(FLINT, Mich., June 12, 2019) – YouthQuest is accepting applications for its summer enrichment program, which provides students in grades K-12 with a unique way to spend summer vacation.
“YouthQuest students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on activities and experiences, such as exploring the Flint Cultural Center or using a 3D printer for the first time,” said Cheryl Adkins, program director for YouthQuest. “They learn by doing, which keeps them active and engaged throughout the summer.”
By keeping students in a learning mindset, the program helps mitigate the “summer slide” – a phrase used to describe the learning loss students experience during the summer months. According to the Summer Learning Association, most students lose two months of mathematical skills every summer. However, the national nonprofit reports that elementary school students who regularly attend summer learning programs experience benefits in both math and reading.
Locally, YouthQuest offers high-quality activities and services that encourage the exploration of new interests in the areas of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), and promotes academic achievement, physical fitness, youth leadership and volunteerism.
For elementary students, YouthQuest will take a deep dive into subjects including music and dance, culinary arts, invention and robotics. The program will run Mondays through Thursdays at the following sites, times and dates:
- Carman-Ainsworth School District
- Held at Randels Elementary
- 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., June 17-Aug. 1. No program July 1-4
- Available to students in grades K-5 at Dillon, Dye, Randels and Rankin elementary schools
- Flint Community Schools
- Location will rotate weekly at sites including Baker College, Flint Institute of Music, Kettering University and Mott Community College
- 11:30 a.m. -3 p.m., June 24-July 25
- Available to students in grades K-5 who live in the city of Flint and/or attend Brownell STEM Academy, Doyle-Ryder, Durant Tuuri-Mott, Eisenhower, Freeman Holmes STEM Academy, Neithercut, Pierce and Potter elementary schools
- International Academy of Flint
- Held at International Academy of Flint
- 12-4:30 p.m., July 8-Aug. 8
- Available to IAF students in grades K-6
For middle and high school students, YouthQuest offers Summer on the Road – which takes the preteens and teens on excursions throughout the state to promote college and career readiness.
For grades 6-8, for instance, students will explore career paths in health science, graphic design, coding and construction at Genesee Career Institute. They will also learn about personal finances; life skills, including cooking and time management; and community building. Additionally, eighth grade students will spend a day preparing for their upcoming transition to high school, and the program will wrap up with an overnight field trip to Cincinnati.
- Summer on the Road (Middle School)
- Held at Baker College
- 11:30-3 p.m., June 24-July 25
- Available to students who live in the city of Flint and/or attend Flint Community Schools and International Academy of Flint
For grades 9-12, students will focus on service learning, life skills and college prep. They will also spend two weeks at Factory 2, a local makerspace that provides training and access to a variety of equipment, including 3D printers and blacksmithing tools.
- Summer on the Road (High School)
- Held at Northwestern High School
- 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 24-July 25
- Available to students who live in the city of Flint and/or attend Flint Community Schools and International Academy of Flint
At the end of the summer, students will explore Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, with stops at Mackinac Island, Soo Locks, Michigan’s Adventure and more.
YouthQuest is administered by the Genesee Area Focus Fund, a supporting organization of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, with support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
To secure an application for the summer program, contact your school’s YouthQuest site team leader or call YouthQuest’s main office at (810) 600-1422.
About YouthQuest
YouthQuest is a high-quality, research-based afterschool program offering educational and enrichment activities that engage young minds. YouthQuest serves students in grades K-12 at 14 schools in Flint and Genesee County. The program is administered by the Genesee Area Focus Fund, a supporting organization of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, with support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and 21st Century Community Learning Centers. For more information, visit www.yquest.org.