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Board approves YMCA "Y-Learning" MOU after Power Scholars summer shows reading gains
Summary
Board approved a memorandum of agreement with YMCA of the Triangle to operate a Y-Learning program at Virginia Cross Elementary, following a Power Scholars summer program in which district staff and YMCA reported measurable student growth and field-trip enrichments.
The Chatham County Board of Education approved a memorandum of agreement with the YMCA of the Triangle on Oct. 20 to operate a Y-Learning after-school program at Virginia Cross Elementary and to expand partnership work begun with the Power Scholars summer academy.
School leaders and YMCA staff told the board the Power Scholars program ran five weeks of intensive reading and math instruction at two hubs this past summer, serving roughly 300 students across sites and producing measurable gains: program leaders reported 196 students demonstrated growth on the district's interim measures, and 63 students moved to end-of-grade proficiency during the summer program; program staff said 20 of those were third graders who reached proficiency as a result of summer interventions.
Why it matters: The Y-Learning program is funded in part through a 21st Century grant (grant cohort funding described by presenters). The YMCA will provide staffing and program operations; the district will provide facilities, meals and transportation as needed and share assessment data so the program can meet state Read to Achieve and grant accountability requirements. Program leaders said the partnership reduces the district's out-of-pocket summer cost because grant funding covers a substantial share of expenses.
Presenters Tracy Fowler, the district chief of student support services, Carla Murray, the district's elementary director, Whitney Hannam (North Carolina DPI early literacy partner assigned locally), and Dr. Jamie West of the YMCA of the Triangle described enrichment activities such as field trips, drumming, chess and STEM lessons and said the partnership used district literacy plans and Read to Achieve criteria to target second- and third-grade students for summer intervention.
District and YMCA staff outlined how this year's cohorts will be expanded under a multi-year grant: the district and YMCA said they expect $250,000 in summer program funding and $221,000 for school-year programming from the grant for upcoming years, and that the district must meet school-year metrics to secure the next summer's funding. Presenters said the top cost driver is personnel and the partnership model hires Chatham employees through YMCA payroll while following district curriculum and accountability.
The board voted to approve the YMCA Y-Learning memorandum of agreement. No parent or community opposition was recorded during the meeting.
Program contacts and presenters listed on the record included Tracy Fowler (chief of student support services), Carla Murray (elementary director), Dr. Jamie West (YMCA of the Triangle) and Whitney Hannam (DPI early literacy specialist).
