#United States #Frederick #literacy programs #Hood College #Delaplaine Foundation

Hood College Boosts Youth Literacy with a Significant Grant

Hood College, a respected independent liberal arts institution, has recently been awarded a generous grant amounting to $23,000 from the Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. This grant is set to enhance the educational landscape in Frederick County through the college's pivotal Summer Reading Clinic and yearlong literacy tutoring programs.

The Hood College Department of Education has been actively facilitating the Summer Reading Clinic for over three decades, creating a platform for children to refine their reading, writing, spelling, and word study skills. This funding from Delaplaine Foundation will enable the clinic to broaden its outreach, ensuring that more children can benefit from its services.

The grant will facilitate the introduction of scholarships aimed at K-12 students, allowing them to participate in the Summer Reading Clinic without financial barriers. This initiative will not only foster a love for reading among youth but will also offer a practical learning experience for Hood graduate students enrolled in the Master’s in Reading Specialization program, who will be leading the clinic sessions.

In addition to the summer program, Hood College is set to launch a yearlong literacy tutoring initiative in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County and the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick. Under this partnership, undergraduate students from Hood College will provide ongoing support and instruction to school-aged children in need of assistance throughout the academic year. The twofold approach of summer clinics paired with yearlong tutoring aims to create a robust framework for literacy development that will have a lasting impact on students, from pre-K to 12th grade.

Dr. Kristine Calo, chair of the Department of Education at Hood College, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the partnership and the benefits it brings to local children: “Hood’s Reading Clinic and literacy tutoring partnerships provide valuable support for school-aged children throughout Frederick County. These programs also benefit Hood’s Reading Specialist clinicians and undergraduate students from across the College, giving them meaningful opportunities to help children strengthen their reading and writing skills.”

Michele Corr, executive director of the Delaplaine Foundation, also highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to see this collaboration bring together three of our grantees: Hood College, the Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County, and the Housing Authority of Frederick City. This program will develop the expertise and confidence of future reading specialists through direct engagement with students, expand access to high-quality tutoring, and deliver meaningful academic progress for students across Frederick County.”

This grant from the Delaplaine Foundation signifies not only a financial contribution but also a commitment to improving literacy among young people in the community. As the initiative progresses, stakeholders eagerly await updates on the children's academic achievements and the overall success of these combined efforts to enhance literacy education.

About Hood College

Located in historic Frederick, Maryland, Hood College offers a diverse array of programs, including 30 bachelor's degrees, 20 master's degree programs, and various post-baccalaureate certificates. The college prides itself on providing students with numerous opportunities for internships and research, thereby enriching their educational experience.

As it continues to expand its outreach and commitment to the community, Hood College remains dedicated to promoting academic excellence and supporting local youth in their educational journeys.