Carver's summer education program a lifeline for young learners

For nearly 30 years, Cheryl Simmons’ Closing the Gap summer education program at the Carver Community Center has been a beacon of hope for young students, helping bridge learning gaps and prevent summer learning loss.

Serving kindergarten through fifth-grade students, the program is designed to review and reinforce material from the previous school year, ensuring that children return to school with confidence and a solid academic foundation.

Operating from June through early July, the program typically operates Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., making the most of each morning to engage students in meaningful learning experiences. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, each class is led by a licensed teacher, supported by two trained paraprofessionals, ensuring that every child receives the personalized attention they need. With a maximum of 15 students per class, teachers can tailor their approach to address individual learning needs.

The curriculum covers essential subjects, including reading, language, writing, and STEM, ensuring that students maintain and enhance their academic skills. By focusing on review and mastery, the program helps students overcome previously challenging concepts, making learning less intimidating and more enjoyable.

Entrance and exit assessments are conducted to track progress, and the program’s results speak for themselves. In the 30-year history of the program, you can count on one hand those students who did not show improvement.

Closing the Gap builds students’ confidence and fosters a love for learning. Many children struggle with self-doubt when faced with difficult subjects, but by successfully tackling these challenges in a supportive environment, they develop a sense of accomplishment and motivation that carries over into the next school year.

For many students, the benefits of Closing the Gap go beyond academics. The program provides a safe, structured environment during the summer months, a time when many children experience a lack of educational engagement. Furthermore, for some students, this may be one of the few times in their day they have access to food or snacks. The program ensures that participants not only receive academic support but also experience nurturing care that meets their basic needs.

Despite its incredible success, Closing the Gap relies on funding and community support to continue serving its students. Without this crucial program, the 50-60 students who participate each year may struggle with learning loss, affecting their confidence and performance in the upcoming school year. The absence of academic reinforcement, structured learning, and access to food could have long-term consequences for these children, making it essential to keep the program running.

That is where the program has been thankful for the support of The Community Foundation which serves Howard, Clinton and Carroll counties. Their purpose, “to make the community a better place through the accumulation and stewardship of enduring charitable funds … that can be used to make an impact across a wide spectrum of community needs.”

Cheryl Simmons’ dedication to closing the educational gap has transformed the lives of hundreds of young learners. Her commitment to providing quality summer education ensures that students enter the new school year ready to succeed. Investing in this program means investing in the future of our children and community. Now, more than ever, continued support is needed to keep this vital program alive and thriving.

For more information about Closing the Gap, contact kokomocarver@gmail.com. Also, to register visit kokomocarver.org, click Programs, Education, Closing the Gap.