators review student progress and make recommendations for students in critical at-risk areas to participate in this extended school year program.
Power Scholars Academy is a 5-week program conducted in partnership with local school districts. The partnership between the YMCA and the Nashua School District offers classes in the Amherst Street and Fairgrounds Elementary Schools, with middle school students attending Nashua High School South.
The curriculum for Power Scholars Academy is built on evidence-based literacy and numeracy instruction. Kimberly Sarfde, Assistant Superintendent for Nashua elementary schools said, “For example, if students don’t understand how to decode words, they can’t read.” The afternoon portion of the day focuses on extracurricular enrichment, career readiness, and building behavioral health. Students gain access to a number of community programs in arts & humanities, STEM activities and sports such as swimming and dance. There are educational field trips on Friday’s, such as to the EcoTarium in Worcester, MA that provide learning in a more hands on environment.
Students are given assessments at the beginning and ending of each 5-week term. Traditional studies show students lose 2 ½ months during summer break. But during the first six years of the program, in 1,600 students that have participated in Power Scholars Academy, those assessments have shown these students have gained, on average, 3 ½ months of reading literacy and nearly four months in numeracy.
NHSAA Executive Director Mark MacLean said: “In Nashua and across public school districts in New Hampshire, teachers, staff, and education leaders work through the summer to ensure they are meeting the continually changing needs of our students and learning communities. Whether it is differentiated instruction and planning, opportunities for student enrichment or remediation, cultivating school and industry partnerships, or collaborative curriculum work, our students benefit from our educators’ passion and commitment.” Power Scholars Academy is one of several programs students and educators participate in to facilitate learning during summer break.
(This information first appeared in the Nashua Patch on June 13, 2024 by Tony Schinella, Patch Staff)
About the YMCA of Greater Nashua
The YMCA of Greater Nashua stands as a cornerstone of community support and collaboration in Greater Nashua, Merrimack and the surrounding towns. The Y has established over 150 collaborative partnerships, making significant strides in addressing the diverse needs of residents. The Merrimack branch, home to the early education program, serves as a beacon of educational excellence, catering to over 300 children as the largest single-site provider in the state. Recent recognition by Nashua Community College President’s Community Partner Award and Eastern Bank Foundation’s Community Advocacy Award speaks volumes about the impactful contributions made in addressing educational gaps, particularly in early childhood education. With a focus on the well-being of both individuals and families, the YMCA’s impact is profound, evident through serving 48,000 individuals, 18,000 of these individuals being under age 18, across 300+ programs and services.
For more information on the YMCA of Greater Nashua or our Power Scholars Academy visit www.nmymca.org or call 603-598-1533.
Contact: Megan Gibeau, Chief Mission Advancement Officer, mgibeau@nmymca.org