Across Southern California and in Texas, we have been preventing summer learning loss with a series of fun, enriching activities.
This summer, Hope through Housing Foundation is delving into the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics – a special hands-on program that complements our after-school activities held during the academic year.
Youths at the National CORE’s Villaggio on Route 66 and Rancho Verde Village apartment communities immersed themselves in a seven-week summer afternoon enrichment program funded by the Inland Empire Community Foundation.
Children gleefully tie-dyed their shirts while learning about chemical bonds. They attached balloons and makeshift wheels to water bottles while learning about kinetic and potential energy. They made colorful renditions of pop art while learning about famous painter Andy Warhol’s iconic use of complementary colors.
“We are deeply indebted to the Inland Empire Community Foundation for their extraordinary gift,” Hope through Housing President Gregory Bradbard said. “Summer learning loss is a challenge faced by all students, but it is an even more significant barrier to success for children in low-income communities. With this simple program, we are transforming lives across our community.”
Eva, who lives at Mountainside in Rancho Cucamonga, takes her daughters to the program at Rancho Verde.
“If it were up to them; they would be here every day. They love doing all the activities,” Eva said. “Here they learn a lot of things that I wouldn’t be able to teach them on my own.”
But our reach does not stop in the Golden State! In Texas, we partnered with Sisters of Charity to extend our scope to a broader audience. (Read more here.)
Research shows that when students do not engage in enriching programs, the summer months can result in losses in college and career opportunities that are necessary to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Hope through Housing also provides more than 30 onsite after-school programs within National CORE communities. The foundation is committed to providing a safe, nurturing after-school environment – to ensure youths receive college preparation through educational activities, workshops and support.
The program counters all challenges by bringing free and accessible activities right into National CORE communities. Children receive the opportunity to create and experiment, which in turn helps raise expectations for college and careers.
To provide these nurturing programs, Hope through Housing must rely on community support. With the help of its donors, the foundation can provide many kids with the chance to get ahead in their academic journeys.
An after-school program costs $2,500 per year for each child and $30,000 for each site. With those funds, Hope through Housing can offer social-emotional learning, academic activities, recreation, homework support and a healthy snack.
Although summer is coming to an end and children are their way back to the classrooms, the learning never stops – and neither do our programs. Join us in providing these critical extracurricular activities to children in underserved communities.
Click here to donate.