Anniston, AL – The Alabama Power Foundation, in partnership with the City of Anniston and the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, is making strides in combating summer learning loss through its support of the Good Choices Program. This initiative includes funding for the Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL) program, designed to help students stay academically engaged during the summer months.
Summer learning loss, often referred to as the “summer slide,” disproportionately impacts students from low-income families, with an average loss of two to three months of grade-level equivalency during the break. The SAIL program aims to bridge this gap by providing structured learning opportunities for children entering 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades in August 2024.
The program targets students who are not meeting grade-level standards and is integrated into Anniston’s Summer Day Camp Programs at Wiggins, Carver, and Hodges Community Centers. Daily attendance is required to ensure maximum benefit.
SAIL’s classroom instruction will take place at The Donoho School, where certified local educators will lead 3.5 hours of daily lessons in reading and math using the BellXcel curriculum. Students will be transported from their summer camp locations to The Donoho School and then returned to their centers after lunch, ensuring seamless participation in both the educational and recreational aspects of the program.
Fridays bring a special element to the program, with students transported to Camp Lee for outdoor enrichment activities. These adventures provide a dynamic complement to the academic focus, fostering creativity and teamwork while maintaining student engagement.
This initiative underscores the importance of partnerships in supporting educational advancement. By combining resources and expertise, the Alabama Power Foundation, the City of Anniston, and the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama are creating opportunities for students to thrive academically and socially.
The SAIL program represents a vital investment in the future of Anniston’s youth, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the upcoming school year and beyond.
