Weekly Media Roundup: July 6, 2022

Rochester Kids Are Living in the Middle of Serious Violence. One Afterschool Program Tries to Help, WXXI News (New York)

Located in a neighborhood with one of Rochester, New York’s highest crime rates, Cameron Community Ministries’ Afterschool Program offers students homework help, reading, outdoor activities, discussions about violence, and more. On a recent afternoon, a 4-H volunteer organized a taste test of leafy vegetables which, for some students, was the first salad they ever ate. “It really feels like a family here,” 19-year-old Kaila Toppin told WXXI News. Toppin, who has been with the program since she was in third grade and now works there, added, “It feels like this is my home and I can always come here. And they have helped me so many times throughout the years.”

U.S. Department of Education Answers President Biden’s Call to Action to Spur Academic Recovery, U.S. Department of Education (National)

The U.S. Department of Education joined leading education, youth, and service organizations, including the Afterschool Alliance, to launch the National Partnership for Student Success (NPSS). It will support the expansion, launch and improvement of high-impact tutoring, mentoring and other programs to make up for lost instructional time and support students’ mental health. “Now more than ever, students need to feel supported, seen, heard, and understood by adults in their schools and communities,” said Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. “The launch of the NPSS will mean more students have a trusted adult in their corner, and more adults are prepared to address students’ academic, emotional, social, and mental health needs.” The new program will be run through the Department, AmeriCorps, and the Johns Hopkins Everyone Graduates Center.

Mich. Lt. Gov. Gilchrist tours afterschool program to push learning 'in classroom and beyond,' Detroit News (Michigan)

For the past 15 years, the Downtown Boxing Gym (DBG) in Detroit, Michigan has provided not only athletic conditioning after school to students ages 8 to 25 but also academic and emotional support. “Since 2007, 100% of our DBG students have graduated from high school. This is not something that’s just ‘nice to have,’” DBG CEO Khali Sweeney told the Detroit News. “Out-of-school-time programs are absolutely essential to ensure students have a safe haven and the academic support and resources they need to succeed.” During a recent tour of the program, Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist observed some of the many activities the program provides, including photography, public speaking and woodworking.

Waynesboro's RISE building students' confidence through summer program, News Leader (Virginia)

To celebrate their accomplishments, students from the RISE Foundation’s summer program in Waynesboro, Virginia recited their own poetry, showcased their artwork, and participated in a debate about social media and its connection to teen suicide. Sonya Payne, mother of two elementary school students who attend the program, was amazed to see her shy daughter take part in the debate. “You couldn’t really get her to talk in public,” Payne told the News Leader. “This year particularly she’s really come out of her shell. I can see the transition and the confidence that has come to her. She got up in front of people and participated in a debate. That, in and of itself, is like a miracle.” The RISE Foundation recently received a $250,000 grant from Virginia’s Department of Education to expand its afterschool program.