The achievement gap – the gap between test scores of low-income students and wealthier students – widened in North Carolina more than in any other state between 2011 and 2014. – Education Equality Index
In the last three years, 11-year-old Julian leapt over that achievement gap. In fact, Julian maintains a spot on his school’s honor roll, thanks to Y Learning, the YMCA’s standardized tutorial program offered to children in grades K- 8 who struggle to meet school system benchmarks. Y Learning operates in seven counties in the region.
“I’m so proud of him. He set a goal and achieved it,” said Julian’s mom, Jennifer.
Students like Julian participate in the program at no charge thanks to donations to the YMCA’s Annual Campaign. Since 2010, proceeds from the SAS Championship held in Cary have benefited Y Learning.
Since the SAS Championship began supporting the YMCA of the Triangle’s academic programs six years ago, more than 7,200 students have participated in the programs. The tournament annually contributes the single-largest donation to the Y Learning Program.
“We are so grateful for the support from SAS and the SAS Championship,” said Bruce Ham, YMCA of the Triangle chief development officer. “Students in Y Learning receive daily homework assistance and academic support that they couldn’t afford otherwise.”
Each year during the tournament, a group of Y Learning students visits the SAS Championship to connect their classroom work with potential careers. This year, students will meet players and tour Prestonwood County Club on Thursday, Oct. 13.
“Our event may only be seven days on the calendar but the impact it creates within our community is felt 52 weeks a year,” said Jeff Kleiber, tournament director of the SAS Championship.
“The YMCA of the Triangle and its programs, especially Y Learning, provide vital resources to young students who need our assistance. We are proud to partner with the YMCA of the Triangle and support their efforts in developing solid foundations for future generations.”
How You Can Help
You can support Y Learning through the SAS Championship two ways:
• Purchase tickets to see the legends of golf play at Prestonwood Country Club, Oct. 11- 16.
• Sign up for the 5K at the SAS Championship on Oct. 15. Run, walk or jog along the course prior to the second round of play.
Visit saschampionship.com to purchase tickets or register for the run.
More about Y Learning
On average, Y Learning students see a higher passing rate than their peers on their end-of-grade tests in math and reading.
For the past three years, the YMCA has made a significant investment in Y Learning students with the use of i-Ready, a standardized academic assessment technology that adapts to a student’s individual needs. Through i-Ready, students are assessed three times during the school year.
i-Ready Diagnostic Results:
8 out of 10 students met their literacy growth goals
1/3 of students achieved a full year’s growth
Today, the YMCA serves 1,849 students through Y educational support programs that include Y Learning, 21st Century Learning Centers and Community HOPE.
