Impactful Grant Transforms Summer Learning

Community Foundation Supports Local Children

During a recent celebration during the 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, recognized Candy Silver & Liz Wetli from The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette (pictured). LUM received an $8,580 grant from the foundation to purchase 36 new Chromebooks to be used with educational software. This grant has significantly contributed to the students’ achievement gains. Candy & Liz were thrilled to see the immediate impact their grant had on the students.

To succeed in school and life, children need ongoing opportunities to learn and practice essential skills, especially during the summer months. For many children, summer is a carefree, happy time with family vacations, trips to museums, parks, and libraries. However, for others, educational opportunities end, along with basic needs such as healthy meals. These are the children being reached through 5th Quarter.

The goal is to strengthen their reading and math skills for August. Instead of focusing on individual scores, the program uses basic metrics to measure success. Testing shows the program is on track, with significant improvements compared to low-income students who didn’t participate in the LUM 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program.

The Community Foundation’s support has been instrumental in making this possible, ensuring that more children have the resources they need to succeed.