Combatting Summer Learning Loss: SLAM 2010

I recently saw a time magazine article about summer learning loss for children in low income groups: it was startling, but not surprising. What we've seen, felt, and heard for years at the Rescue Mission is becoming common knowledge. According to the article, "By ninth grade summer learning loss could be blamed for roughly two-thirds of the achievement gap separating income groups."



Basically what that means is kids at the Rescue Mission and from the lower income bracket have few opportunities to learn during the summer. If you ask Tacoma parents about free summer programs for youth you will get a lot of blank stares. Why? There really aren't any. This is where SLAM comes in. SLAM stands for Students Living A Mission. It is a free program for Rescue Mission youth, other shelter youth, and community youth living on the hilltop. One mission that the kids are living is bridging the summer gap between their more priveleged peers. SLAM this year was a huge success and I believe it prepared kids to enter the next year of school with confidence, tools, and even fun to tackle their dreams for the future. This program wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the generous donors, passionate volunteers, and incredibly well organized staff who unanimously want to see ALL kids thrive!