West Cook YMCA, D90, & D91 Launch Power Scholars Academy

River Forest School District 90 recently announced the launch of the Power Scholars Academy (PSA), a collaborative initiative with Forest Park School District 91, the West Cook YMCA, and Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL). The announcement was made at the Board of Education’s Committee of the Whole meeting in October. The PSA is an immersive summer learning program that is designed to improve students’ academic success during the summer and increase their self-confidence, so they can return to school in the fall ready to succeed.

Scheduled to start in June 2018, the full-day program will be held Monday through Friday for five weeks for up to 120 students in grades 1-5. Invited students will come from District 90 and Forest Park School District 91, and will be selected on the basis of the degree to which they would benefit from a summer learning program. Classes will be taught by certified and licensed teachers who will use the BELL curriculum that combines small group, rigorous academic instruction with fun, hands-on enrichment activities, field trips, and service projects.

The program model is based on BELL’s proven approach, and is designed to help students enhance skills in subjects such as reading, writing, math, and science, while also engaging families in the education process. Breakfast, lunch, and transportation will also be provided. PSA sessions will be held at the Field-Stevenson Intermediate Elementary School in Forest Park.

Although final planning and program details are still in process, the PSA is devised to meet the academic needs of each student and conforms to the Illinois Learning Standards. Family engagement will be encouraged through a minimum of two special events.

“The Power Scholars Academy represents a key partnership that District 90 is developing in order to leverage the District’s resources and strengthen relationships within the community on behalf of our students,” said Dr. Ed Condon, Superintendent, District 90. “The program also enables the District to combine the school and community resources that can foster student success, while delivering equitable and effective instruction,” he continued.

"District 91 is fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of this collaborative partnership with the YMCA and River Forest District 90. Through this partnership, we will be able to offer students a high quality, evidence-based summer program that includes academic and social/emotional development as well enrichment activities," said Dr. Louis Cavallo, Superintendent, District 91.

“The Y is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen and is addressing the academic achievement gap through YMCA pilot programs focused on afterschool, early learning readiness, and summer learning loss prevention. Our collaboration with River Forest District 90 and Forest Park District 91 complements the West Cook YMCA’s focus on youth development. By using the evidence-based Power Scholars Academy, all three organizations can really help improve the academic, social emotional, and leadership skills of qualifying students,” said Phillip Jimenez, Director, West Cook YMCA.

“Closing the opportunity gap goes hand in hand with narrowing the achievement gap,” explains Lauren Gilbert, Ed.D., BELL’s Chief Executive Officer. “By partnering with the Y and River Forest School District 90 and Forest Park School District 91, we will create high-quality learning opportunities that blend data-driven instruction with hands-on camp-like activities, in a culture of high expectations.”

The program is supported by a generous grant from the YMCA of the USA, which enables both districts to support the participation costs of each student. The districts will also share the additional expenses for transportation and meals.

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