Horizons programs narrow the nation’s achievement gap between low-income students and their more economically advantaged peers. That gap is typically 6 months when a child begins Kindergarten, and grows to almost 3 years by fifth grade, making it nearly irreversible by middle school. Most of that gap is accumulated over the summer months, and is due to the disparity in summer experiences. The majority of low-income students lack enriching, constructive summertime activities. They lose academic skills, inspiration, and motivation, returning to their school in the fall further behind their higher-income peers. Elimination of summer learning loss is critical for the future of individual students, but is also an urgent societal issue.
A 2009 McKinsey study estimated the cost of the achievement gap as “the economic equivalent of a permanent national recession” with costs in the trillions of dollars attributed to “the underutilization of human potential.” A 2007 study in the American Sociological Review reports that the academic achievement gap between low-income and middle-class children in the U.S. is an average of six months in Kindergarten and nearly three years by fifth grade. By high school, children from low-income families will be six times more likely to drop out. As adults, they will have a 51% chance of being unemployed.”
Impact on a Student
During the school year, Bobby’s teacher noticed he was falling behind his peers academically, and needed additional academic support. His teacher also reported several behavioral issues. Through the Horizons program, our experience with Bobby has been different. He is always polite, happy and showing off his bright smile. His parents are separated and share custody of Bobby. His father has been very supportive of the program since day one, even offering to volunteer. However, Bobby’s mother initially had reservations and would not even visit the classroom. Even when transportation was offered to be provided by a teacher, his mother refused. Through a conversation with the teachers that began in the lobby and eventually ended in the classroom, she was delighted and amazed with the program and Bobby’s learning environment. Now, she says she is excited to bring him to St. Philip’s every morning. Bobby’s 13 year old sister even commented, “I wished I had a program like this when I was his age.” Bobby has made great progress over the last few weeks, improving in writing and reading.