Lava lamp power scholar project

Summer can be a time of fun, vacations, and adventures! But with all that time to relax, the other side to summer is the inevitable learning loss that many students experience after having a great summer break. 

In partnership with the Clover Park School District, the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties strives to combat the summer learning loss that many children face. Through programs such as Power Scholars, the Y aims to support teachers and students as they navigate summer school.

Child drawing a lava lamp

For Megan Richardson, a teacher at Four Heroes Elementary summer school, the Power Scholars program provides students with a role model and an extra hand in the classroom for teachers.  

“Just by having extra eyes and extra hands in the classrooms, on the playgrounds, and in the cafeteria, the students know that there arere’s caring adults looking out for them,” said Richardson. “And the Power Scholar program can model pro-social behaviors for the kids.”  

In addition to being an extra hand in the classroom, the Y brings engaging and captivating STEM activities to the students.  

“They’re gaining valuable knowledge each week. For instance, this week they're exploring hydrophobia by creating a lava lamp using water and oil” said Jade Little, a YMCA Power Scholar staff.  

YMCA Power Scholar Staff Leading a project

Our Power Scholars class transforms students into thinkers and creators through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. This interactive program fosters creativity and develops problem-solving skills, making learning fun and impactful. 

We want to celebrate the amazing impact summer learning can have on our community and students. Special thanks to the Clover Park School District for being tremendous partners!