ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The so-called “summer slide” is an academic bummer for children across the Tampa Bay area.
During their two-month-long summer break, students can lose up to 30 percent of what they learned in the previous school year.
For the kids who struggle with their studies, that “slide” can be even more severe.
A free program called Summer Bridge is hoping to stop the brain drain.
The six-week program blends reading, writing, math and science with lots of playtime. Free meals and after-care are also provided.
Summer Bridge is a partnership between local schools, the federal government and the YMCA.
“Summer learning loss is a huge issue,” says the YMCA’s Tim Staley. “They leave school in May, come back in August. The things they lose in between, we’re trying to shrink.”
For locations, dates and more on Summer Bridge, visit: www.pcsb.org/Page/4036.
