Isaac’s Journey at Camp iRock
Isaac's story began in 2015 when he joined the inaugural class of third graders at Camp iRock. Struggling with reading, Isaac was one of many students identified by the school district as needing additional support. Recognizing the importance of early intervention, United Way of Pickens County, in partnership with School District of Pickens County, the YMCA of Easley, Pickens and Powdersville and Call Me MiSTER, launched Camp iRock to provide a summer learning program that felt like a fun camp experience.
Since then, Camp iRock has served over 2,700 K4 through 3rd graders, helping them improve their reading skills through engaging activities and personalized support. The campers have made significant strides since we wrote about them last year.
Julie Capaldi, President of United Way of Pickens County, remarked, "When we started Camp iRock in 2015, many people said that we wouldn’t know if the program was successful until those 3rd graders graduated from high school. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would still be going strong 10 years later. The 92% graduation rate of our very first class of 3rd graders is a testament that summer intervention pays off."
This year, Camp iRock introduced iPLAY, an afternoon program developed by Call Me MiSTER coordinator Daniel Spencer and his team. iPLAY offered music, art, leadership, and coding activities, which were met with enthusiasm by the campers and staff alike. Isaac thrived in this environment, and although official scores are pending, most children at Camp iRock, including Isaac, either maintained or improved their reading levels.
The success of Camp iRock extends beyond the summer months. The Reading Buddy program, piloted at Pickens Elementary, expanded to provide year-round support. During the 2023/2024 school year, 81% of students supported by Reading Buddy volunteers exceeded a full year’s growth rate in reading. Of these students, 22% achieved exceptional growth, placing them in the 80th percentile or above. This growth trajectory suggests that students like Isaac could reach grade-level reading proficiency within three years.
Impact Across Communities - SOAR United in Vicksburg, Mississippi
In Vicksburg, Mississippi, the SOAR United program tackles learning recovery through high-dosage tutoring and evidence-based reading interventions. This is the first year we highlight SOAR United, which has grown significantly since its inception, now serving an average of 550 students annually. These students have demonstrated impressive growth in reading skills. The Vicksburg Warren Youth Development Center (YDC) supports the program, which connects youth to essential community resources and provides a structured academic and personal development environment.
The YDC, in collaboration with United Way of West Central Mississippi, Warren County, the City of Vicksburg, and the Vicksburg-Warren School District, was established to address community needs following a rise in youth violence. The center offers referrals to various agencies and programs, ensuring each young person receives the support they need. One notable initiative from the YDC is Camp Discovery, a summer enrichment camp that provides literacy intervention, substance abuse and bullying prevention, social skills, mentorship, fine arts, and field trips. Bre, a camp counselor, shared her joy in helping campers gain confidence and achieve their goals, noting the excitement on their faces each morning.
Literacy Initiatives in Turks and Caicos
Last year, we shared the challenges faced by children in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where 89% of students in the school system are reading below grade level. United Way Turks and Caicos Islands has since renewed its focus on early-grade literacy. The Lit from Birth program provides parents with books to read to their newborns, ensuring children are exposed to reading early. This initiative, supported by the Youth Help Foundation, offers parents guidance and resources to support their children’s literacy development. Additionally, community consultations have been held to gather recommendations and involve local stakeholders in addressing literacy challenges.
One notable success story from United Way's efforts is Diane, a 10-year-old who started the summer unable to read. Through the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP), Diane received one-on-one tutoring and made significant progress, reading simple sentences by the end of the program. SEP’s comprehensive approach, which includes academic support and enrichment activities, has been instrumental in helping children like Diane develop their reading skills.
United Way’s dedication to fostering youth opportunity through programs like Camp iRock, SOAR United, and various literacy initiatives highlights the organization’s commitment to addressing educational challenges and promoting environments where young people can thrive. These efforts demonstrate the power of community collaboration and targeted interventions in creating a brighter future for children across different regions.
If you want to learn how you can help children access educational opportunities, visit your local United Way to learn more.