In 2011, we had twenty-eight student in grades five through eleven enrolled in our free, full day, six week summer session. The students spent their mornings in academic classes emphasizing reading, math and computer skills. Their afternoons included lessons in art, chess and African drumming. On several afternoons, they participated in a community clean-up effort in the area immediately around the gym. Thanks to our generous partners, we were able to offer the youth field trips to many venues in San Diego. Dennis Conner sponsored a luncheon at the San Diego Yacht Club and a harbor cruise on his famous “Stars and Stripes”. KUSI TV covered the outing and ran a piece on the news that evening. We received 27 free tickets to spend a day at SeaWorld courtesy of Roy Rieve. The Padres Organization donated 30 tickets for us to attend the Marlins-Padres game at Petco Park. Other field trips included a career day and lunch with our partners at SDG&E and a dinner/theater trip to The Old Globe to see “The Tempest”. The USCD School of Medicine also hosted ABC for its Research Training Program.
Through the SDUSD Summer Feeding Program, and the sponsorship of BAME church, the students attending our summer program ate lunch Monday through Thursday free of charge. Thanks to our sponsor, Tod Firotto, they enjoyed a lunch treat of pizza and soda every Friday. The Coca-Cola Company and Ken Ramirez donated $900 worth of products to the program as well.
The summer session created tremendous positive changes and growth in the youth who attended. This program allowed our youth to maintain their academic levels while offering them enrichment opportunities. We have seen the benefits translated into better academic performance and increased self-esteem during the school year. The intention is to make this “Bridging the Gap” program available to an increased number of students every summer.
