The Third annual Power Scholars Academy wrapped up at Meadow View Elementary with forty-six rising third through six graders gaining access to educational resources throughout the summer months and low-achieving students getting additional time to master academic content.
This five-week camp, sponsored by Alabaster City Schools, BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life), SAIL (Summer Adventures in Learning) a United Way supported collaboration and the YMCA of Greater Birmingham, featured academics in the morning and enrichment in the afternoon. The purpose of the Power Scholars Academy is to decrease the summer learning gap.
The theme for 2018 was “Share Your World”. Each cluster of students chose one of the seven continents as the focus of special projects. This year’s choices were Europe, Africa, and South America. At the Cluster Showcase, participants presented their continents by sharing facts and performing a dance that represented their chosen place.
Every Friday, students went on a field trip, including career tours throughout the city of Alabaster, a college tour at the University of Montevallo and a fun day on the lake at Camp Cosby. A unique component added to this year’s camp was a tour of the new Thompson High School, featuring an introduction to its academies. Attendees learned about the Air Force ROTC, Business & Marketing, Engineering, Education, Fine Arts, Food, Wellness, & Dietetics, Health Sciences and TV & Film programs offered.
United Way and the Bold Goals Coalition are working collectively in the Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL) Partnership to reduce and eliminate the Summer Slide. SAIL is a partnership of 10 funders, 30 nonprofit organizations, and enrichment providers working collectively to decrease the number of students who experience the Summer Slide.