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 New
Center Youth Explorers Program
The
New Center Youth Explorers program began as a joint effort between New
Center Council and General Motors during the early 80’s. The program
was created to offer more constructive ways for the young children in
the community to spend their summer after General Motors experienced
random acts of vandalism on the homes being renovated in New Center
Commons.
Over the years, the
program has evolved into a well-rounded, comprehensive program offering
cultural field trips and fun education lessons focusing on math,
reading, and science enrichment. The Council also provides free
breakfast and lunch daily.
 In
order to make the program responsive to the needs of the New Center’s
elementary school children, we select a new theme on which to build our
program each year. The 2003 New Center Youth Explorers Program was
themed “Healthy, Happy and Strong.” The Council looked at the childhood
obesity problem in African American and low-income communities and
developed a program which incorporated parent and student education,
exercise, healthy cooking/eating habits and academic enrichment. Staff,
students and parents were pleased with the outcome.
One
of the most notable benefits of the Youth Program has been the increase
in MEAP (Michigan Education Assessment and Placement) test scores for
children participating in the program as opposed to those who don’t.
The math, reading and science enrichment during the summer gives
students a “leg up” for the fall test. |
