After School Science Program

The literature is clear and compelling about the fact that summer is a season of huge academic risks and setbacks for low income youth in the United States. One of the most compelling studies on the issue, led by sociologist Karl Alexander of Johns Hopkins University, shows the impact of summer learning loss on the achievement gap. Alexander’s study, which tracked students in Baltimore beginning in 1982, showed that low-income students lost ground in reading each summer, compared to their higher-income peers who made gains in reading skills. By the time the students reached 9th grade, the accumulated learning loss accounted for two-thirds of the reading achievement gap and played a significant role in whether students graduated from high school and went on to college. To put it simply, if you want your child to be able to compete and achieve academic success, you should provide a learning opportunity over the summer months for your child.

Overview

The Purpose of the Neighborhood Services “After School Science Club” is to introduce socially and economically disadvantaged youth the possibilities that exist in the world of science and technology. The “Club”, which is designed exclusively for fifth graders, will plant the seed or peak their interest at an early age. The hope is that as the child grows the seed will blossom into the pursuit of an academic career in the field of science. The “Club”, through a series of partnerships, aims to narrow the technological divide that exists within our community.

With the help of the scientific and education communities, these partnerships and alliances allow Neighborhood Services to expand the horizons, open up new experiences to disadvantaged youth. The “Club” is a twenty week 80+ hour curriculum that is both challenging and rewarding.

The “Club” introduces students to Chemistry and Physics through “Explore Learning” on-line education Gizmos. The “Club” introduces students to engineering concepts through Legos Mind Storms. Come explore the County Park as we view nature in all its spendor.

Besides having a wonderful learning experience, the “Club” takes you beyond the academic experiences to the real world applications. It will expose you to career opportunities that you might not have known existed. The “Club” will provide year round access to the Explore Learning curriculum so that the learning never stops. All “Club” members are invited to use the Neighborhood Services Technology Lab over the summer months.

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Neighborhood Services Congratulates

Megann Weighand on Winning the Las Vegas Trip

Thank you all who participated in the raffle your donations are much appreciated and needed