July 27, 2021 – Perry, Okla. – The Noble County Family YMCA (noblecoymca.org), serving Perry and the surrounding areas, has partnered with Perry First Christian Church to provide Power Scholars Academy. Power Scholars Academy, serving 30 Perry-area students, combines continued summer instruction and academic support with physical activity, Safety Around Water classes, nutritious meals, character development opportunities, and social-emotional learning.
Power Scholars spend their mornings in academic instruction with certified teachers and tutors; the goal of the program is to support students and prevent what’s referred to by educators as the “summer slide,” when a lack of everyday instruction causes students to lose progress they made during the school year—some studies say, up to two months of reading, and two and a half months of math skills.
Part of the YMCA’s five-year strategic plan includes helping prevent learning loss, and the Y supports keeping kids active and engaged during out-of-school time throughout the year. “For decades, the Noble County Y has been serving families through many programs,” said Noble County Family YMCA CEO Shea Boschee. “We believe this program will keep the students on pace for the upcoming school year and, just as important, we focus on supporting the whole person through this program—addressing social, emotional and cognitive well-being and success.”
The Power Scholars Academy is a partnership between the Noble County Y and Perry First Christian Church, born because the Y’s summer day camp is full and can’t take any more campers. Senior Minister Rev. Joshua Bell is an active and enthusiastic advocate of the Power Scholars Academy. “This is the perfect program for our kids,” said Bell. “I am here every day, marveling at what is taking place. I’ve even been known to drive the church van full of kids to the Y for their Safety Around Water class. This has been a wonderful summer for these kids, and I can’t wait to see how well prepared they are when classes begin in a few weeks.”
About the Noble County Family YMCA:
The Noble County Family Y was incorporated in March 1979 and became a charter member of the YMCA of the USA in 1980. Nearly 3,000 individuals in the Noble County area turn to us for programs and services that enhance their lives. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of every child and teen, improve Noble County's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support our neighbors. We are proud to be one of the smallest full-service Ys in America.