Jack

The Greater Wichita YMCA is a core partner in the Wichita Collective Impact initiative that is working to improve literacy and kindergarten readiness in the 67214 zip code – identified as an area where residents are significantly underserved in education and career guidance. 

Through the initiave, the YMCA leads various programs at Samuel E. Spaght Science and Communications Magnet; students can attend for free.

One family recently shared how the The S.T.A.R. (Students, Together, After-school, Reading) program at Spaght made a meaningful difference for their two children. 

Their son, Jack (name changed to protect privacy) had been struggling with reading and keeping up with the rest of his class. Reading in groups often made him feel overwhelmed, and he would sometimes shut down. Because he lacked confidence in reading out loud, this often showed up as refusing to work with staff or classmates.

After participating in the S.T.A.R. program for a couple of months, staff began to notice a change. In the supportive environment of the program, he realized he was not the only student facing challenges with reading. That understanding helped him feel more comfortable and confident. Over time, he began opening up, participating more and working with both staff and peers.

When summer arrived, the family was also able to enroll their children in Wichita Collective Impact’s summer programming. The program provided a free, safe place for both siblings to go during the summer months. This allowed them to continue learning and receive support to help prevent summer learning loss while also enjoying activities, building friendships and simply being kids.