Family Services is grateful to the Nellie Mae Education Foundation for their $12,472 grant to support the Summer Literacy Initiative's Southbridge Expansion Project.

Summer learning loss is the 2-month, or more, loss in reading level from when school ends in June, and school begins again in September. The Summer Literacy coaching model places elementary school teachers with urban education experience as Literacy Coaches in summer program sites to work with camp staff and children from low-income families. Connecting with children in the more relaxed atmosphere of summer recreational programs reduces or eliminates the high-stakes pressures and stress that can affect children during the school year.