Starfish Academy Literacy Camp is a collaborative, 
innovative summer literacy camp which targets first and second grade students in need of help achieving the reading and comprehension goals recommended for their grade level. Children improve their reading and comprehension skills and develop positive self-esteem in a safe supervised, interactive learning environment. Starfish has served over 450 students in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system. Beginning in the summer of 2006 the program will be available to children in the Mooresville Graded Schools.
WHOM OUR PROGRAM SERVES
Starfish serves children, ages six and seven, who are performing below their recommended grade level on standardized reading and comprehension tests. The children are invited to participate in this program at no cost to their families. The six week program provides each child with 100+ additional hours of focused 
instruction by experienced, certified teachers and works to increase parent involvement.
RESOURCES AND FUNDING
Starfish receives funding from the YMCA of Greater Charlotte Annual Community Outreach Campaign, and business donors. The Mooresville Graded Schools provides the classrooms. The cost of the implementation of the program is $1200 per child.
WHAT MAKES STARFISH EXEMPLARY
Starfish represents how strong community partnerships can make a difference in a child's life.
- As part of the program design, the academic curriculum is led by certified teachers
- The ratio of one teacher to eight students offers the opportunity for high impact relationships that are conductive to learning
- Starfish incorporates a Character Development component designed to build positive self-esteem within the children we serve. Led by a Character Development Champion, the Lowe's YMCA ensures that this program reflects our desire to communicate and model the characteristics of respect, caring, honesty, responsibility and faith.
Each day, after instruction, children are transported by bus to the Lowe's YMCA facility for swimming and activities in a day camp environment. This crucial aspect of the program allows us to focus on the needs of the whole child - the children not only learn better reading skills and comprehension, they truly experience summer "camp".
For more information contact:
Donna Corriher
Community Development Director
(704) 716-4005
donna.corriher@ymcacharlotte.org