Y Readers Program
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Y Readers Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program provides essential support during summer months that students need to be proficient in reading by the end of third grade. Students from partnering Title 1 Elementary Schools who scored below grade level on school literacy assessments and are recommended by their school's teachers or administration are offered an invitation to participate at no cost to families. The YMCA of High Point introduced the Y Readers Program in 2024, serving 13 students from Oak View Elementary. In summer 2025, the program is set to expand, serving 60 students from both Oak View Elementary and Fairview Elementary across two sites. Since educators are central to our staffing model, the Y prioritizes hiring teachers from the partner school to work with small groups of students under the leadership of the program director and integrates enrichment activities into the curriculum. The program is made possible thanks to partnerships with participating schools, the generosity of contributors to the Friends of the Y Annual Campaign, funding from local corporations, and dedicated support of foundations.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Y Readers provides literacy instruction focused on the foundational skills that students need to read proficiently, including phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. Students participate in a daily minimum of 2.5 hours of literacy instruction during the summer program. With a maximum 1:8 ratio, our teachers and instructional assistants are able to provide small group, differentiated instruction. We encourage reading at home and provide books to build home libraries.
In addition to literacy instruction, students also participate in a variety of enrichment activities during the summer program. Core activities include character development, physical activity, art, games, and off-site experiences. Weekly field trips during the summer provide opportunities for students to swim at Y branches and explore parts of the city outside of their own neighborhoods.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
The Y Readers Program has 25 years of evidence-based success in significantly improving reading and literacy that is rooted in consistent data outcomes and local school system partnerships. The 2024 High Point Y Readers Program results showed positive outcomes for students and families. Overall, these 13 rising 3rd grade students gained 2.5 months of reading growth over the 5-week program and averaged 370 minutes per student of reading during the program. When many peer students lose 2 months of reading growth during the summer, these results reflect a positive swing in reading over the summer of 4.5 months. In addition, during the inaugural year students had 88% attendance and incurred 0 discipline issues. Families benefited from students receiving free breakfast, lunch, and weekend meals and over 1,200 books were distributed for at-home libraries. Through program surveys, 100% of staff and parents desired to return to the program in 2025. Some of the greatest impact on students was less quantifiable that included their excitement for learning, exposure to new adventure and pride in their accomplishments.
Become a Y Readers Volunteer!
You can help stop the summer slide by becoming a Y Readers Book Buddy!
Book buddies read with children in our literacy program every week for 5 weeks July 7th - August 7th on Tuesday or Thursday morning for 45 minutes to help them build confidence and fluency in their reading. We’ll provide everything you need to read with your buddy. We hope you’ll join us as we work to make a difference in the lives of children in our community.
Support Y Readers!
Thanks to generous contributions to the YMCA of High Point’s Annual Campaign and a grant from the Foundation for a Healthy High Point, our inaugural Y Readers summer program in 2024 was a resounding success—providing vital literacy support to local students at no cost to families.
Now, we need your help to do it again.
As we prepare for our 2025 Y Readers summer program, additional funding from individual donors and corporate sponsors is essential to ensure even more children can benefit.
Your support makes a difference.
Every donation helps provide the tools, resources, and guidance that children need to build confidence and improve their reading skills.
Please consider giving to the Y Readers program and help us continue changing lives—one child, one book, one summer at a time.
If you would prefer to provide a donation via check, please indicate 'Y Readers' in the memo line and mail to the following:
YMCA of High Point Attn: Y Readers, P.O. Box 6258, High Point, NC 27262
Become a Y Readers Corporate Sponsor!
If you are a corporation or foundation wishing to contribute to our program, please contact Mary Ann at medwards@hpymca.org
“We are thrilled to once again partner with the Y Readers Program! This collaboration continues to have a powerful and positive impact on our scholars at Oak View Elementary by helping them build strong literacy skills, boosting their confidence, and fostering a love for reading. Together, we’re making a lasting difference in the lives of our young scholars.”
-Bennie Bradley, Oak View Elementary Principal