#United States #New York #education reform #Horizons NYC #The Gateway School

Groundbreaking Summer Program for Young Learners

Horizons NYC has launched a pioneering summer initiative at The Gateway School, aimed at supporting kindergarten and first-grade students who face challenges in school due to suspected learning disabilities. This program is designed specifically for those from under-resourced communities and comes at no cost to families.

A Unique Approach to Education

This novel summer program combines a nationally recognized enrichment model with The Gateway School's extensive expertise in accommodating learning disabilities. By providing early intervention before formal diagnoses are made, the program seeks to deliver critical support when it is most beneficial, helping students navigate their educational journey with confidence.

Program Goals and Structure

The Horizons NYC Summer Program addresses the urgent need for literacy instruction and social-emotional support. It aims not only to enhance academic skills but also to nurture the emotional well-being of young learners. The initial rollout in this summer is limited to rising kindergarten and first-grade students, but the program is set to expand to serve grades K through 8 in the coming years.

Joseph Auteberry, an educator at Gateway and one of the program's directors, expressed excitement about the collaborative effort, stating, "This is a truly unique collaboration with the potential to change lives. We're meeting students at the moment they begin to struggle and offering the tools and confidence they need to succeed."

Strong Support and Advocacy

The initiative has garnered backing from prominent education leaders, including former NYC Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña, who praises the program for opening learning opportunities for students who might otherwise miss out. This, she argues, could redefine their life trajectories, providing them with the education necessary to break cycles of poverty and create lasting change in families and communities.

Assembly member Robert C. Carroll, a Gateway alumnus and advocate for educational reform, highlights the program's role in advancing literacy equity and early intervention, positioning it as a model for similar efforts across the country.

Get Involved

Families, schools, and community organizations are encouraged to refer struggling students for this transformative program. Those interested can reach out or visit Horizons NYC's official site for more information.

By bringing together dedicated resources to support these young learners, Horizons NYC and The Gateway School are set to make a significant impact, providing them with the necessary skills and support to thrive academically and personally. This initiative represents a hopeful and proactive step toward inclusive education that seeks to empower all students, regardless of their background.

As the program prepares to launch, it marks a new chapter in educational intervention, aiming to make a difference in the lives of New York City's youngest students facing academic challenges.