LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A local nonprofit is kicking off its summer program as it works to provide learning support and mentorship to children in underserved communities across the valley.
Club Christ’s summer program theme this year is “Summer Fun Beach Day,” while children continue working through the nonprofit’s reading program.
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Program started 22 years ago
Club Christ started 22 years ago when Evan Hartzell, then a 21-year-old UNLV student, launched the nonprofit as part of a school project.
The organization now has four centers serving more than 150 children in Las Vegas and is looking to open a fifth center in the fall.
Program directors said Club Christ focuses on reading support, individualized teaching and mentorship.
According to CCSD, students have been struggling in the classroom, especially with reading. Program directors said two out of three third graders in Clark County are not proficient in reading, and students who are not proficient in reading are four times more likely to drop out of high school.
Program directors also said 80% of the households the nonprofit serves are single-parent homes or led by mothers.
Partnership helps identify areas of need
Club Christ partners with Metro Police to help identify areas where juveniles are facing challenges, program directors said.
They said the goal is to work at the root of the problem by providing individualized teaching for each student.
Program directors said they are already seeing results. They said 100% of first through third graders in the program last school year increased by at least one full grade reading level.
The nonprofit is now working to expand its reach.
Opting into Bible study as part of the program is optional, but program directors said many children do participate.
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