The Technology for Summer Reading Program is designed to provide additional reading intervention to Wellspring's existing Kumon reading curriculum. We will use technology so that our young students have an opportunity to practice phonics, read-aloud stories and other supplemental supports that promote reading fluency. Students normally participate in 2 Kumon sessions per week, but during this summer initiative, they will attend 4 days per week for 6 weeks to help prevent summer learning loss and jump-start academic growth.  

We consistently document that our average student advances 2 grade levels in math or reading skill over 12 months of program enrollment.  Kumon Centers are typically for-profit businesses that target moderate and upper income families and communities.  Wellspring is the only nonprofit Kumon Center in Michigan, and one of only a couple in the nation, to offer the Kumon curriculum to predominately low-income families through the use of grants and other funding to run the program and pay the royalty fees.

About Wellspring: Wellspring is a faith-based youth development organization that has been serving the Brightmoor/Old Redford neighborhood of Northwest Detroit for 36 years.  We provide after-school programs that assist urban youth spiritually, socially, academically and economically. Our primary initiative is our Academic & Youth Development Program.  This year-round program will serve 450 youth this year. The purpose of the program is to increase the number of Detroit youth who graduate from high school prepared to pursue post-secondary education and who have the skills to transition into careers and adulthood.

The Academic & Youth Development Program uses the research-based ACT framework of positive youth development, enabling youth to Achieve academically, Connect within a positive community of peers and adults, and Thrive through the development of life skills.  Therefore, included in the program is the opportunity for youth to participate in college prep activities, community service, leadership development, adventure experiences as well as recreation, field trips and individualized support services.