For the past four years, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA has been offering its “Find My Genius” enrichment summer program to kids not reading at grade level. It is now conducting a five-week after-school Find My Genius pilot program at five Conejo Valley schools with the goal to expand the free program year-round.
Two hundred Title One, English language learners and foster youth at Acacia, Ladera, Madrona, Maple and Walnut elementary schools began the program on May 2. Young scholars in first through fifth grades spend three hours every school day participating in a curriculum focusing on enrichment activities, physical fitness and social and emotional learning. The children also receive homework support.
“It’s been our dream to offer Find My Genius during the school year,” says Megan Glynn, YMCA’s Chief Development Officer. “This is the first step. Imagine if children had access to assistance for a full year in a fun, nurturing environment? The main roadblock was funding.”