U.S. Department of Education Recognizes the YMCA as an Engage Every Student Champion
The YMCA of Greater Nashua, in partnership with the Nashua School District has been honored as one of the 13 programs across the country recognized as an Engage Every Student Champion for its significant expansions in the Power Scholars Academy Program. The Champions were acknowledged during the 2024 Engage Every Student summit in Washington D.C. on July 16, 2024.
“This year’s Engage Every Student Champions are leading the charge in their local communities and states to ensure that all students nationwide have the opportunity to thrive, learn, and grow through their engagement in high-quality after school and summer learning programs,” said U.S Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
The recognition process involved state-level reviews by teams consisting of educational agencies and after school networks. State finalists were then recommended to the Department of Education for final review and consideration. There were 57 nominations from 29 states.
YMCA of Greater Nashua, in partnership with Nashua School District, leveraged Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding to engage K-12 students in after school and summer learning programs. Together, they prioritized preventing summer learning loss in math and aimed to foster physical and social-emotional growth through the Power Scholars Academy.
Shelli Roberts, with the New Hampshire Afterschool Network says “The YMCA of Greater Nashua, in partnership with the Nashua School District, has established itself as a leader in out-of-school time programming, demonstrating exceptional commitment to expanding access to high-quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities. Their innovative approach and dedication to serving students, particularly those needing additional support, exemplify the spirit of the Engage Every Student Initiative.”
The curriculum for Power Scholars Academy focuses on evidence-based literacy and numeracy instruction. Students are assessed at the beginning and end of each 5-week term. Traditional studies show students typically lose 2 ½ months during summer break. However, for the 1,600 students that have participated in Power Scholars Academy, assessments have shown an average gain of 3 ½ months in reading literacy and nearly four months in numeracy.
“Power Scholars is summer learning paired with fun activities and experiences, it helps our scholars stay engaged while providing them with necessary skills to build their confidence to return to school in the fall” says Carlisa Choate, the Executive Director of Education at the YMCA of Greater Nashua.
“This award recognizes their tireless efforts in creating enriching experiences that support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth beyond regular school hours, setting a standard for OST programs across the state and nation.” added Shelli.
About Engage Every Student
Engage Every Student was launched by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona on July 14, 2022. The U.S. Department of Education partnered with the Afterschool Alliance, AASA, the School Superintendents Association, National League of Cities, National Summer Learning Association, and the National Comprehensive Center to provide schools and communities the connections and assistance they may need to expand access to afterschool and summer learning programs. With support from these five coordinating partners and a growing group of allied organizations, this Initiative aims to ensure that every student who wants a spot in a high-quality out-of-school time program has one. Through the American Rescue Plan, school districts, cities, and states have funding and an unprecedented opportunity to partner with high-quality expanded learning programs to support students’ well-being and academic growth.
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. Recent recognition by the New Hampshire School Administrators Association speaks volumes about the impactful contributions made in addressing educational gaps, particularly in summer learning loss. 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 visit www.nmymca.org or call 603-598-1533.
Contact: Megan Gibeau, Chief Mission Advancement Officer, mgibeau@nmymca.org
Or Contact: info@EngageEveryStudent.org