|
Youth Enrichment
Over the years, the program, based at Detroit Public Schools’ Fairbanks Elementary School , has evolved into a well-rounded, comprehensive program offering cultural field trips and fun education lessons focusing on math, reading, and science enrichment. The program also provides free breakfast and lunch daily.
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. |
The
New Center Youth Explorers program began as a joint effort between New
Center Council and General Motors during the early 1980’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.
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. Past program themes included “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.