Indianapolis Celebration of National Summer Learning Day Shines Spotlight on Programs that Combat Summer Daze
 Indianapolis, IN—Children filed into the gymnasium at St. Richard School on Thursday, July 9th, joining community leaders, youth workers and other caring adults to celebrate National Summer Learning Day. Filling the bleachers, they cheered as Willis Bright, Director of Youth Programs at Lilly Endowment, asked them if they were learning new skills and having fun in programs this summer. Through performances and discussion, these youth shared the great experiences they are having while participating in programs that provide safe places, opportunities for learning, and fun activities throughout the summer.
“There are literally hundreds of quality summer programs and learning experiences in central Indiana that offer a safe place, caring adults, and countless occasions for children and youth to expand their horizons, develop their talents, and build their skills,” says John Brandon, MCCOY President. “Our Summer Learning Day Celebration honors these programs that combat summer learning loss and help kids in Indiana get ahead.”
Students listened quietly as local "celebrities" read selections from Oh the Places You Will Go. Perhaps best known for the refrain, "Will you succeed? Yes, you will indeed. (98 3/4% guaranteed.)", the Dr. Seuss book encourages its readers to strive for success, navigating the twists and turns of life. Readers included Travis DiNicola, host of The Art of the Matter and Executive Director for Indy Reads, Gail Thomas Strong from WFYI, and Deputy Mayor Nick Weber.
"The success of young people in our community relies on more than a financial investment, or a stimulus package," said Roderick Wheeler, Grants Officer at CICF. "The key is a human investment. Let's recognize that those who work directly with youth have a tremendous impact; and let's honor them by following their example and making a commitment to support youth, not only by donating to youth programs, but by volunteering our time."
Hosted by Horizons Urban Student Enrichment Program/Kaleidoscope Youth Center, the celebration included performances by several summer programs. Youth from Horizons and the Write Me Project read poems they had written. High school writers from YPress presented a slide show about their partnership with Second Story — this summer they are working with nine fourth and fifth graders from the neighborhood to do creative writing, journalism, and audio slide shows. Students from the Latino/a Youth Collective demonstrated how their program uses the four elements—earth, wind, fire and water—as a framework for their summer programming.
MCCOY and SYPF acknowledged the participants Big Summer Read, an initiative to promote reading through summer programs that receive SYPF funds. Over the last month, local programs have encouraged reading by incorporating daily reading into their program, visits to the library and encouraging parents to read to their children at home. Click here for a list of partipating programs.
While not able to attend the celebration, Mayor Ballard proclaimed July 9th as Summer Learning Day in Indianapolis to honor and raise awareness about the benefits of summer youth programs.
“Indianapolis is proud to join with the Summer Youth Program Fund, the National Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University, and the Marion County Commission on Youth, Inc. to recognize and promote summer learning activities for young people,” said Mayor Ballard. “Beyond providing a positive atmosphere and encouraging growth and maturity, these activities can also help prevent crime among our young people by engaging them in meaningful programs that can lead to a brighter future.
After the presentations, visitors crowded around the various tables where summer programs were telling their stories. Students from Horizons used a math game to illustrate what they were learning this summer, grabbing the attention and testing the skills of youngsters and adults. Using illustrated charts, St. Florian Center students discussed what they are doing in the Reading Marathon and Business Model programs. Other programs telling their stories included Camptown, Indianapolis Algebra Project and Kaleidoscope Youth Center.
Sponsored by MCCOY Inc., the partners of the Summer Youth Program Fund and the National Center for Summer Learning.
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